December 1, 2021

Season's Greetings!

Warmest wishes from our family to yours this holiday season.
​May your days be filled with peace, happiness, love and laughter.

~The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol

While the turtles are away,
migrating birds have come to stay!

The turtles that hatched during the 2021 Nesting Season have headed off to the Sargasso Sea where they will spend time hiding from predators and growing bigger and stronger. As many animal-loving beachgoers know, shortly after the sea turtles leave, the migrating birds arrive. You may see large flocks of birds on our beaches that you don't see during the summer months. Many of these birds have traveled long distances (sometimes thousands of miles) to get here and may be fatigued, hungry or dehydrated. For some, this is a short stop on an even longer journey. For others, this will become their winter home. If you are walking on the beach, please give migratory birds plenty of space as you walk by. Flushing, or causing the birds to become scared and fly away, may seem like fun and "look pretty" but it may cause them to lose precious energy which may already be in short supply. Thank you for caring and responsibly sharing our beaches with all creatures great and small!
Click Here for more information and photos of the Birds of Volusia County.

Florida Sea Turtles

There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.

LOGGERHEAD

The Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on  our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.

LEATHERBACK

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

GREEN

The Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
​ and algae.

HAWKSBILL

The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is  tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped. 

KEMP'S RIDLEY

The Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.