To adopt Nest #13, visit http://www.seaturtle.org/nestdb/adopt/?b=1 and select ID No. 149030 or click here.
On a beautiful June 21 sunrise, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills ATV driver John Jenkins found 2016 sea turtle nest #12 in Kitty Hawk, not to be outdone the Nags Head ATV driver also found sea turtle nest #13 at approx 6:30 a.m. in South Nags.
A beautiful sunrise showing the Loggerhead crawl
Loggerhead tracks to and from the ocean
While a nest response team was getting on station in Kitty Hawk, NCWRC Karen Clark put out another call for a nest response team for South Nags Head and Charlotte of the N.E.S.T. hot line redirected some responders to the South Nags Head nest. Both nests had a good contingent of volunteers at both nests.
The response team finding the nest eggs
The tracks at sea turtle nest #13 indicated a mama Loggerhead had crawled ashore to lay her eggs. A beach visitor indicated that she had seen the turtle come ashore about 11 p.m., but was not sure what action to take. A reminder should you see a sea turtle come to the beach please do not disturb her in any way and immediately call the N.E.S.T. hotline at 252-441-8622. Charlotte and Jerry man the phone line 24/7 and the N.E.S.T. volunteer response members are also available 24/7.
Under the watchful eye of Two Nest Al, the nest #13 response team followed the incoming and outgoing crawl tracks in assessing the logical spot for the nest pit and began to dig for the DNA egg which would determine if mama Loggerhead had laid multiple nests and if so where.
Rich displays the DNA egg
Rich was the winner and proudly displayed his find. The shell was put in a vial to be sent to Raleigh and all began marking off the nest area.
The response team prepared to mark off the nest area
When finished, the response team posed for the customary group picture and of course it took two people working together to indicate the 13 raised fingers.
The team shows 13 fingers for sea turtle nest #13