Nest 10

Walkers Rob & Melanie Jerome, Rob’s sister Ruth, Catherine Scully, Sue Thomas, Gary Holtz and Mike Vinson started the day right with a promising crawl with a body pit 100 yards south of Boardwalk 5.  Bill  & Linda Nelson responded.  After much probing and removal of a layer of sand, the 103 eggs were found 24 inches down.  They moved it back to 200 feet south of Boardwalk 5.  Two screens were alternated on top of the nest to deter the nasty raccoons. 

Unfortunately, on a sandbar almost to the Kiawah River a small headless turtle was found. Terry Fansler, Bill Greubel & Mike Vinson from the Stranding Team gathered the necessary information for the DNR Stranding Report and buried the remains.

Nest 9

We have Nest #9!  Walkers Mimi Montague, Karen Preston, Pixie Hider and Lynne Madison found the crawl into the myrtles near Boardwalk 3.  Judy Morr was called to probe. Unfortunately, a racoon found the nest first.  18 eggs were breakfast for the thief.  The remaining 110 eggs were moved to a new location the racoon hopefully won't find just south of Boardwalk 4.  The North Beach Walkers who were new this year came to see the process and helped install the new screen.

 

Nests 6, 7 & 8 !!

Bill Nelson called in early to report 2 crawls on Zone 3 between boardwalks 2 & 3. Judy Morr was called to probe. A few minutes later Bill called again to report a 3rd crawl near boardwalk 1 and Tim Morawski was sent to assist.

Vicky Becker reported and sent a photo of a large dead animal between boardwalks 5 & 6.She and her husband Bob, then kindly agreed to help the probers. All three crawls lead to nests!

Nest  6

• Found: In the myrtles 250 yards south of Boardwalk 2
• Egg Count: 112 found, 3 broken in the roots. 109 eggs relocated
• Relocated: 150 yards south of Boardwalk 1
• Walkers: Bill and Linda Nelson, Mary Zamora, Martha Goldstein
• Prober: Judy Morr
• Observations: Raccoons left tracks over the nest but didn’t bother/ dig in the nest- luckily

Nest  7

• Found: Also, in the myrtles 200 yards south of Boardwalk 2
• Egg Count: 115 found, 1 broken in the roots. 114 eggs relocated
• Relocated: 175 yards south of Boardwalk #2
• Walkers: Bill and Linda Nelson, Mary Zamora, Martha Goldstein
• Probers: Judy Morr
• Assisting: Bob and Vickie Becker

Nest  8

• Found: Also, in the myrtles 200 yards south of Boardwalk 1
• Egg Count: 134 found
• Relocated: 150 yards south of Boardwalk 1
• Walkers: Bill and Linda Nelson, Mary Zamora, Martha Goldstein
• Prober: Tim Morawski

Tim Morawski was very tenacious in his probing and digging, it took awhile but he was successful. Everyone assisting was impressed with his perseverance. Nice job Tim!

Turtle Patrol Celebrates World Turtle Day

Saturday, May 26th was World Turtle Day. Once again Melanie Jerome, Lori Porwoll and Anne Snelgrove represented the Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol at the South Carolina Aquarium's celebration. 

Each year the Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol sets up a booth which includes educational materials and interactive activities. The educational materials are suitable for all age groups ranging from coloring books for young children to curriculum guidelines provided by seaturtle.org. One of the things we do to encourage learning is ask the children questions and send them out into the Aquarium to find the answers by exploring the exhibits. They are always very excited to return to our booth with the answers and receive their "Turtle Protection Award".

The biggest draw at our booth is always the carapace of a juvenile Green Sea Turtle. Many of the children enjoy having their picture taken while "wearing" the carapace. Sometimes even the adults can't resist! 

Participation in this great event is an important part of our community outreach program. Many thanks to Lori, Anne and Melanie for representing our Patrol so well.

Nest 5 - Saturday, May 26th

Francie & Rick Segal reported a crawl on South Beach between the cross and the warning sign. Sandy MacCoss, Terry Fansler and Jane Magioncalda responded and Sandy found nest # 5. The whole group helped move the nest to a safer location above the high tide line.