SNAP!

[#1]

For the next several weeks, thousands of female loggerhead turtles will lumber out of Florida waters and, using their tiny flippers, will drag their girth across the sand to begin nesting. (Photo right: A newly hatched loggerhead sea turtle.)

 

The sunshine state provides sea turtles with ideal conditions to hatch their babies. Sea turtle nesting grounds are limited exclusively to the Southeast region of the U.S. and extend from the Florida Keys to Virginia on the Atlantic Coast, and from Texas through Florida on the west. An amazing 80 percent of the sea turtle nests from the entire East Coast of the U.S. occurs between New Smyrna and Boca Raton. The next most abundant region is along the Gulf of Mexico (between Pinellas and Monroe Counties).

 

Most of the sea turtles are loggerheads, but other species also nest here, including leatherbacks, hawksbills and green sea turtles. An average nest or “clutch” consists of about 100 eggs. The eggs incubate for about 60 days before producing two-inch hatchlings that weigh only 3/5 of an ounce. Once born, these little hatchlings must find their their way back to the water if they are to survive. If they grow to adulthood (only about 1% will make it to maturity), these turtles will ultimately weigh between 200 and 300 pounds.  

Sea Turtle Nesting Walks & Watches

The opportunity to observe such a large animal and threatened species in its native environment is remarkable…but great care must be taken to ensure you don’t harm the mother, eggs or hatchlings when they are in their most vulnerable state. If you’re interested, contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, The Turtle Foundation or one of the many clubs and organizations designed to help you view and appreciate the experience, without endangering the animals or compromising the sea turtles nesting habitat.

You’ll find there are lots of organized turtle walks and watches (many of these are held at night when the turtles are active. You may not use any type of non-approved beach lighting (for the safety of the turtles) which is why an organized group, led by an experienced guide, is the best way to truly appreciate this experience.

[#2]

These guys are facinating!  Lousy odds on survival, though.  Only one in a hundred reaches maturity?  Thats some serious attrition.  No wonder they need as much protection as possible. 

[#3]

They are SO adorable! I got to see some on a little island off the coast near Tampa and wanted to just scoop them all up and carry them to the water. I know we're supposed to stay out of the way and not get involved and just let nature take its course, but does anyone know why we can't help each season, protect the eggs and then after they hatch just scoot them all into the water? They need better survival rates, poor things.

[#4]

Loved this article on sea turtles.  If you live on or near Anna Maria Island, there is a very active Turtle Watch Group which is headed up by Suzi Fox.  I belonged to it for ten years and had so many wonderful experiences.  They always need volunteers to work with them, walking the beach to check for new nests, checking the progress on the nests during the two month period it takes for them to hatch, etc. Or you can just make a contribution to the group. 

You can check with the Chamber of Commerce in Bradenton Beach, FL  for more information.

It's a great thrill seeing the silver dollar size turtles crawling into the water.  Turtle Watch rescues nests that hatch in light- polluted areas and release them on a dark beach later that evening.  The baby turtles must crawl into the water in order to imprint our beach on them so they will return when they mature to lay eggs themselves.

They are fascinating creatures and a valuable part of our eco system.  They must be protected and anyone can help.

Reenie