NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SEA TURTLE PATROL

SC Sea Turtle Hospital

2012-01-29T14:38:00.001-05:00

On May 27, 2011, Little River was rescued from the Intracoastal Waterway near Little River after being hit by a boat propeller. Half of her front left flipper was missing, slightly older wound and may have been the reason she was struck by the boat.

January 27, 2012. What a difference eight months in the Sea Turtle Hospital! One wound came very close to her spinal cord so it was feared she might be paralyze. But with all the special care, physical therapy and love from the staff, she is starting to move her back flippers.

Mid January 2012, 7 cold stun turtles are flown down from New England and admitted to the hospital. One sea turtle is a hybrid cross between a Green Sea Turtle and a Loggerhead. This turtle has the scute pattern and color of a loggerhead but the head of a green. The turtle does not have the trademark serrated lower jaw of the green which enables it to eat sea grass, the preferred food of the Green. And the staff reports it does not like lettuce which most greens love. Loggerheads have the large heads and powerful jaws to crush whelk, crabs and other shell fish. If this turtle prefers this type of food, will it be able to crush the larger shells?

Gumpy!! It is thought this young turtle was taken off the beach as a hatchling and raised in a home aquarium. When it was found floating in the ocean, it was very over weight, but had very little bone mass. Months of rehabilitation including hours in the sun, proper diet and exercise have done wonders for this turtle.

Six cold stun Kemps Ridleys from New England. They were rescued in the Cape Cod Area and flown down to the aquarium in a private jet.

Cut out model of a turtle nest.

Do you know what this is??

SC Aquarium and SC Sea Turtle Hospital. A wonderful place to visit!!

NMB Christmas Parade

2011-12-04T16:50:00.002-05:00

Saturday, Dec 3, 2011...North Myrtle Beach... Holiday celebrations with the annual Christmas Parade down Main Street.

In 2010, The NMB Sea Turtle Patrol resident artist made a sea turtle sculpture out of wire and decorated with lights. This became the NMB Sea Turtle Patrol's float for the parade!! Again, great work Sherry!!

After the Parade, Donna invited us all to her home for a delicious treat of pulled pork sandwiches with all the trimmings. Glad we walked before eating!!

Debbie contributed a fantastic cake...everyone was tempted to sneak in seconds. Thanks Debbie and Donna!!!

What a great way to end the unbelievable 2011 season!!

A big thank you to all the NMB Sea Turtle Patrol Volunteers who participated in the Parade. Lots of fun!! A bigger thanks goes to Donna and Lou for inviting us back to their home for a delicious meal. Very enjoyable, great company. And Debbie...that cake was to die for!!

Thank you Julie for these pictures.

The volunteers for the NMB Sea Turtle Patrol are the greatest!!!

2011 NMB Sea Turtle Nesting Season Summary

2011-10-16T23:07:00.005-04:00

Results of the 2011 Nesting Season for the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol:


Nests: 21 In Situ: 9 Relocated: 12 (57.1%) False Crawls: 18 Estimated Eggs to Date: 2266 Eggs Lost: 27 (1.1%) Hatched Eggs: 1953 Emerged Hatchlings: 1884 Mean Incubation Duration (all): 54 days Mean Clutch Count: 105.5 eggs (Relocated Only) Mean Hatch Success: 85.8% Mean Emergence Success: 83% Nest Success: 95.2% Beach Success: 53.8%
Eggs

Relocated from Myrtle Beach: 1=NMBSTP Protected a total of 22 nests

Inventory Nest #20-33rd Ave S, Windy Hill

2011-10-16T12:52:00.004-04:00

August 9th, 6:00AM, "There's a turtle on the beach near the swash at the end of Wind Hill." Sure enough, turtle tracks coming up out of the surf, crawl halfway up the beach before making a U-turn and going back into the water. Two days later, another crawl, halfway up the beach, but a quick U-turn back into the water. This time near Main Street, 48 blocks North of first crawl.

August 11th, Donna comes across a similar crawl in the Atlantic Beach section. Up out of the ocean, but a quick turn back to the water. But, just a short walk further down the beach, another crawl, this one going all the way up into the dunes.

Rob probed and had no problem finding the egg cavity.

Donna quickly found the eggs. Nest #20!!!

One egg taken for the DNA Study,

Nest is marked, roped off and protected.

50 days later, beach is changing, summer is coming to an end, days are getting shorter, temps are getting cooler.

Nest is being watched closely. Moon is going from 1st quarter to half.

Low tide in early evening, ocean is calm, sunsets are peaceful and beautiful. Day 54, Dolphins are seen swimming and playing off the shore. Two osprey are watched as they fish and then fly overhead with their dinner in their talons.

Nine days have gone by, moon is rapidly approaching full stage, high tide is now in the early evenings. By Day 59 and 60, weather has turned, very high tides, rough surf, windy, cool and/or rainy.

Day 60, rain on and off all day, heavy at times. Surf is very rough, water line is high up the beach. Around 8:50PM, quick look at the nest, all appears quiet. No hole, no movement. FIVE minutes later, another quick look, hatchings are out of the nest, some are already halfway out of the cage. All the hatchlings seem to be on the same singular mission and run to the rough surf and quickly disappear into the white foam. Next morning, only evidence of the night before is the hole in the sand, left as the hatchlings crawled out.

Day 65, Donna and Jill inventory the nest.

Eggs are pulled out,

most of them are empty. Donna and Jill separate and count.

Whole eggs are opened to determine stage of development. No one told Donna to aim the egg away when opening!!

Sherry recorded all the data.

A huge thanks to Donna. She not only found the nest on August 11, but watched over it for 60 days. This was the last nest for the season, a late nest so we were hoping the weather would stay warm and nice for them. Thank you Jay and Petey for checking the nest every morning around sunrise. During that last week, we half expected the hatchlings to emerge just after sunrise as the sun warmed the sand up after the cool night. Thank you Jill, Corrina and all the other NMB Volunteers who were at the nest at different times during that last week. The weather was up and down, one night would be nice, the next windy and cold or rainy.

Thank you Julie for your pictures.

Inventory Results

Nest was found on August 11, 33rd Ave S, Windy Hill

Nest emerged on October 10, Day 60

78 eggs were found in nest

70 empty shells

8 whole or unhatched eggs of which all died in early development

No live or dead hatchlings were found in the nest

1 egg was taken on August 11 for the DNA Study for a total of 79 eggs originally in the nest.

89.7% Hatchling Success Rate

Inventory, Nest #16, Briarcliffe Beach at the Crossover

2011-09-27T12:43:00.001-04:00

July 11th, Carla calls in to report a turtle crawl on the Briarcliffe Beach, near the Crossover.

Rob repsonds to the call and quickly finds the egg cavity. Nest is located high up on the beach, very close to the dunes and appears to be safe from any high tides.

NMB Nest #16--Thank you Carla and Don!!

46 days later, Hurricane Irene passes by the SC coast producing extremely high tides and high, pounding waves. It is reported that this nest has been washed over several times by the high tides.

No signs of any emergence..... Day 50, Day 60 and then Day 70 pass. After waiting the required 75 days, Nest is dug up and inventoried on Day 77, Sept. 26.

Sand had accummulated around the cage.

Larry was anxious to get into the egg cavity to see what had happened.

Larry, Pat and Chelsea, a Marine Science student from Coastal Carolina, had to remove layers of sand before finding the egg cavity.

Finally, there's an egg!!

Bad news as all had expected. Handfulls of unhatched eggs were brought out.

But, a nice hole dug by mother.

Chelsea helped open the unhatched eggs. This egg died in late development, perfectly formed hatchling still in the shell.

Per the post-season marine turtle nesting and stranding update for South Carolina released by SCDNR on September 27, 2011:

"Hurricane Irene passed the beaches of South Carolina on August 26, 2011. While the majority of South Carolina residents were not severely affected by the storm, the sea turtle nests that were still incubating were significantly affected. Preliminary counts indicate that 50% of the nests (379) that were still incubating were lost."

Thank you Don and Carla for calling in the nest. Thank you Larry, Cindy, Pat, Judy, Laura, Jay, Sandy, the students from Coastal Carolina and all the others from Briarcliffe who watched this nest for over two weeks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the hatchlings. Thank you Chelsea for coming and helping inventorying the nest. I know all were very disappointed.

Inventory Results:

Nest #16, July 11

High tides from Hurricane Irene washed over the nest on August 26, Day 46

No evidence of an emergence was ever reported

Day 77, Sept 26, Nest is dug up and contents inventoried

96 eggs found in nest

1 egg shell was empty-hatched

95 unhatched eggs were found of which 4 died in early development, 82 died in late development and 9 died during hatching.

1 dead hatchling was found in the nest, 0 live hatchlings were found.

1 egg was taken from nest on July 11 for DNA Study

Total number of eggs laid- 97

0% hatchling success rate!!

Inventory of Nest #19, SW Section of Briarcliffe Beach, Lands End

2011-09-21T10:49:00.001-04:00

A false crawl was reported on July 23, almost at the SW end of the "Briarcliffe" Beach, near the Lands End Condo Complex.

Next day, another crawl was called in by Cindy and Larry. Just a few feet further South of the false crawl. Mid-way up in the dunes. Same turtle back to nest?

Rob probes and....

Success...this time the egg cavity is found and the eggs are uncovered.

NMB Nest #19!!!!

Mid-September..first cold front is coming through. Nest is showing signs of activity.

Lots of ghost crabs are on this beach..big ones, big holes!

Early on September 17, temp has fallen to the 6o's, beach is empty, the hatchlings emerge sometime between 1AM and 6AM. All ran straight to the ocean.

Tuesday, September 20, nest is dug up and contents inventoried.

Natural nest, deep hole dug by the mother.

25 unhatched eggs were found in the nest.

Four eggs died after the turtles started to develop in the egg.

Shell has formed...what a beautiful color! This nest was washed over from the high tides of Hurricane Irene. Did this cause the hatchling to die?

Fully formed hatchling surrounding the yolk sac.

This one died just as the small turtle started to form. Look at the size in relationship to the yolk.

Thank you Miles for your help. Long walk back to our cars, Rob and Mike needed the help with the cage and poles.

Thanks to Cindy, Larry, Judy, Laura, Pat and all the others from Briarcliffe who watched over this nest.

Thank you Cindy and Larry for your pictures.

Inventory Results of NMB Nest #19

Nest laid on July 24, left In Situ

Nest emerged on Sept. 17, Day 55

108 eggs in nest

1 egg take for DNA Study

82 hatched eggs

25 unhatched, of which 21 died in early development, 4 eggs died late development

No live or dead hatchlings found in nest

76.6% hatchling success rate

Inventory of Nest #18, 6th Ave N, OD

2011-09-12T10:20:00.003-04:00

NMB Sanitation Employee, Willie called in early on July 17...

Turtle Crawl, 6th Ave North.

Linda was on the beach before sunrise. Nice crawl up and down the beach.

Good size body pit, lots of thrown sand, huge pile of sand at the base of the incoming crawl.

Easy probe, Linda quickly found the egg cavity. Joe and Rob then uncovered the eggs in the huge pile of sand. NMB Nest #18, 6th Ave North!

Funny egg cavity, very shallow, eggs appeared spread out

52 days later, September 7.

Sand drops and huge hole forms. Less than 1 hour later, hatchlings boil out and stream toward the ocean. All on a mission, all disappear into the water in less than 10 minutes. Low tide, moon is behind the clouds, but all made it.

By the next day, most evidence of the emergence is covered by the wind and beach activity.

The hole made by the hatchlings is quickly filling up with sand, no tracks are visible.

Sunday night, Sept. 11, Rob and Jack, with the help of Girl Scouts, Rebecca and Andrea dig up the nest.

Nest is very shallow and the eggs are quickly found.

Poor guy, didn't even make it out of the shell!

Hole dug by mother....not very deep....but contained 120 eggs!!

Thank you very much Willie for calling in the nest. Thank you Joe for helping us find the eggs and marking the nest. Thank you Jack, Rebecca and Andrea for helping Rob dig up the nest. Some of the material was not pretty, but thats nature. Thanks to all the NMB volunteer who helped with this nest!

Thank you Julie and Jim for your great pictures!!

Inventory Results:

Nest was found on July 17th, 6th Ave N, OD Section of NMB

Nest was in a good location so not moved

Nest emerged on Sept. 7th, Day 52

Nest was inventoried on Sept. 11th

121 eggs in nest

1 egg taken for DNA

120 eggs found at inventory

89 Hatched eggs

28 unhatched of which 26 died in early development, 3 died late development

3 hatchlings died while hatching from egg (Pipping)

74.17% Hatchling Success Rate

Emergence of NMB Nest #18, 6th Ave N

2011-09-08T12:42:00.002-04:00

NMB Nest #18, 6th Ave N, emerged around 10:45PM on Sept. 7. Day 52.

Hatchlings boiled out and ran to the ocean. It was low tide, so the trek was long, the hatchlings were on a mission and very few wavered from the straight crawl to water.

Thank you Jim for this wonderful video, taken with an infrared camera.

Inventory of Nest #17, 21st Ave S, Windy Hill!

2011-09-07T10:22:00.004-04:00

Phyliss called around 9PM..there is a huge turtle coming ashore.."what do I do?" Rob, Donita and Linda went to 21st Ave S, sure enough, a sea turtle was nesting halfway up the beach. This turtle had turned and was facing the ocean. All was dark and quiet. After she finished and returned to the ocean, the body pit was roped off. NMB Nest #17, 21st Ave S, Crescent Beach.

Rob was back on the beach early the next morning to greet the NMBSTP Volunteers.

Jill, Terry, Phyliss S and Allison helped locate the eggs

The original nest was moved back closer to dunes, out of the way of the heavy beach traffic. 77 eggs were in the original nest, 76 eggs were relocated.

Saturday. Sept 3, 52 days later, Donna discovers that the nest has emerged during the early morning hours.

Tracks are all over the beach!

After sunrise, this little head is found poking out of the nest.

A hatchling soon appears, quickly followed by 3 more.

Flippers and a head then appear, 2 more hatchlings are coming!!

Julie helps one hatchling get to the water, protecting it from the birds that were flying around. It's Julie's birthday as well. What a great way to turn 13!!

Tracks were found close to the dunes, but they turned back toward the ocean.

Tuesday night, Sept. 6, NMBSTP Volunteers gather to dig up the nest.

Julie puts down her camera to dig in the sand. Jill is anxious to see how her work turns out.

Deep nest...any more eggs?

A few spectators. After Labor Day, beach is pretty empty.

Great job!! A big thanks to Donna for working with this nest. When she left the nest just after midnight all appeared quiet, but she was back before 6AM the next morning to check. Thanks to Brad, Jay, Julie and Donna for helping the 6 late hatchlings make it to the water before it got to hot. And Brad was back later to make sure the last straggler made it. Thanks to the volunteers who helped relocate the nest. And thanks to Jill and Julie for helping to dig it up 52 days later. And a big thanks to Phyliss for being concerned about the nesting turtle and calling the NMBSTP.

Thank you Jim for your pictures.

Inventory Results:

Nest was laid on July 13, mother was on the beach around 9PM.

77 eggs, 1 egg taken for DNA Study

76 eggs relocated back by the dunes

Nest emerged early on Sept. 3, Day 52

Nest Inventoried on Sept 6

76 hatched eggs found in the nest. 0 unhatched eggs, no live or dead hatchlings found.

100% Hatchling Success Rate!!!

Inventory of Nest #14, 47th Ave S, Windy Hill!

2011-09-06T09:59:00.002-04:00

Beach Service's employee, Will was setting up his chair line when he noticed the tracks in the sand. Turtle Crawl?

Quick call to NMB Sea Turtle Patrol.

Bruce and Will helped Linda locate the egg cavity. Nest #14, 47th Ave S, Windy Hill!!

Mark and crew quickly brought poles and rope and the nest was marked and protected.

This nest was located in front of a large condo complex and was surrounded on either side by two more large complexes. Why and how the mother crawled ashore undetected is a mystery.

Thursday night, Sept 1, sand falls, large hole appears. Day 53. High Tide, water line is way up the beach. Just after 11PM, the nest boils and the hatchlings run to the ocean.

4 days later, Monday, Sept 5, hole is filling up with sand and quickly disappearing.

Nest is dug up and contents inventoried. Two of the NMB Sea Turtle Patrol younger members, Savannah and Jack ask if they can help.

Shallow nest, the eggs were quickly found.

Any more eggs?

Only one unhatched egg was found in the nest.

When opened, a fully developed turtle was found. For some reason it died before hatching.

Notice how it surrounds it's yolk sac.

Thank you all who helped with this nest. Will and Bruce from Beach Services, the rest of the Beach Services crew who helped Linda put up the poles and ropes. Jay who volunteer to watch this nest while most of us were occupied with other nests. The volunteers who were at the nest when the hatchlings emerged. We expected the worse, this nest was surrounded by the biggest high rise complexes in NMB, but we got the best....the hatchlings went straight into the water. And all of the volunteers, especially Denise, Meredith, Savannah and Jack who helped with the inventory.

Thank you Julie for your great pictures!

Inventory:

Nest was found on Sunday, July 10

Natural nest high up the beach, close to the dunes

Nest emerged on September 1.. Day.. 53.. Just after 11PM.. High Tide

Inventory on Sept. 5

1 egg taken for DNA Study on July 11

105 eggs found in nest

104 hatched egg

1 unhatched egg, died in late development

106 eggs total

99% hatchling success rate!!

Inventory of Nest #13, 6th Ave N, Ocean Drive

2011-09-05T11:53:00.003-04:00

Holes, Holes And More Holes!! NMB has been plagued with huge holes this summer. Dug and left for someone else to deal with. On July 7, a Loggerhead had to deal with this huge obstruction while coming ashore to nest. Her flipper must have been was hitting the wall as she crawled up the beach.

Silas and Harriet discovered this crawl while walking Segment B.

Searching for the eggs.

Not where expected.

Rob and Linda probed for the eggs, they were finally found a little off center from the incoming crawl...was she sitting parallel to the ocean when she laid her eggs? NMB Nest #13, 6th Ave North.

Eggs are here on the left, notice how far the probe went in.

Late on August 31 and into the early morning of Sept. 1, the hatchlings emerged. End of one month, start of another.

Hatchling tracks coming from the egg cavity, ghost crab tracks outside the cage, checking out the nest.

Inventory of the nest was conducted on Sept. 4.

Unhatched eggs, all died early development.

Erin...Having fun yet?

Rob opening up unhatched eggs.

Bacteria got into this egg, yolk turned into a cheeszy consistency.

Thanks Julie for this beautiful picture!!!

Thank you Harriet and Silas for reporting this nest. And thanks to all the volunteers who came early that morning to help. Thank you all who watched over this nest until the hatchlings emerged. Thank you Joe and Erin for helping to dig up this nest.

Thank you Julie for sharing your great pictures.

Inventory Results:

Nest was found on July 7, small crawl width, small nest

47 eggs, 1 taken for DNA

46 eggs relocated back to the dunes

Hatchling emerged on early on Sept. 1. Day 56

38 hatched eggs

8 unhatched, all died early development

82.6% hatchling success rate

inventory of Nest #15, 30th Ave N, Cherry Grove

2011-09-04T14:18:00.002-04:00

Monday, July 11, Sandy, Paul, Joe and Nancy came across a crawl while walking segment B in Cherry Grove.

Linda probed the body pit, sure enough, eggs are found.

Although this nest was high up on the beach, it was laid in the middle of the path coming from a rental cottage. It was moved NE just a few feet, out of the path. 112 eggs.

Tuesday night, August 30, Day 50 for this nest. Just after 8PM, sand sinks and a huge hole forms. Hatchlings start to emerge around 9:30PM. High tide, very short trip to the ocean.

Sept. 3, Nancy and Rob dig up the nest and the contents inventoried. Many had been watching this nest all summer and were anxious to see what was really under the cage.

One live hatchling was found!

And released on the beach, the beginning of it's long journey.

It was quickly on it's way!

Thank you Paul, Sandy, Joe and Nancy for finding this nest and then volunteering to watch over it. The hatchlings emerged early, it was a quiet, dark and peaceful quick crawl to the ocean. Thank you Nancy for helping Rob dig up the nest.

Thank you Julie and August for letting us post some of your professional pictures.

Inventory Results:

Nest was laid on July 11

113 eggs were in the nest,

112 eggs were relocated just a few feet out of the path of the nearby cottage

1 egg was taken for the DNA Study

Hatchlings emerged around 9:30PM on August 30, Day 50

103 hatched shells

8 unhatched eggs, died early development

1 hatching died during hatching (Pippin)

1 live hatchling was found in the nest and released on the beach

92% Hatchling Success Rate

Inventory of Nest #12, 34th Ave S, Windy Hill!

2011-09-04T13:16:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, July 6th, Arlene and Edith came across a crawl in Windy Hill.

The first hatchling of the 2011 season had emerged from Nest #1 in the Cherry Grove section of NMB just hours before.

The body pit was located, probed and eggs are quickly found, Nest #12!! 34th Ave S, Windy Hill.

Early Wednesday morning, August 27th, the hatchlings emerge. Day 56.

Unfortunately, this was a well lit part of the beach. One large Condo Complex just to the SW of the nest, several smaller condos just behind and to the NE of the nest. Some of the hatchlings were confused by the lights and went behind the nest, into the dunes.

Donna checked the nest just before sunrise and to her horror discovered the tracks leading to the dunes. Quick cry for help, Linda, Rob, Rose and Jay soon arrived and started searching for these wayward guys. Many of the visitors staying in the Condos helped as well, searching the tall dune grasses. Soon cries of "I got one" could be heard. Over 40 hatchlings were removed from the dunes and certain death early that morning.

Donna released a few at a time at the waters edge and many watched as the hatchlings were finally able to start their long journey.

Matthew, a visitor from New York postponed his morning fishing to help search the dunes. He kept bringing rescued hatchlings to the ocean, over six in all!

NMB Beach Services came as well and helped rescued several.

Finally these little ones feel the hard wet sand.

And see the Water!!

Another one rescued!

Donna, Linda and Rose. What a hectic couple of hours.

Four days later, time to dig up the nest and inventory the contents.

The egg shells had sunk way down, Jonah is almost completely

in the hole, searching.

Corrina and Jonah searching for more eggs.

Rob opening an unhatched egg.

One live hatchling was found in the nest. Donna and Jonah released him to crawl to the water.

What a photographer won't do for a picture! Great ones for sure.

Thank you Donna and crew, Rose, Arlene, Jill and Sharon. Even though this nest was a challenge, you all were great. A lot more people know and respect the Sea Turtles now because of their experiences with this nest and the information you gave them. As Donna said while getting help rounding up the disorientated hatchlings. "It's takes a village."

Thank you to Arlene, Edith, and Paulette for locating this nest and then helping to relocate it. Thank you Jonah, Scott and Corrina for helping with the inventory. Thank you Jay, Jay's niece, Julie, Matthew, NMB Beach Services and all the others who helped round up the lost hatchlings that morning!

Thank you Rob, Rose, Julie and Jay for your pictures.

Inventory Results:

Nest was laid on July 6, 2011

95 eggs were in the nest

94 eggs were relocated back to the dunes

1 egg was taken for the DNA Study

Nest emerged early on Wednesday Morning, August 31, Day 56

90 Hatched eggs

4 unhatched eggs, all died during early development

1 live hatchling was found and released from the nest

95.7% Hatchling Success Rate

Inventory of Nest #11, 42nd Ave N, Cherry Grove

2011-08-31T14:43:00.003-04:00

July 4, 2011..Several members of the NMBSTP had gathered at 61st Ave N. Nest #1 was approaching maturity, sand had cracked and a depression was forming. The volunteers were afraid the hatchlings might emerge when the beach was crowded during the NMB Fireworks Display. Around 11PM, John grew restless and decided to take a walk. Several blocks away, at 42nd Ave N, he came across an adult loggerhead sea turtle crawling down from the dunes. The loud noise from the constant fireworks did not seem to phase her. She had made a mess of the dunes, climbing up one dune, sliding down, walking across to another dune, climbing up that one. Thinking somewhere in her crawl, there must be a nest, John marked the area until more volunteers could probe the area, early the next morning.

The next morning, surprise, another crawl just SW of the first crawl. This time, there was a well defined body pit at the base of the dunes.

Crawl width was the same. The first crawl was probed, no eggs found. The body pit from the newer crawl was probed, egg cavity quickly found. Apparently this busy turtle never nested the first time, but came back after the beach quieted down and nested, not far from her original crawl.

Nest #11, 42nd Ave N, Cherry Grove.

52 days later, August 26, Hurricane Irene is roaring past North Myrtle Beach. Although well off shore, her effect was felt. Between 5PM and 6PM, Friday night, rough surf and the high tide, the nest was over-washed.

But, later that night or early Saturday morning, the hatchlings emerged. At 6AM, two large exit holes were visible at the nest, but the wind and rain had erased all tracks.

By sunset Saturday night, Irene had passed on her way up the coast. The end of a very windy day, sand blowing down the beach.

Tuesday, August 30, the nest was inventoried.

Natural nest. Still wonder how the mother turtle does this! This hole was over 2 feet deep.

Because this nest was over-washed by the high tide, it was feared that many hatchlings might have drown. But only one dead hatchling was found in the nest.

Only 8 unhatched eggs were in the nest. Of the eight, only one died in late development. Perfectly formed hatchling that died before leaving it's egg. Yolk sac is attached.

Rob showed these curious girls the turtle still in it's egg. "Is he serious?!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9mst53UHMQ

Thank you John, Betty, Steve, Bobbie and Debbie for all your work with this nest. Thank you Gwen for your great pictures of the high tide. Thank you Denise and Melanie for your U-Tube video. Despite the weather and Irene, it was a huge success. Natural nest and natural, undisturbed emergence of the hatchlings.

Inventory Results:

Nest was laid on July 5, 2011

42nd Ave N. Cherry Grove

Nest emerged on August 27, Day 53

113 eggs in nest

105 eggs hatched

8 unhatched eggs, of which 7 died in early development, 1 died late development

1 dead turtle was found in the nest

1 live turtle was found in the nest

92.3 % Hatchling Success Rate.

Inventory-Nest #10

2011-08-26T13:58:00.000-04:00

Late in the evening of June 29, call came in, "Help, there is a huge turtle on the beach, people will not leave her alone."

Sure enough, despite being harassed, this turtle was nesting. Early the next morning, Chandler and Rob found the eggs. 92 eggs were moved back to the dunes, 37th Ave S, Windy Hill section of NMB.

Thursday, August 17, Cracks begin to from around the egg cavity. Day 49.

Sand fell around 11AM and a good size depression formed.

NMBSTP Volunteers begin watching this nest closely. Fear was the hatchlings would come out during the hot part of the day.

But the hatchlings were smarter than us, they waited until after 11PM on Sunday night, to make their quick appearance before disappearing into the ocean.

Inventory was conducted on Thursday, August 25. Sand had already started to fill in the hole and cover up any evidence of this nest.

Rob and Jay dug up the nest,

And sorted and counted the eggs!!

Huge thanks to all who helped with this nest. Chandler, a visitor to NMB called to report the nesting female and then took charged and asked all who were bothering her to back off and leave her alone.

49 days later, Jay, a resident of the building just behind the nest, helped the Sea Turtle Patrol watch this nest night and day. He first reported the crack and depression and checked on it often during the four days before emergence.

Thanks to Sandy, Myra, Erin and all of the NMBSTP Volunteers who watched over the nest. We all put in long days and nights with this nest.

Inventory:

Nest was recorded on June 30
93 eggs less 1 taken for DNA, 92 eggs relocated back to the dunes

Hatchlings emerged on August 21, Day 52

89 eggs hatched
3 eggs were unhatched, all 3 died in early development

96.7% Hatching Success Rate

Inventory, Nest #9

2011-08-24T10:05:00.009-04:00

The sun was just coming up on June 28 when Connie, Peggy and Phyllis were alerted by NMB Sanitation that a crawl was up ahead. 17th Ave N in the Ocean Drive Section of NMB. Just one day after a nest was found less than 2 blocks away at 15th Ave N

Sure enough, great body pit and eggs easily found.

52 days later, on August 19, as volunteers from the NMSTP started to gather, the sand fell and a good size depression formed. Just after 9PM, the little guys started their march to the ocean.

Inventory was conducted on August 23 at 7PM.

Connie and Sharon along with Rob dug carefully into the egg cavity.

Once again, the eggs are expose, but this time in a much different condition than 56 days ago.

This poor guy died before hatching. Notice the yolk sac.

One live hatchling was still in the nest. Savannah, one of the NMBSTP younger volunteers was asked to release the turtle on the beach for it's crawl to the ocean.

Goody-bye. Good Luck!!

Fall is approaching, Sun is setting earlier and earlier. Clouds are gathering. Hurricane Irene is out in the ocean!!

Thank you Savannah and Jack for helping at this nest. Jack handed out our brochure to the visitors, Savannah helped release the hatchling. She is doing a report for school on her experiences this summer with the Patrol. Thank you Segment B walkers for calling in this nest, Thank you Donna and her great crew for night sitting. Thanks to all the other volunteers who helped watch over this nest!!

INVENTORY RESULTS:

Nest was laid on June 28, 101 eggs

1 egg taken for DNA Study,

100 eggs relocated back to the dunes

Hatchlings emerged on August 19, just after 9PM, Day 52

Inventory on August 23

98 Hatched eggs

2 unhatched eggs of which 1 died in early development, 1 died in late development but before pipping

1 dead hatchling was found in the nest

1 live hatchling was found and released close to the ocean

98% Hatchling Success Rate!!!

Inventory Nest #8

2011-08-21T22:35:00.004-04:00

On June 27, 2011, Anne and James came across this unique crawl.

Nest #8, 15th Ave N, Ocean Drive Section of NMB.

August 17, 51 days later, around 9PM, the hatchlings emerged.

Sam, the Turtle Man, was excited to see the hatchling tracks the next morning.

On Sunday, Anne and James helped Rob dig up the nest and inventory the eggs.

One live turtle was discovered in the top layer of sand.

Storm clouds were gathering as the inventory was completed, 3 live hatchlings were released near the water line and watched as they entered the ocean.

Thank you Anne and James. Thank you Pam for your pictures. And thanks to all the other volunteers involved with this nest.

Inventory Results:

Nest was laid on June 27,

Nest emerged on August 17, Day 51

119 eggs

1 egg taken for DNA Study

118 relocated back to the dunes

103 eggs hatched

15 eggs unhatched, of which

13 eggs died during early development, 2 hatchlings died while hatching.

3 live hatchlings were found in the nest and released

2 dead turtles were found.

87% Hatchling Success Rate

Inventory of Nest #6

2011-08-16T11:04:00.002-04:00

Around 8:30 PM on June 16, NMSTP volunteer Peggy called with the news of a nesting turtle on the beach around 18th Ave N. It was a good thing she called, this turtle, named "Luna" because she was nesting in the bright moon light, just barely came above the HTL before digging her nest. Many people were on the beach, shining lights and taking pictures, but she was determined and laid 116 eggs before turning and going back into the water. By the time she had disappeared into the ocean, all of her tracks had been wiped out by the people walking around and talking about her. Linda was just barely able to mark off the nesting site for the night.

53 days later, NMB Sea Turtle Patrol Volunteers started to watch the nesting site. Gathering just before dark, we were treated to all types of beautiful skyes, from the 3/4 moon over the ocean, to the gorgeous sunset

to storm clouds! Will it or will it not storm, should we stay or leave soon became the topic of the days.

Early Friday morning, August 12, the nest showed signs of emerging. The hatchlings began their long journey around 3AM.

On Monday, August 15, the nest was inventoried. A crowd started to gather well before the 7:30PM start time. All kids were brought up front so they could see.

Gwen helped dig up the nest.

Phyliss and Jack also helped with the inventory

The eggs were deep in the sand.

All were rewarded with two hatchlings, still in the sand but near the top of the egg chamber.

NMB Visitor, Cassie had spent two evenings with the NMBSTP with her good friend Sandy, waiting for the hatchlings. She released one of the stranded turtles on the beach.

One of the younger NMBSTP Volunteers, Jack released the 2nd hatchling.

Soon a race to the ocean was on. "Jack" lead most of the way but "Cassie" beat him in the end!

Thank you Jack and Cassie. Thank you Gwen and Phyliss. It was a deep nest in the soft sand. A very hot and tiring job. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this nest.

Inventory results:

116 eggs recorded on June 17

1 egg taken for DNA Study

115 eggs relocated back to the dunes

Nest hatched on August 12, 3AM Day 56

112 eggs hatched

3 unhatched eggs, all died during early development

2 hatchlings found in nest, released to the ocean

97% Hatchling Success Rate!!!

Inventory of Nest 21---"Wild Nest"

2011-08-15T16:56:00.001-04:00

Wild Nest, #21 at 13th Ave S emerged on Thursday, August 11 around 1AM. Witnesses claimed there were turtles all over the beach. No wonder...when the nest was dug up on Sunday, Aug 14, it contained 149 eggs!!

The mother did a great job of hiding this nest. Even though her tracks were found, the egg cavity could never be located so it was originally recorded as a false crawl.

Four unhatched eggs were in the nest, all were opened, all died in early development.

A small group of interested spectators gathered, even though a storm was about to hit. These little girls were allowed to hold an undeveloped egg, with gloves on, of course!

Everyone wanted to feel an egg.

One little hatchling died in late development, the egg was pipped, but it never emerged. Here Rob shows how the body is wrapped in a circle around the yolk sac.

The unhatched turtle was taken for the DNA study. Only problem, How do you fit a 2 inch circle in a 1 inch hole??

Inventory Results

Nest was laid on June 23

Hatchlings emerged on August 11 Day 49

149 eggs were found in nest

144 eggs were hatched

4 eggs were unhatched, all died in early development

1 egg was pipped but hatchling died before emerging. This hatchling was taken for the DNA Study.

96.6% Hatchling Success Rate!!

Stranded Hatchling!!

2011-08-15T16:38:00.000-04:00

The call came in from NMB Dispatch around 5:30 PM. Some visitors had found a sea turtle on the beach and they took it with them when they left the beach for the day. Once back at their beach house, they called the NMB Police to report it.

Linda went to check out the report and found a hatchling. This little guy was not doing very good, very lethargic, only moving when touched.

Linda took it back to the beach wheres several NMBSTP were watching a nest. The hatchling was place on fresh, wet sand in a bucket and keep shaded from the sun. After about an hour, the little guy seemed strong enough to try to get out of the bucket.

Around 7PM, with a storm approaching, Betty released the hatchling close to the water line. It was watched until it swam away. Let's hope it is now on it's long journey into the sea.

Please, if a hatchling is found on the beach, leave it alone.

If a hatchling is on the beach during the day, they can dehydrate quickly from the heat of the sun and die. If one is found, place it just at the edge of the surf to allow it to rehydrate. Do not put into the water. When it is ready, it will make it's own way into the surf.

Inventory of Nest #7-Atlantic Beach

2011-08-12T12:35:00.003-04:00

Late on June 16, Linda received a call from NMB Dispatch that a nesting female was on the beach around 30th Ave S in Atlantic Beach. NMB Police helped Linda mark off the nesting area. Early the next morning, a group of volunteers went to the site,

Rob probed and quickly found the eggs. The nest was in a great spot, high on the beach, so the nest was left in situ or natural.

Around 2AM on day 52 for this nest, Linda received a phone call that the nest had emerged, hatchlings all over the beach.

Atlantic Beach

Stragglers continued to emerge from this nest during the next 3 days. Mikela, a NMBSTP volunteer and her fellow co-workers from Atlantic Watersports kept Linda informed on the status of this nest.

On August 11, the nest was inventoried. Mikela and Jim dug up the eggs.

Mikela got carried away with the digging or maybe she was just getting back at Rob as he teased her....

Very good nest..103 empty shells

Natural hole dug by the mother...How does she do this? The sand around the hole was hard packed.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this nest. Thanks to the people from the Watersports who watched the nest. Thanks to Joey form Beach Services who brought us the supplies to mark the nest. Thanks to the NMB Police Department who helped the night the nest was laid.

Inventory Results:

Nest was laid on June 17, natural nest

Nest emerged early on August 8th, Day 52

115 eggs were in the nest

1 egg was taken for DNA Study

103 eggs hatched

11 unhatched eggs, of which 10 eggs died in early development, 1 egg died late development

90% hatchling success rate

Nest #21!!!-Wild Nest

2011-08-12T06:00:00.004-04:00

On June 23, while walking Segment C in Crescent Beach, Lori reported a crawl, coming up all the way into the dunes. A big depression was found in the middle of the soft sand on the dunes.....body pit? The dunes and surrounding areas were probed and probed,

No egg cavity found. False crawl #6 was reported.

49 days later, Linda got a call, "I've found a hatchling on the beach." She went to investigate and found the beach covered with hatchling tracks. Review of the records and she was able to find the nest. Not in the dunes as was expected but at the base, just below a sand dune fence pole.

Vegetation had grown around the nest, hiding the hole.

But close examination showed a few hatchlings tracks emerging from the hole, although most had been erased by foot prints.

Although the beach activity had covered most tracks, enough could still be seen on the beach to suspect a major emergence.

To make things more exciting, a hatching was just starting to emerge. It was around 6PM, so the hatchling was released on the beach

Alicia, a 5th grade teacher from Penn. was curious when she saw Rob and Linda marking off this nest.

She and her family arrived just in time to see "Squirmy" emerging from the nest. This hatchling was very active and was eager to start it's trek to the water. It's little flippers were constantly moving. Rob and Linda let the children briefly hold the hatchling. Rochelle was first, she had quickly named the hatchling Squirmy!

Then, with Rob's help, 4 year old

Conlan, was able to touch the hatchling.

Then Sarah was able to carry the hatchling closer to the ocean. Her mother told me later, "Sarah my oldest was amazed at how the turtle took to the water." Squirmy did take to the water, started swimming immediately. All were able to see him take off, diving under the waves, heading out on his long journey.

This nest evaded us but emerged successfully. Thanks to all who were involved in this nest, from the initial finding of the crawl to those who took the time and interest to call and to those who came up to me when I was searching the beach. And a special thanks to Alicia and her family. We love it when kids are fascinated by the Sea Turtles and want to learn about them.

Nest #21!!! Recorded as a "Wild Nest" Emerged on day 49!!

Posted by Linda

NEST #20!!!

2011-08-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

False crawl on Tuesday, Windy Hill near the swash, False crawl on Wednesday, Main Street, False crawl on Thursday, Atlantic Beach and then a.......

Donna first came across the false crawl in Atlantic Beach, a crawl up above the high tide line, but then a U-turn right back to the ocean. As she was continuing her walk, NMB Sanitation stop to tell of another crawl and possible nest just ahead in Windy Hill.

Rob probed and found the egg chamber. Donna dug and

found THE EGGS!!!

Nest was laid just below the dunes so was left in situ.

One egg take for the DNA Study.

Egg cavity is covered up, nest is official.

Thank you Donna!! What a great morning.

Nest #20

Inventory of Relocated Nest MB #3

2011-08-10T23:47:00.000-04:00

Thursday, June 9 a turtle was reported on the beach in front of Maison-Sur-Mer Condo Complex in Myrtle Beach. Rob and Donita went to the site and roped off the nest.

At the request of S.C.U.T.E, Donita, Teressa and Linda went down early the next morning and relocated the nest to 19th Ave S in the Crescent Beach Section of NMB. 103 eggs were in the nest, 102 were relocated.

57 days later, around 9:15PM, a major boil occurred and the hatchlings came streaming out of the nest. It was low tide, no moon was visible, a tide pool and sand bar was between the hatchlings and the ocean. They were hesitant and confused, so the Patrol Volunteers helped them into the water.
Karlie, Addison and Hayden from Virginia
and

Chance and Courtney from Ohio, helped Teressa search the beach to make no hatchlings were left on the beach.

On Wednesday, Aug 10, the nest was dug up and inventoried.

Donna and Bill did the digging.

Rob helped while Linda explained what we were doing and why to the crowd that had gather.

On the way to the bottom of the hole, 3 hatchlings were found.

97 empty eggs shells were pulled from the nest.

All wanted to see a hatchling.

The hatchlings were released on the beach and they quickly crawled to the ocean.

Donna was in charge of this nest, and several of her loyal helpers including Lisa, who was on vacation and staying in the complex behind the nest.

Great job!

This says it ALL!!

Thank you all who were involved with this nest. Thank you to the kids and other spectators who helped on the beach the night the hatchlings emerged. And a big thank you to Donna for leading the group of volunteers who watched this nest for several nights before it emerged.

Thank you Julie and Jim for the great pictures.

Inventory Results:

This nest was laid on June 10, 2011

and emerged on August 6, Day 57

103 eggs were in the original nest

1 egg was taken for DNA Study

102 eggs were relocated

97 empty shells were found in the nest

5 eggs were unhatched, 4 eggs died in early development, 1 egg died in late development

3 Live Hatchlings were found in the nest and released on the beach

95% Hatching success rate

Inventory of Nest #5-9th Ave S

2011-08-09T13:22:00.001-04:00

Nest #5 at 9th Ave South was called in by Wednesday Segment C Walkers, Peggy, Allison and Terry on June 8th.

They had been alerted of the crawl and possible nest by NMB City Worker, Buddy.

The eggs were quickly found. Even though the nest was high on the beach well above the HTL, it was located right in the path of an emergency beach access. The decision was quickly made to relocate the nest..115 eggs, less one for DNA.

Fast forward 57 days, nest is getting ready to emerge. Noise is being picked up by the NMB listening device.

Someone left this sculpture by the water line in front of the nest in anticiapation of the nest emerging.

Hatchlings emerged around 11:30PM on August 4. Weather was stormy, high tide, water high up the beach. The hatchlings reached the ocean in record time.

Inventory was held on Monday, August 8.

Peggy and Rachelle dug up the eggs...

and were surprised with 4 live hatchlings!!

An extra bonus, a bird's egg was found under Rob's knee where he was kneeling to help count the eggs.

Unfortunately, the egg was cracked and no longer viable.

After all egg shells where counted, the hatchlings were released on the beach to begin their crawl to the ocean.

They were all strong and ran right to the water. Good luck, little guys!!

Thanks to the Segment C walkers who reported this nest. Thanks to all the night sitters and a special thanks to nest leader's John and Betty. Every nest is a group effort.

Inventory Results:

Nest laid on June 8th. The nesting female was observed on shore around 12AM

Hatchlings emerged around 11:30PM on August 4, Day 57

Inventory on August 8

115 eggs laid

1 egg taken for DNA Study

109 hatched shells

5 unhatched eggs, died early development

4 live hatchlings found in nest, released on beach

95.6% Hatchling success rate

False Crawl #17

2011-08-09T12:25:00.001-04:00

A nesting Loggerhead was reported on the Windy Hill Section of NMB around 5:30 AM.

A quick trip down to the beach, sure enough, tracks coming out from the ocean, very close to the swash that separates the Briarcliffe Beach form Windy Hill. This turtle came up above the HTL but made a quick U-turn and returned to the ocean.

As she returned to the water, she crawled back to her incoming track, merging with it to form one wide crawl. Was she scared away, just testing the beach or just not ready to lay? Will she be back somewhere early tomorrow morning?

It is getting late in the nesting season.

Thank you Ann Mayls Wilson from the Myrtle Beach State Park for calling the NMBSTP.

NMB False Crawl #17.

Nest #3-Release of Hatchlings

2011-08-05T11:56:00.001-04:00

Nest #3, 11th Ave S.....Release of hatchlings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsbw7ayAhm8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

NMBSTP Volunteer Allison and her sister Valerie have provided the above video of the release of the Nest #3 hatchlings found during the inventory.

Allison's husband Rafael made a beautiful compilation out of some photos and video of that day, starting with the walk with Allison and Jill in the early morning.

Wonderful....Thank you!!!

Video of release of Nest #3 Hatchlings

2011-08-04T15:51:00.003-04:00

Video of Hatchling release August 3

NMBSTP Volunteer Denise has provide the above video of the release of the Nest #3 hatchlings found during the inventory.

Thank you!!!

Inventory of Nest #3-11th Ave S

2011-08-04T15:25:00.005-04:00

Late Wednesday night, June 2, the call came in, "there's a huge turtle on the beach." 11th Ave S, Crescent Beach. Rob, Donita and Linda went to the beach, watched the turtle and roped off the nesting area. Early the next morning, Thursday's volunteers helped relocated the eggs back to the dunes. 147 eggs were in the original nest, 8 had already been destroyed by a ghost crab, 139 eggs were relocated.

Around 2AM, Sunday, July 31, Day 57, the hatchlings emerged from the nest. It was low tide, a tide pool and sand bar separated the beach from the ocean, the sky over the ocean was very dark, but the sky over the upper part of the beach was covered with white clouds which seemed to reflect the lights from nearby buildings. The hatchling appeared to be very confused and headed across the beach instead of down to the ocean. A handful of NMBSTP volunteers as well as several spectators worked for a coupled of hours to make sure these hatchlings made it. At daylight, it was discovered that some had walked down the beach, 15 were discovered in the dunes, 1 was even in a swimming pool. Over the next couple of nights, one or two hatchlings would appear on the surface of the nest and run toward the ocean.

Wednesday evening, Aug. 3 the nest was dug up by Rob and Linda and contents inventoried.

Live hatchlings were discovered about half way down the hole, some packed tightly in the hard sand.

Twelve hatchlings were found in the nest, they were placed in a bucket and later released.

The egg shells were found deep in the hole and removed for counting.

This nest did not do well, 28 whole eggs were also found.

Betty showed the hatchlings to the crowd that had gathered to see what we were doing.

Julie took this great picture of the hatchlings in the bucket!

Many residents close to this section of the beach as well as visitors were very interested in this nest and came to watch the inventory.

When the major emergence occurred early Sunday morning, Bree Lee, Lydia and Adam were waiting with us on the beach. They and their mothers were extremely helpful in making sure the poor confused hatchlings made it into the water. These kids were still on the beach at Sunrise and helped rescue at least 15 more hatchlings from the dunes. They were visiting from N.C. THANK YOU!!

Rob's grandson, Jonah also helped us, especially during the inventory.

Betty took charge of the hatchlings and made sure they were released in a safe spot.

NMBSTP Volunteers making sure the last 12 made it safely to their new environment.

Whew!! This nest was a challenge, from keeping the mother safe while onshore laying her nest, to the first group of confused hatchlings, to the stragglers dribbling out, one or two at a time, to the inventory and the surprises inside. A big thanks to all who helped. Especially to the kids who stayed late with us and helped. They were special!!

Thank you Julie and Denise for your pictures.

Inventory Results:

Nest laid on June 3-Mother seen on beach

147 eggs

8 eggs destroyed by a ghost crab, 1 of which was taken for DNA Study

139 eggs relocated back to the dunes

Nest Emerged on Sunday, July 31 Day 57

Nest inventoried on Wed. Aug 3

139 eggs

111 hatched eggs

20 eggs died in early development

5 eggs died-late development

3 hatchlings died during hatchling (pipping)

12 live hatchlings found in the nest, release on the beach to crawl to the ocean.

80% Hatching Success Rate

Inventory-Nest #2

2011-08-04T13:57:00.000-04:00

Nest #2 was located by Ginny and Teressa at 9th Ave N on Wednesday morning, June1.

Because the nest was just above the high tide line on the wide Ocean Drive Beach, it was relocated back, closer to the dunes. 135 eggs were in the nest, 134 relocated, 1 egg taken for the DNA study.

New Egg Cavity.

About 20 hatchling tracks were found coming out from the nest on Sunday morning, July 31, Day 60. It was felt the majority of the hatchlings emerged early Tuesday morning, July 26, during two windy thunder storms. All tracks may have been erased by the wind and rain. A depression was noted on Tuesday.

The nest was dug up on Wednesday evening around 7:30 and the contents inventoried.

Ginny, Teressa and Jonah had to dig deep to find all the eggs.

Inventory Results:

Nest laid on June 1

Emergence verified on July 31-Day 60

Nest Inventory-Wednesday, Aug. 3

135 eggs in original nest

1 egg taken for DNA Study

134 eggs relocated back to the dunes

126 empty shells

8 whole, unhatched eggs, died early development

No live or dead hatchlings found in nest

94% hatchling success rate!!

Thank you Ginny, Teressa and Jonah!! And another thanks to Ginny and Teressa who watched and worried over this nest.

Nest #4 Briarcliffe-Inventory

2011-08-03T11:52:00.004-04:00

Early in the evening of June 3, Mary a volunteer with the NMBSTP came across a Loggerhead coming ashore around 48th Ave S, Windy Hill. So did many others on the beach that evening and the turtle was quickly swarmed, with pictures being taken and lights shined on her. She made a quick U-Turn and went back into the ocean. The next morning, Rick and Bex came across a crawl at the extreme end of the Briarcliffe Beach, very close to the swash that separates Windy Hill from Briarcliffe. Brad and Brooks had continued their weekly walk pass the end of Windy Hill and over into Briarcliffe and also came upon and reported the crawl.

The eggs were quickly found and the decision was made to move the nest away from the swash. Betty and John also helped that morning.

Briarcliffe residents, under Pat's guidance, quickly formed a group and watched over this nest.

A major crack was discovered on Monday, July 25 indicating the hatchlings were moving and some may have emerged at this time.

A major boil, with tracks was discovered on July 29, on day 55 by Cindy and Larry.

Rob and Linda inventoried the nest on Aug 1.

Nest just before it was dug up to be inventoried on Monday, Aug 1.

108 eggs had been relocated. 106 empty shell were found, 2 undeveloped eggs were found...98% hatchling success rate!!

Thank you to all who helped protect this nest!!

Inventory Results:

Nest found on June 4

Nest emerged on July 29, Day 55

109 eggs were in original nest

1 egg was taken for DNA study

108 relocated up the beach, away from the swash.

106 empty shells

2 undeveloped, unhatched eggs

98% Hatching success rate!!

Reggie, the Raptor, NMB Sea Turtle Patrol newest volunteer!!

2011-07-27T01:28:00.003-04:00

Rob and Donita's grandson, Jonah is visiting from Charlotte, NC. Jonah attends Mountain Island Charter School, home of the Raptors. MICS encourages students to carry the school mascot along on vacations and special trips. Jonah did just that and has been great at showing mascot, Reggie the Raptor around. Of course, he had to show him our turtle nests! When Reggie found out a fox and couple of owls had been spotted watching a nest he wanted to help out, so you might see him on guard at the 19th Ave S nest which is closest to Jonah's grandparents' home.

Kaiser, Jonah's cousin was visiting earlier this month. He also attends MICS in Charlotte and was a great NMBSTP volunteer while he was here. No wonder Reggie wants to help out!

Jonah and Reggie have been night sitting with the Patrol at a couple of our nests as well. And Kaiser was a great help with nest #10. A big thank you to all three of you!

Nest #19-Briarcliffe

2011-07-24T17:14:00.002-04:00

YES!!!! The turtle who false crawled on Briarcliffe came back and laid a perfect nest.

Cindy and Larry came upon the crawl just south of yesterday's crawl. Judy and her friend, John were soon on the scene as well. This time the turtle went up onto the dunes, big, deep body pit with uprooted vegatation.

Incoming crawl was shorter than her outgoing crawl.

Rob probed in the mound of sand just at the end of the incoming crawl and quickly found the egg cavity.

Cindy and Larry dug for the eggs.....YES!!

The DNA egg was quickly taken from the top, the rest of the eggs were covered back up, the nest was caged, roped off and the DNR sign went up.

Cindy processed the DNA egg.

NMB Nest #19. The third nest on the Briarcliffe Beach. S.C.U.T.E. Nest #180.

Last year, S.C.U.T.E. recorded 77 nests in all.

Thank you so much Cindy, Larry and Judy. We also had some interested visitors who were beside themselves with glee! Great Sunday morning for us all.

False Crawl #16-Briarcliffe

2011-07-23T17:36:00.000-04:00

After a slow beginning, at least one sea turtle has discovered what a great nesting beach the Briarcliffe Beach is. 12 days after the second nest was laid on this beach, another crawl was found by Judy as she walked. Same mother? Very likely. The turtle crawled up the beach to the dunes, crawling halfway up the dunes before turning and going back into the ocean.

A shallow body pit was evident, the vegetation was smashed down but not pulled up. Rob and Linda probed the whole body pit, but could not find an egg chamber. False crawl? Lets hope she comes back tonight.

Pack 800 Cub Scouts spent the morning on the OD section of NMB. One of their activities was learning about the Sea Turtle. Here, in front of one of the NMB nests, we talked with them about what a sea turtle looks like, the difference between a sea turtle and land turtle, why we are protecting the nests and what the eggs look like under the sand (by showing a picture of a cut away model of a nest). These kids were great, were very interested and had great questions and comments. Thank you Dacy for asking us to talk with them.

A Big Thanks to Judy and her walking partner for reporting the crawl this morning.

NEST #18!!!

2011-07-17T11:18:00.000-04:00

Full Moon, Extremely high spring tides!

Low tide was around 3:30AM. This turtle must have come ashore after low tide. Nice long track right down to the water's edge.

Nice distinct body pit.

Long crawls up and down the beach, stopping just below the dunes.

Eggs were easily found, buried under a high mound of sand.

Eggs only exposed enough to take one for DNA. Quickly covered back up. Nest left where it was laid.

NMB Sanitation Employee, Willie called this in around 5:15AM as he started to rake the beach. Linda was on the beach early and probed for the eggs. Rob arrived with the cage and poles. Joe came and helped hunt for the eggs. A joint effort, this nest was quickly found, caged and roped off.

Thanks Willie and Joe for helping with this nest.

Nest #18!!

More Pictures of Nest #1 Inventory

2011-07-15T13:06:00.000-04:00

Various Pictures from Nest #1 Inventory!!

Love those Shirts!!

Unhatched Eggs--Some still bright white, others discolored.

Made It

Surprise!! Is that a head?

Free at last!

Not one, not two, not three....

Notice the little hole they all emerged from once the plug was pulled.

Don't leave me now!

Undeveloped Egg, looks like it could have just been laid, not almost 60 days old.

Empty and whole shells.

Thanks Rachelle and Gina for these pictures!!

Nest #17!!!

2011-07-13T17:52:00.003-04:00

This nesting female came ashore around 9PM. Phyllis was walking along the beach and saw something at the water line. At first she thought it was a person, then a mound of sand, thought maybe a log, then it moved! A huge turtle raising out of the water. She watched the turtle crawl up the shore and head up the beach. Some kids came around, shining lights and taking pictures. Halfway up the beach, the turtle turned, appeared to be heading back to the water, but stopped and started digging. Phyllis called the authorities, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources called the NMB Sea Turtle Patrol. Rob, Donita and Linda went to investigate. Sure enough, a nesting loggerhead. By this time, the beach was dark and quiet with only a handful of observers. The turtle was facing toward the ocean as she dug her nest and laid the eggs. When she was finished, we could see her cover the eggs, pat down the egg cavity and throw sand several times into the air. She then turned parallel to the ocean and rested a short time. Then she turned back toward the ocean and crawled back into the water. We could almost hear her sigh as she hit the wet sand. She rested a few moments and the disappeared into the surf. We followed her dark shape as she swam out along a sand bar to the white breakers.

Rob and Linda were back at the nest first thing in the morning, meeting up with the Wednesday Walkers.

Allison, Jill and Terry, under Rob's guidance, uncovered the eggs.

78 eggs!!

The nest was in the middle of the beach, so the eggs were moved back, closer to the dunes.

Lizzie, visiting from N.C. stopped by to see what was going on. She quickly volunteered to help process the DNA egg.

Thank you Phyllis for placing that phone call and then staying with the turtle to make sure she was not disturbed while she nested.

Thank you Wednesday Walkers for coming after finishing your segment and helping with the relocation.

Nest #17!!!!

Inventory, Nest #1 - -60th Ave N, Cherry Grove Beach

2011-07-13T10:34:00.017-04:00

Inventory Nest #1, Sunday July 10

Nest #1 started to emerge on July 5, 53 days from the time it was laid

Inventory was conducted on Sunday, July 11

Crowds gathering to watch

Rob, Marla and Betty digging into egg cavity.

Surprise!! Sand is hard packed. After removing the top layer, hatchlings start to stream out!

We tried to cover the nest back up and stop the inventory, but these little guys tasted freedom and had other plans. The decision was made to gather them up into a bucket for safe keeping, finish the inventory and release the turtles further down the beach to crawl to the ocean.

39 hatchlings released onto the sand. It was almost dark, not many birds around.

Notice the wet tracks in the sand. These little guys were anxious to be on their way, all appeared very strong crawl and quickly were in the water

Thank you Marla. She not only filmed the major boils, but spent a whole night watching the nest.

Thanks to all who contributed these pictures. Many I snagged off FaceBook. Thanks to all of the NMB Volunteers who came to watch the inventory but were soon pressed into crowd control. You did a great job guarding these little hatchlings. Thanks to the spectators who respected us, let us do our job and let these little guys go freely into the ocean to start their journey.

Thanks to John and Betty who encountered the Mother as came came ashore to nest.

Nest #1 Inventory Results

110 Eggs laid on May 13, 2011

94 hatched (empty) shells

15 unhatched shells

9 eggs died in early developement

6 eggs died in late developement

1 egg was taken on May 13 for the DNA study

39 hatchlings were freed on excavation of nest

This nest first emerged on July 5 (1 lone hatchling) on day 53. 85.45% Hatchling Success Rate

Nest #16!!! Briarcliffe

2011-07-11T20:13:00.000-04:00

Carla called early, Think we have a crawl!

Beautiful long crawl up the beach. This turtle appeared to nest, a big, well defined body pit. Then she crawled up toward the dunes and actually circled around the nesting area before turning back toward the ocean.

Rob probed and soon found the egg cavity.

Carla took one egg for the DNA Study

Rob and Carla marking the egg cavity and closing the nest, marking it with a reed

Processing the DNA Egg

Thank you Carla and Don for reporting this nest and staying until Rob could get there.

This nest is located on a beautiful beach with little activity. It should do great!

Nest #16!

Nest #15!!!

2011-07-11T19:56:00.001-04:00

Another crawl in Cherry Grove. Monday morning walkers came across this crawl early.

Nice crawl up the beach, she tested the sand several times before settling on a spot close to the dunes.

Out going crawl crossed over the incoming crawl before taking off down the beach.

Only problem, the eggs were located right in the middle of a the walkway from a rental house. Decision was made to move the nest a short distance away from the walkway to the bottom of an undisturbed small dune.

113 eggs, less one for DNA

Thanks Paul, Sandy, Nancy and Joe for reporting this nest and staying to help. Michelle, visiting from Union Grove, NC saw this crawl very early this morning and came back to see what the volunteers found.

Thanks to all the Monday walkers who came to the site this morning and helped.

And thanks to Steve and Bobby who helped cage and put up the poles this afternoon. A very hot job!!

Nest #15!!!

Nest #14!!!!

2011-07-10T18:23:00.003-04:00

Will from NMB Beach Services reported a potential crawl and nest that he came across while setting up his chairs. Linda went down to investigate.

Good size crawl, width measured over 36 inches, but because high tide was after 3AM, all evidence of the crawl below the high tide line was gone.

The turtle messed up the sand pretty good as she laid her eggs and tried to hide them. But she picked a good spot, just below the dunes, in the open area between two
sand fences. Linda probed and found the egg cavity.

Another NMB Beach Services employee, Bruce joined Will and both were kind enough to help her search for the eggs.

The guys helped with the DNA egg as a storm threatened.

Will blocked off the site with some of NMB chairs to warn people to stay out until the poles and ropes could be brought in.

More help from Beach Services arrived and soon the nest was roped off and the DNR sign in place.

Unexpected on a late Sunday morning, but job well done! Thank you NMB Beach Services!! A special thanks to Will and Bruce for helping. Linda was minus her usual crew so their assistance was greatly appreciated. A great group!!

Nest #14!!

Nest #1 Major Boil!!!

2011-07-09T21:04:00.003-04:00

Nest #1- Friday, May 13, 12AM. A very early nest.

Wednesday night, June 6-Day 54.

Just before 7PM, movement is detected in the sand. Turtles?

Soon, one little head is showing

Darkness starts falling, two little heads have been peeking out of the sand for over 1 hour

All of a sudden, both turtles bolt out of the sand and head for the water. Changing tide but the water line is still over 300 yards, with a tide pool in front. Turtles reach tide pool, one crawls in, swims across and come out other side. Stops for a moment, turns and goes back into the tide pool. Turtle is helped out of tide pool and put closer to the ocean. This time the turtle heads forward and soon disappears into the waves!!

More heads soon appear as it gets darker and darker. Then around 10PM. many hatchlings boiled up and out and headed for the ocean.

Hard to count or estimate in the dark. But, around midnight, more heads appeared and more hatchlings ran out of nest and toward the ocean.

8AM the next morning, all is quiet. All that remains are the little tracks coming from the depression in the sand.

Thursday night around 11PM at least 4 more hatchlings come out of the nest. A little girl came up with her family and said "There are turtles." Two little guys were just coming out of the cage and running to the ocean. Two more were then found closer to the water. One was stuck in a shallow hole someone had left just above the high tide line.

Big thanks to all the NMB Sea Turtle Volunteers! John and Betty discovered this nest on Friday, May 13 as the mother came ashore to lay her eggs around midnight. Since then, many have watched over the nest, making sure it was not disturbed. Many Patrol Volunteers gave up their 4ht of July night celebration to sit near the nest to make sure it did not emerge when the beach was packed with people watching the Cherry Grove firework. Thank you Melanie for some of the pictures you were able to get before darkness fell. Thank you Marla and WMBF News for filming this great event. It required time and patience to be there when these little guys come out. The hatchlings came out in stages and many times left us wondering.

And again thanks to all the Patrol Volunteers who spent two nights talking to interested spectators and then kept the hatchlings safe as they ran to their new home in the ocean.

Nest #13!!!!

2011-07-07T20:00:00.001-04:00

Nest #1 emerges, Nest 13 is laid!!!

Silas and Harriet called in early. Crawl halfway up the beach, ending in what appears to be a body pit.

Outgoing crawl hit a big sand castle with moat. The turtle hit the wall before turning away.

Rob and Linda probed. Egg cavity was hard to find because a Sanitation truck had already been through and drive over the upper part of the body pit. But the eggs were found. Small nest for a small turtle, 47 eggs.

This nest definitely had to be moved back to the dunes.

Carson took control of the DNA egg, prepared the egg and put into the vial.

Great job Thursday Walkers. This turtle was probably Wednesday's false crawl which was 8 blocks from this nest. This time she stayed away from the Dunes.

The pelicans were interested in the beach activity. What a beautiful sight!!

Thank you Silas and Harriet. Thank you to the Thursday walkers, including Day Leader Judy for coming and helping. And Thank you Dave and Silas for the pictures. And a big thanks to Carson and his Dad who was walking by and stopped in to investigate.

Nest #12 False Crawl #14

2011-07-06T21:29:00.001-04:00

False crawl 14-Segment B walkers came on a crawl early in the morning. This turtle came up the beach, climbed to the top of a dune,

keep going down the back side of the dune, got caught in the thick grass and other vegetation

before climbing back up, circled around top of dune and squeezed between a narrow dune fence to go back down dune to beach.

She took the scenic path down the beach to the water. Sanitation trucks paralleled her outgoing tracks, making it difficult to see,

but Paulette was able to follow the track up from the ocean.

We probed around the top of the dunes but there really was no place for her to nest. Her track was very narrow, a small turtle. False Crawl 14

At the same time, Segment D walkers came upon a nice long crawl.

Rob probed the body pit and quickly found the egg chamber.

Edith and Arlene were ecstatic when the eggs were found. 96 eggs.

The nest was in the center of the wide, heavily used beach so the eggs were relocated back to the dunes. Linda and Paulette moved the eggs out of the original nest.

Two eggs were stuck together, but easily separated.

New hole up closer to the dunes.

Paulette showed Arlene how to carefully put the eggs in the new hole.

NMB Beach Services brought in supplies for the nest and the girls were anxious to see the eggs and help with the nest.

Job well done...Wednesday's volunteers!

Thanks to all who helped with this nest. Thank you to the tourists who were very interested in what we were doing. Thank you Cindy for many of these pictures.

Busy morning after night sitting the first nest due to emerge.

Nest #1 Signs of emerging!

2011-07-05T22:26:00.003-04:00

Nest #1-Friday May 13

Signs of activity, Nest starts to crack on Saturday, July 2

Crack expands on Sunday, July 3

Monday, July 4-Slight depression forms

Tuesday morning, ground has sunk more.

Tuesday, July 5-One lone turtle emerges just after dark

Early Wednesday morning, one lone track leading from nest.

Early Wed. morning, Nest has changed, bigger, rugged depression

Thanks Marla for the picture. Since this little guy came out after dark, only infrared cameras were allowed.

Fourth of July Nest

2011-07-05T15:37:00.001-04:00

Cherry Grove-Fourth of July Celebrations-Fireworks on the Cherry Grove Pier-Beach is packed with people celebrating with their friends and families. Nest #1 showing signs of emerging. Members of the Patrol gathered on the beach near Nest 1, just in case the hatchlings would decide to make an appearance during the festivities. After the major fireworks display from the Pier, John got restless and decided to take a walk. Just before midnight, he ran into a huge turtle crawl, not very far from where all the fireworks had gone off. Looking up the beach, he discovered the nesting turtle was still on shore, up in the dunes. This turtle must have come ashore either during the fireworks display or just after. How it remained undetected by anyone until John saw her is a mystery. She was huge, over 36 inch wide crawl, massive head.

She crawled up one dune, turned around on the top and slide down the face,

crawled parallel to the ocean to another dune.

Crawled up this dune, and again slid down, turning and going back to the ocean. Big mystery, where and if she ever nested. This area was roped off for the night until it could be probed and searched.

John and Betty were back early to start hunting for the nest. Regular Tuesday walkers Steve, Bobby, Debbie were soon on the scene as well.

Another crawl was discovered a few yards from the original. Mystery, same turtle, different? Crawl width was measure, almost the same.

No defined body pit was apparent in the first crawl. But several suspicious spots were probed with no luck. The second crawl ended with a good size body pit, when this was probed

The egg cavity was soon discovered.

Debbie and her granddaughters Mackenzie and Hannah searched and soon found the eggs.

The girls chose the egg to be taken for the DNA study and helped put into the vial.

The nest was in a great spot, at the base of the dune so was left natural. This mother had a busy, noisy night but she finally found the right spot.

Thank you John and Betty. And a big thanks to the Tuesday Segment A walkers Steve, Bobby and Debbie. Thanks to Mackenzie and Hannah for helping. A great way to end the 4th of July Celebration.

Nest #11

False Crawls 10, 11 and 12

2011-07-04T11:47:00.001-04:00

Whats going on? Three false crawls in less than 24 hours!!

John and Betty came across this small crawl around 1AM Sunday morning. Turtle came ashore below the high tide line, quickly turned and went back into the ocean. If they had not seen it when they did, the crawl would have been washed away with the incoming tide. This crawl had a very large, well distinct V from the turtles claw.

Sunday evening, around 11PM, Rob received word that a turtle had tried to come ashore on Crescent Beach. She only made it a short distance before being swarmed by people, flash lights shined in her face and flash pictures taken. She just turned around and left, probably in disgust!!

Early this morning, Segment D walkers came upon a crawl in Windy Hill. It was a short crawl but up into the soft sand, above the high tide line. It was either before, during or just after the high tide when she came ashore, very little of her crawl was visible in the wet sand. (High Tide was around 9:30PM)

Once again, the turtle just turned and went back the way she came.

Thanks Gary for calling this in. And thank you Gary, Cindy and Ed for walking this holiday morning and reporting the crawl. Wish it was a nest, maybe tonight, but hope any turtles wait until after the fireworks are over.

What Kind of Hole is This?

2011-07-03T11:03:00.002-04:00

Segment D walkers came upon this strange hole this morning. It was deep and huge.

But that didn't deter them. Despite having limited implements to use, Kathy, Jeannie and Gina made sure the hole was completely filled before continuing on their walk.

Thanks Gina for the pictures. Thanks to all three of you for taking care of this dangerous hole.