October 1, 2021​​

Hatchlings Emerge!

(Scroll down to view some great videos!)
Nesting season  runs from May 1 through October 31 which means that we are, officially, in the final month of our 2021 Turtle Nesting Season. Most of the nests laid this season have hatched and the hatchlings have made their way out to sea. We're keeping our fingers crossed that they're thriving and the females will one day return to our beaches to lay nests of their own! We'll continue to watch over the remaining nests until the very last one has hatched. 
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Speaking of hatchlings... have you ever wondered what it looks like when hatchlings emerge from their nests? The process actually begins several days before we see the turtles on the surface of sand. While still inside their shells the baby turtles use a temporary "egg tooth" or caruncle to break open their shells and emerge from their eggs. From there it's a group effort to make their way to the surface. Inside the egg chamber, the turtles climb on top of the discarded eggs and begin working together to scratch at the sand above them. This digging often causes a  depression in the sand which we can see from the surface. It's a sign that the nest will soon emerge. The turtles wait below the surface until the temperature cools. This means that most nests emerge at night, although they have been known to emerge in the morning or daytime hours on occasion. Under the cover of darkness they can better avoid predators and the searing heat of the sun. The hatchlings usually erupt all together or in small groups where there's safety in numbers. Instinctively, they quickly make their way from the nest towards the brightest thing they see. In the absence of human influence (e.g. artificial lighting on buildings),  the brightest things are the moon-lit sky over the ocean, the reflection of the moon on the water, and the cresting waves shining in the moonlight.
Please enjoy the two videos (below) taken last month by friends & volunteers of the
​Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol of hatchlings emerging from their nests. 
If you encounter a nest emergence, please stand back and give the hatchlings space. Do not pick them up or "help" them get to the ocean. They need to strengthen their muscles and lungs for the long swim out to sea. When they reach the water they may be pushed back by the waves and are in danger of being trampled by humans near the water's edge. If you find yourself near a hatchling in the water, stand completely still until they are out of harm's way.

Rare White Sea Turtle found during
Hatch Success Evaluation

On September 23, 2021 while performing a nest success evaluation on a Green Sea Turtle nest in Ormond-by-the Sea, Florida, a rare white sea turtle hatchling was discovered. The white color is caused by a condition called Leucism which is the partial lack of pigmentation present during development. The term comes from the greek work "leukos" which means white. Leucism is different than albinism in that albinism is the complete absence of pigment. Albino animals have pink eyes and no pigment while animals with leucism (like our turtle) have dark eyes and a slight pigment. 

Want to Help?

We are a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers. Please consider making a donation to help us achieve our mission of protecting Sea Turtles.

​At the present time, donations can be made by mail. Click HERE for a printable (PDF) donation form.

Washback Season Continues

August through November is Washback Season. When storms and strong winds occur, clumps of seaweed from the Sargasso Sea are “washed back” to our beaches. Young, post-hatchling, sea turtles (weeks to months old) that get carried back to the beach amongst the seaweed are called “washbacks.” While your first instinct may be to place them back in the water, that’s not the best way to help them. They may be weak, exhausted or dehydrated and in need of medical attention. If you find a washback, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at ​1-800-404-FWCC (3922).

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.