September 1st 2011
Nesters:
I hope this message finds you all safe and sound after Hurricane Irene. We have had a few volunteers that were able to check up on the KDH nest and it looks like about an extra 6 inches of sand is on top but the nest remains. We are still trying to find out if the remaining nests made it through the storm — we will update you as soon as possible.
We have had a number of N.E.S.T. Volunteers and Board Members who suffered great losses due to the storm and they need to attend to their families and homes first, so please be patient with us. We have also had a number of hatchlings that have been found washed up in debris and after a day of rest they were released at dark to try to make their journey again out to the Gulf Stream. In addition, a few other adult Leatherback strandings have come ashore in Southern Shores and unfortunately these were not found alive. With the help of N.E.S.T. Volunteers, Staff from both the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, these animals have been responded to and necropsies will be performed.
On a much better note, we had NEST #19 this morning in Corolla!! Can you believe that?! It was a Loggerhead nest which had to be relocated (119 eggs). At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Be safe everyone!
Karen Fitzgerald
N.E.S.T. President