We’ve had a grand-slam, turkey strike, tic-tac-toe, three-in-a-row string of nests! The past three days have seen three consecutive nests and we are now up to lucky number 13! Last week KC predicted an upswing in nests, how right she was. She is currently applying for a job as a psychic but will first need a crystal ball and some bangles.

NEST #11

After a lot of ribbing from the Duck Dynasty and the Nags Head Dream team for only one nest, Route coordinator Jim Bailey took things into his own hands and discovered Nest #11 in Kitty Hawk on Sunday morning.

Lots of volunteers arrived and immediately began discussing whether a relocation was warranted. After some necessary breakfast grape eating KC (always calm and collected) convinced the nest had to go (to a different location that is) closer to the dune. Jan the smarter half of the Tim & Jan team found the first egg (YIPEE) and nest relocation digging began. NC “Wildlife” team Val and Marissa collected one egg for DNA and the relocation nest site was prepared. All had a chance to relocate and the NCWRC nest data logger was put in the nest along with 99 logger eggs. The nest was covered and stakes placed with accurate coordinates.

There was some discussion about the quality of the photos taken at previous nests where there were more behind pictures taken so care was taken to take only face forward pictures. Louise and Shelley did the patting of the nest and fond farewells were said to Nest 11 with promises that we would all get together again in 55-60 days or whenever Kommander KC says to start nest sitting.

NEST #12

Birthday Girl Charlotte answered the NEST hotline on Monday morning to a wonderful surprise. Jim Kranda was calling to not only sing her happy birthday, but to report the second nest in a row, this time in Nags Head!

NEST volunteers came as fast as they could, and tried to interpret the now walked over and slightly faded tracks. After a few test holes were dug, Kaye realized that Nest#12 had literally been right under her nose the whole time!

After the first egg from Nest #12 was uncovered Jane and Marissa decided that the nest should be relocated because it was below the average high tide line. Predictions were made as to how many eggs would be found, but nobody could’ve bet that the gals would unearth 136 eggs, making nest #12 our biggest (known) number for the season! 

Jane carefully picked out the relocation site and Dennis P. hand carved thecustomized new home for the little logger eggs. All NEST volunteers who wanted had the opportunity to place the eggs from the original nest in the “egg cartons” and word is that Ann held onto short Suz’s feet so she would not fall in the nest site.

The eggs were placed with care in the relocation nest by all NEST volunteers who wanted and Suz placed the NCWRC data logger in the nest and 15 additional eggs were placed on top. The bobber, orientation strings and stakes were put into place and the nifty keen tape and rope were added. The finger count for the group picture was figured out and the picture taken with smiles from all.

NEST #13

The Nags Head Dream Team is going to Disneyworld!! Well, not really. But right now Nags Head IS the happiest place on earth!

The nest was discovered at 7:10 this a.m. and it was laid by mama Loggervery close to the current high tide line. Charlotte at the hot line asked for the location twice to confirm the closest street address. After careful deliberation with KC, she approved a nest relocation should eggs be found. A response call was placed and Rick was kind enough to pick up the egg cartons from the Nags Head Municipal Center.

There was lots of discussion as to the location of the eggs at the nest and after careful deliberation by all, flags were placed at the most probable spots. Suz (Me-maw), Ann and Ellen began a careful dig and in less than 10 minutes Ann became wide eyed and exclaimed she found the eggs. A egg was pulled for DNA and Rick, et al scouted for a proper relocation spot.

During excavation, it was noted that there was one broken egg and the shellwas attached to another egg, so rather than risking breaking the intact egg the the broken egg that was attached to both was scheduled for relocation to the new nest site (clear as mud?).

The relocation nest was dug matching the size of the original nest and all NESTers present who wanted  took their hand on placing the eggs in their new and modern home closer to the dune line out of harms way.

The new sea turtle nest was filled with sand,  the stakes put into place, the bobber, orientation string and stakes neatly put in place and all NESTers started their days awaiting Nest #14 tomorrow!!

Thanks to Dennis Pohl for his play-by-play of the days events, word on the street is he is currently napping on the beach somewhere around the 4th street beach access and could use some SPF and an umbrella hat.