Turtle Nest Inventory
Earlier this week there was an inventory done on the beach of a loggerhead sea turtle nest. The inventory usually happens three days after a nest has hatched which likely took place at some point in the middle of the night. This nest was on state park beach, so park staff are involved in excavating the nest. In the first two photos you’ll notice a metal cage covering the nest. This is to prevent foxes from getting at the eggs.
They count all the cracked and broken shells to determine how many turtle babies successfully hatched. Over 100 were counted with an approx. 96% hatch rate which is a good sign.
Occasionally, one or more live turtle babies that had not yet scratched their way to the surface are discovered at the bottom of the nest and if so, they begin their journey across the sand toward the ocean.
No babies were found during this inventory and although they are exciting to see, it’s actually good news that so many made their own way out of the nest and into the sea where they will spend their lives.
It’s possible that 35 years from now, one of the females from the nest will return to this exact spot to lay her own eggs and continue the cycle.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Cool photojournaling Phil!! I learned something new today!
Awwww thanks much! But… I kind of screwed it up and had to edit in the part about why the metal cage is on the nest as seen in the first two pictures. That was an important part that I initially left off. Oops
Really interesting post Phil. I was worried at first that the babies were still in there, so good to read that so many had hatched out.
Excellent news Phil! To see these little creatures set out on their incredible journey is emotional and humbling. Pictures like this will always take me back to the wonderful New Year blog you put out in December 1012, which was my introduction to your brilliant blog and still makes me cry when I look at it again!