NOTE: ACTIVE NEST STATUS will be posted and updated on the www.nestonline.org web site. Under the NESTS TAB click on ACTIVE NEST STATUS.
On June 3, 2017 IT finally happened. Although it is relatively early in the season mama Loggerhead decided to lay her nest in the late evening of June 3 in Nags Head, NC.
The NEST response team was notified early a.m. on June 4 and many seasoned and new volunteers heeded the call.
The Loggerhead sea turtle nest site.
Measurements were taken and the dig began for the exact location of the nest eggs. Bobby had the pleasure of finding the DNA egg (The DNA egg is sent to Raleigh, NC for analysis to determine if mama turtle has laid multiple nests and if so where)
For what is known about threatened and endangered sea turtles, much more is unknown. This year generous donations allowed NEST to acquire sea turtle nest data loggers to be put in each sea turtle nests for the NEST managed areas on the Outer Banks. The recorded temperatures will allow analysis of daily readings to help in obtaining information on sea turtles.
Karen Clark (KC) NCWRC sporting her floppy hat discusses with NEST volunteers possible egg chamber location.
Margaret (left) holds the data logger for placement in the nest. Stephenie (right) holds the DNA egg vial at the ready.
After the data logger is placed in the nest, the sea turtle eggs that were removed are placed back in the nest.
Frances (left) and Susan (right) place the removed eggs back in the nest.
The NEST response team proudly salutes their efforts for the 1st sea turtle nest of the 2017 season by showing one finger.
The response TEAM is all smiles.