Nest 7 -2023

The Outer Banks four wheel drive beach has unique issues when it comes to protecting sea turtles.  For those living or visiting this area, the only way to reach their home is by driving on the beach.  At night it can be particularly hazardous as sea turtles and vehicles maneuver their way through the sand in total darkness.  Luckily we have lots of wonderful locals and visitors who promptly call the NEST hotline (252-441-8622) when they see a turtle on the beach.  And a shout out to our Currituck deputies who watch over nesting turtles until the responding team arrives.  Below are some pictures of Nest #7 turtle while she was on the beach.

 

Once the team makes sure the sea turtle gets safely back to the ocean, the real work begins.  They quickly find the egg chamber as leader, Doug C., dropped a string into the nest where the turtle was laying her eggs.  The string led them straight to the egg chamber.  Because this nest was below the average high tide line, it had to be moved closer to the dune and away from repeated over wash by the ocean.

Although it may look like the team is relaxing by the nest site, everyone is working hard to gather data.  They want to recreate an exact replica of the original nest, only in a safer spot.  The team will even bring sand found in the first nest to place around the eggs in the new nest.

Once the eggs are safely tucked in their new nest, the team uses reflective stakes and brightly colored banners to rope off the area around the nest.  This  helps drivers on the beach avoid running over the nest.

Thanks Nest 7 late night responding team for keeping our momma turtle safe and putting her precious little nest in a secure spot.  We can’t wait to see these little hatchlings emerge in a couple of months and make their way out into the world.

 

• nest number: 7
• town: Swan
• date eggs laid: 06/30/2023
• actual emergence date: 8/24/2023
• live hatchlings: 111
• total eggs: 116

See all active nests