So it begins! For the 2016 sea turtle nesting season, N.E.S.T. Loggerhead Sea turtle nest #1 was found on the beautiful beaches of Duck, N.C. on May 20 by Barbie who discovered her first sea turtle nest find while making her ATV sea turtle run.
The DUCK route ATV
The call to the nest response team by Charlotte of the N.E.S.T. hotline was a bit of a surprise. Although N.E.S.T. sea turtle patrols began on May 1, the ocean water temperatures have been rather cool and generally the Leatherback sea turtles are the first to nest during the cooler ocean water temperatures.
Loggerhead sea turtle track
The nest response team acted quickly and seasoned and new volunteers had the opportunity to participate in the finding of the exact nest location, the extraction of one egg for DNA research and the marking of the nest.
Some members of the N.E.S.T. response team
The finding of the 1st egg for DNA research
The DNA egg given to NCWRC Karen Clark
A reminder that as the 2016 sea turtle nest season begins, please remember to cover up your sand holes, take your beach gear off the beach when you leave and report any sea turtle activity to the N.E.S.T. hotline at 252-441-8622.The threatened and endangered sea turtles appreciate your cooperation for their survival.
More sea turtle information can be found at the N.E.S.T. web site: www.nestonline.org
The N.E.S.T. response team celebrating sea turtle nest #1