MYB 02--First Protected Nest--June 5, 2012

The first nest of the 2012 season is now being protected on North Myrtle Beach.  Not laid on NMB but  relocated from the north end of Myrtle Beach.  Just after 11 PM, Monday June 4th, a large loggerhead came ashore around 9400 Shore Drive, just to the SW of the Sands Beach Club.  Several people, including Jessica and her daughters, Jayden and Judy, were on the beach and witness her arrival.  Under the protection of a Horry County Patrol Officer, the turtle dug her nest and laid her eggs.  

Excited, pictures were taken by those not knowing to leave the turtle alone and not shine lights or take flash pictures.  Once the authorities came, lights were turned off and no more pictures were taken.

The nest and tracks were roped off so were easily found the next morning.

North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers Rob, Steve, Bobby and Linda arrived early on Tuesday morning.  The eggs are quickly found.

Steve and Bobby removed the eggs from the original nest.  The eggs were relocated to North Myrtle Beach where they will be checked every day.

98 eggs were in the nest, 97 relocated, 1 egg taken for the DNA Study.

The original nest was located in an unincorporated part of Myrtle Beach.  The beach is patrolled by Horry County.  The officers were very helpful in making sure this nest was not tampered with.

Jessica, Jayden and Judy were back at the nest early.  All got to touch and hold the one egg taken for the DNA Study.  

Kaitlyn was at her job at the Sands Beach Club early and came onto the beach to see what was going on.  She was very excited to see and feel an egg.

Bobby dug the new nest on NMB and transferred the eggs to their new home.

97 EGGS!

Steve putting up the ropes to mark and protect the nest on North Myrtle Beach.

A huge thanks to all who watched the mother lay her eggs in peace.  Thank you Horry County for sending officers out to protect the turtle and the eggs.  Thank you Jessica, Jayden and Judy for calling  in turtle and then coming back out early in the morning to watch as the nest was relocated.

Thank you Rob, Steve and Bobby for helping relocate this nest.  It started raining as soon as we got on the beach and rained the whole time we were working with the nest.  Not a quick or clean process, but well worth it.

This nest is labeled MYB 2, but is the first nest on North Myrtle Beach.  Lets hope for more as the season progresses.

Pictures by Jessica (Thank you for sharing)  and Linda

Posted by Linda