Turtle Time records first Green sea turtle nest hatching
To the editor:
Our first Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nest has hatched on Bonita Beach! We have been watching this nest with heightened anticipation. This morning, at dawn, (volunteers) Gina and Nancy found the hatchling upside down in the opening of the hatched nest chamber. Because a ghost crab had dug into the nest, we excavated the contents. Ten of 11 hatchlings succeeded in their dash to the Gulf. The nest contained a high number of undeveloped eggs, but we are thrilled that 11 hatchlings now call Bonita Beach their natal beach!
I released the little Green (Sunday) evening at Beach Access 10 after dark (we imprinted the hatchling at its nest site). Greens are classified as endangered. We had a rare opportunity to watch one ‘going home.’
Eve Haverfield
Turtle Time founder