Travel
Left Behind
but hatchlings communicate with
each other and make the decision
when to emerge together. Every
now and then, someone can get left
behind. So three to five days after
a nest shows signs of hatchlings’
mass exodus, gloves go on, the
protective campsite comes down
and volunteers get down on their
hands and knees and start digging.
With as little help as possible, found
hatchlings are boosted atop the sand
and begin their hopefully quick and
successful journey to the water.
Along with lending the occasional
helping hand, excavating nests
allows volunteers to track the
success of the nests. All egg shells
are removed and counted. Nest
number 98 brought smiles and
cheers. All 101 eggs hatched,
with only one stray needing help
with the journey to the Gulf of
Mexico. After egg shells are reburied, and the hole filled, paperwork
is finalized, caution tape, mesh and
wood are collected and carried off
the beach. If you didn’t get up
before the sun, it appears as if
nothing special happened on this
small stretch of sand.
You don’t have to live in the Sunshine
State to accompany the Turtle
Patrol. The St. Joseph Peninsula
Turtle Patrol is happy to have early
morning company of visitors from all
around the world. If you’re in town
during nesting season, typically May
through October, send an email and
do some good while you get some
vacation exercise. You may go home
a little tired, but naps are the best
way to kill time on airplanes.
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