My first hatchlings of the season!

Tonight I saw my first hatchlings of the season emerge as I helped nest-sit Santa Rosa 6081. The absolute wonder of the experience never changes.

The photo above shows the nest which remained screened until the hatchlings started emerging. Next to it is a section of brown tarp which we used to lay on when listening for activity in the nest. And the beautiful sunset is one of the perks we have as Gulf Island National Seashore park volunteers

One hundred and nine hatchlings began emerging at 8:29 p.m. (yes, the time and conditions are documented, just like with our own babies) and were escorted into the Gulf of Mexico There are 29 that remain in the nest and they have been safely screened in for the night to protect them from ghost crabs and other predators like fox and raccoons. Hopefully tomorrow the stragglers will emerge from the nest and begin their incredible journey.

Life is good!

Tucking in for the night

This is what it looks like when you screen a nest at night. You may click on the photo for more detail.

Before dark, a ranger or volunteer will head out to nests where activity is being heard and hatchlings are close to emerging. A screen is placed over the location of the egg chamber and sand is built up around it. This keeps the crabs out and also confines the tiny hatchlings should they emerge when no one is there (and possibly become disoriented).

Someone will patrol the nests during the night to check the progress.