September 25, 2010. Photo by Madie Martin
Sunrise on September 25, 2010. Turtle Patrol volunteers get to see the most amazing sights. Some of them are not even sea turtle related.
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Onlookers watch as Permit Holder for Vilano Marine Turtle Patrol guides hatchlings towards the ocean.
On July 28 nest N5 was evaluated by the VMTP. This nest had been relocated from its original location due to the fact the female nested in the walkover of the Reef Restaurant. A crowd gathered to watch the evaluation and hatchling release.
Now marks the part of the season when all the nests begin to emerge. Patrollers look for those tell-tale signs that a nest has hatched. Miniature versions of adult tracks blanket the sand in front of the nests. Each one a perfect replica of its adult counterpart.
One loggerhead hatchling (Caretta caretta) makes its way to the sea. Photo by Linda Gorey
- View of Inlet from nest site.
Nest laid in dune at Porpoise Point
The evening of July 1st a female loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nested on the Intercoastal side of Porpoise Point. Due to the nature of the inlet and lack of survey efforts on this side, VMTP opted to relocate this nest for conservation reasons. The nest was laid in the dunes, but additional challenges would have faced the hatchlings when they emerged and travelled into the intercoastal waterway. Disorientation due to anthropogenic influences was also a factor weighed when we decided to relocate the nest.
Cat Eastman and Tara Dodson carefully transfer eggs from nest to a bucket.
Eggs were carefully transferred from the nest to a bucket. Caution was taken to not jostle or turn the eggs in any way, since any wrong move could destroy the delicate embryo forming inside.
The eggs were then moved to a man-made nest just north of Surfside Park, where they will incubate and hatch on the Atlantic side away from the perils of the Inlet!
Loggerhead turtle attempted to nest during the day on South Ponte Vedra Beach
As if May 31st Vilano had 8 loggerhead nests!
Madie Martin and Wilson Santos stand by the newly marked nest at the Reef.
Some shots taken offshore today. About 4 or 5 loggerheads spotted.
Caretta caretta off the St. Augustine Inlet
This is the beginning of the new Vilano Sea Turtle website! Stay tuned for more great info!