Early morning turtle
census involves walking a three mile stretch of beach to check all the existing
turtle nests for predation, progress in the hatching stage and to take sand
samples that will be analysed for micro plastics. All turtle tracks are swept
to and from the sea in an attempt to disguise any new nests.
The walk this
morning started with Anna in the usual way in overcast conditions (which is
always good!). We started work making our way up the beach. At we were nearing
the half way point when I noticed numerous tiny turtle tracks heading straight
for the sea. I called Anna over and we traced the origin of the tracks. As we
both looked at the small holes that had already been made a tiny head appeared
in the sand. Then another and another until there were five little heads just
above sand level.
This was my first
group of hatchlings and they were Hawksbill Turtles who only had one thing on
their mind and that was to make it to the sea. Anna became protector, wildlife film
and documentary photographer as the five scuttled as fast as their tiny
flippers could take them down the beach.
We shadowed the five
making sure each one made it to the sea and said our goodbyes as each entering the
water and with a single sweep of a wave disappeared from view.
This was truly
another great moment and for five hatchlings another leg of their perilous journey into adulthood begins. Woo Hoo!
Pictures by and used with permission of Anna Harris (USA)
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