Saturday, November 08, 2008

The last nest


The last turtle season of the year is ready to hatch. Due around October 20, unseasonably cool air seems to have slowed the process. Our fingers are crossed as we wait to see how many survive.


Click on the photo to enlarge it and see what does not belong in the nest.


Did you guess a ghost crab hole! Good for you. Ghost crabs, even small ones, are a bad thing to see near a sea turtle nest because they will dig into the nest to devour hatchlings. Large ghost crabs will also capture hatchlings as they are heading to the water and drag them into their burrow to feast on. This is why we so carefully guard our hatchlings and watch over them as they make their way to the Gulf of Mexico.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Fun post, and good photos. Those turtles sure do need a little help from there friends.