Wednesday, July 26th - Nest #8R

The day started with a beautiful sunrise, very still morning, hot and humid. The lower end of the island, Hog Inlet has seen some serious erosion. 

Before we left the shed, I told the Wednesday Volunteers that we have two turtles that may come back to nest. Sure enough, one came back and we have Nest #8R. She is on the small side, just 32 inch crawl. This nest is close to our other nests that are located mid-way up the island. A classic crawl and body pit, and she laid it in the wrack line. The nest chamber was found quickly, and was about 8 inches deep. She laid 120 eggs, at the bottom of the nest there was a broken egg - which we used for the DNA. 

We moved the nest back from the wrack line, and higher up on the slope of the dune - 119 eggs were moved. The relocation duties were shared with the volunteers, and several got to do things they had not done before, so it was a win, win for everyone. 

As we get close to the end of the nesting season, everyone is excited we have another nest. Waties Island performs research and management activities regarding sea turtle conservation in accordance under SCDNR Permit Number: MTP500. 

Pictures by Val and Leslie, Text by Leslie 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valerie called and we have a nest!

 

Classic Body Pit

Incoming

Outgoing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding the Nest Chamber and moving the eggs

Leslie found the nest chamber quickly

We have eggs

Kathy starting on moving the eggs

Assistance - egg counters

Chris starting on digging new nest

Kathy finishing up moving the eggs

Chris doing the DNA vial

Moving the eggs to the new relocated nest site

Kathy starting moving the eggs to new home

Help with keeping count

Chris finishing up moving the eggs

Setting up DNR sign

Wednesday Volunteers - Good job everyone!!

They found a SHARK at the upper end of the island

Great Team Work

Nest 8R - new home, high and dry