October 1, 2021
Hatchlings Emerge!
The 2021 Turtle Nesting Season, which runs from May 1 through October 31, is coming to a close. October is a quiet month for turtle patrol as most of the nests have already emerged, hatchlings have made their way out to sea and mama turtles have all but stopped coming to shore to nest. For the nests left on the beach
|
|
|
September 1, 2021
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!
This month, rather than explain what we've been up to in words, we thought we'd share some photographs taken by our wonderful volunteers over the past month (August 2021). Here's what's been keeping us busy each morning on patrol...
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
|
#1 - New Nests & False Crawls
Mama turtles continue to come to our beaches to lay their eggs. Some lay eggs, others return to the sea without doing so. |
#2 - Emergences
Hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their way out to sea. You can see their tracks leading from the nest to the ocean. |
|
|
|
#3 - Nest Evaluations
Several days after hatchlings emerge we perform a Nest Evaluation to determine the success of the nest. 
|
#4 - Hatchlings
Occasionally we find hatchlings that did not make their way to the ocean with their siblings. 
|
|
#5 - Hatching Releases
If the hatchlings we find are strong enough to be released, we point them towards the ocean and ensure that they get there safely. If they are weak/injured we bring them to the Marine Science Center (MSC) for evaluation and rehabilitation. |
#6 - And More...
You never know what an early morning ride on the beach will bring. In this photo, one of our volunteers is rescuing an injured juvenile Brown Pelican. The pelican was transported to the MSC for evaluation and rehabilitation. |
|
|
Nest Evaluation performed 3 days after the hatchlings emerge.
|
Happy to report a successful emergence! (Volunteer with a handful of empty shells from which the turtles emerged.)
|
|
|
|
July 1, 2021
Happy Independence Day!
With summer in full swing, we're at the height of nesting season. We've been patrolling the beach each morning finding, documenting, and marking loggerhead, green and leatherback turtle nests! Our volunteers have even come across a few mama turtles finishing up their nests and making their way back to the ocean in the early morning hours. Check out the slideshow below to see photos taken by our volunteers and visitors in the past month!
July 4th is upon us. And, while this can be a fun and exciting time for humans to celebrate our independence, it can be a very scary time for sea turtles and other wildlife. Loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can scare mama turtles and cause them to return to the water without laying their eggs (false crawl) or never come to shore in the first place. Unfortunately, it's very common to find many false crawls and few or no nests the morning after Independence Day. Birds, including shorebirds, have been known to fly off in panic and hit trees or buildings or abandon their nests/hatchlings.
So, what can you do instead of lighting fireworks? There are lots of fun alternatives for an evening on the beach. For adults and teens, lay down on a blanket and look at the stars. Try to identify the constellations or look for shooting stars. For the kiddos try playing with giant bubble wands or dancing with glow sticks (but don't forget to properly discard them when you leave the beach!). Together we can make it a Happy Independence Day for people and turtles alike!
July 4th is upon us. And, while this can be a fun and exciting time for humans to celebrate our independence, it can be a very scary time for sea turtles and other wildlife. Loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can scare mama turtles and cause them to return to the water without laying their eggs (false crawl) or never come to shore in the first place. Unfortunately, it's very common to find many false crawls and few or no nests the morning after Independence Day. Birds, including shorebirds, have been known to fly off in panic and hit trees or buildings or abandon their nests/hatchlings.
So, what can you do instead of lighting fireworks? There are lots of fun alternatives for an evening on the beach. For adults and teens, lay down on a blanket and look at the stars. Try to identify the constellations or look for shooting stars. For the kiddos try playing with giant bubble wands or dancing with glow sticks (but don't forget to properly discard them when you leave the beach!). Together we can make it a Happy Independence Day for people and turtles alike!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
Morning Patrol Photos
|
Did You Know?
July 5th is notorious for the massive amounts of debris left on the beaches by those celebrating Independence Day the night before. Sea turtles and other wildlife die from choking on or digesting the remains of exploded fireworks, food wrappers, soda cans, bottle tops and other debris left on the beach the night of July 4. Want to help? Leave the beach the way you found it. Properly dispose of trash before you leave the beach. Remove lawn furniture/umbrellas, fill in holes and knock down sandcastles so turtles coming ashore to nest don't get trapped in or injured by obstacles. Want to do more? Volusia County is encouraging residents and visitors to help with cleanup the morning of Monday, July 5. Click here for more information. |
Tips for Sharing our Beaches with Sea Turtles
- Leave the beach the way you found it. Mama turtles can get trapped/injured in lawn chairs or stuck in holes dug on the beach. When leaving, remove obstacles that could get in their way by taking everything with you when you leave, filling in holes and knocking down sandcastles.
- Pick up your trash. Mama turtles may think your plastic bag is a yummy jellyfish and eat it, making her sick or killing her. Look around before you leave and place your trash in recycle/trash bins.
- Lights out. Lighting along A1A, beach bonfires and flashlights can confuse mama turtles, discouraging them from coming ashore to lay their eggs. If they are already on shore, they may become disoriented or be frightened away.
- Do not disturb nesting females. If you see a turtle coming ashore to nest, do not approach! Give her space and don't make loud noises or quick movements. If she gets scared and returns to the ocean, she may dump her eggs in the sea and the baby turtles will perish.
2021 Turtle Fest T-Shirts
AVAILABLE NOW!
AVAILABLE NOW!
May 1, 2021
Turtle Nesting Season has Begun!
|
Today marks the first day of the 2021 Turtle Nesting Season for the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol! Mama turtles are beginning to come to shore to lay their eggs on our beaches. During this time our trained volunteers patrol the beach each morning to look for turtle crawls, tracks left in the sand by mama turtles as they make their way up the beach to lay their eggs. By studying the tracks volunteers can determine what species of turtle made the crawl, what direction they were traveling to/from the ocean, if obstacles were present in the turtle's path, if eggs were laid, the latitude/longitude of the nest, and much more!
|
4/21/2021 Leatherback nest laid in Ormond Beach, FL
|
If mama turtles have laid eggs, volunteers mark the nests with wooden stakes and colored ribbons so that the area remains undisturbed by visitors to the beach. The nesting data collected by volunteers becomes part of the state-wide picture of turtle activity and is used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to look at population trends and make decisions about how to proceed with conservation efforts, beach development, and sea turtle policies. We look forward to seeing you (and the turtles) out there this season!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
Volunteer.
|
We can always use more dedicated volunteers that can commit their time to this worthy cause. Morning Patrol starts as early as 6:00 am and can last several hours. The schedule is flexible with individual hands-on training. You will be gathering information important to the long term survival and understanding of the sea turtles. The season begins with Turtle Fest in April and we have one meeting each month during turtle season. Click the link below to complete a Volunteer Application.
|
|
2021 Turtle Fest featuring...
Shimmy Chic Fitness with Sadira
Shimmy Chic Fitness with Sadira
|
|
2021 Turtle Fest Sponsors
A big THANK YOU to our 2021 Turtle Fest Sponsors!
You help make morning patrols possible!
A big THANK YOU to our 2021 Turtle Fest Sponsors!
You help make morning patrols possible!
|
6th Street Deli
Alex Barnette Arlene Deegan A Scent to Remember Bambi & Michael Pro Beach Front Grille Bill & Margie Hanson Break Awayz Café by the Sea Candy Taylor Charles & Mami Stanley Chris & Kate Nelson Crabby Joes Cracked Egg Diner Danielle Rogers Deena Delany Faye & Lanny Johnson Flagler Animal Hospital Flagler Beach Gift Shop Flagler Board Shack Flagler Fish Company Flagler Surf Flagler Tea Company |
Friends Café
Ginger Pinholster Greg Lynn Jewelers Hammock Gardens Hammock Hardware High Tides Jan & Harvey Hatridge JAVA Joint Jimmy’s Hang Ten Jose Gasper Treasure Company Joyce Cunningham- Caldwell Junque in the Trunk Kathie Bunch Kona Ice Flagler Kona Ice Volusia Lagerheads Bar & Grill Larry & Laurel Allberg Laurel Coulon Laura & Richard Rauscher Lynnda McCoy Margaret Markes Martine McCartney Hair Design Martins Restaurant |
Mary Louk
Metro Diner Mick & Marcy Schorsch Oceanside Beach Bar Old Time Radio Show Patrick & Dena Laurienti In Memory of Larry Powell Publix Supermarkets Roger & Gloria Diagstedt Romero’s Tuscany by the Sea Snack Jacks, High Jackers Southeast Jewelry Stephanie & Dave Fabrizi Target, Palm Coast Tortugas Tri City Cycles Turtle Shack UPS Store- Palm Coast Veranda Pampering Salon Vessels Whaam Burger Z Wave Surf Shop |
April 16, 2021
Thank You for a Successful
13th Annual Turtle Fest!
|
2021 Turtle Fest Photos
Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 10
to make the 13th Annual Turtle Fest a great success! Your support helps us achieve our goal of the protection and conservation of sea turtles! As Turtle Nesting Season officially begins May 1, it won't be long until we see you on the beach for morning patrols! |
Sea Turtle Release
"Hobgoblin" was rescued in Duval County on February 4, 2021. He was triaged at the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory and then went to the Marine Science Center on February 5 for treatment. He had gastrointestinal issues, was underweight and lethargic. He was also missing his right front flipper from an old injury. Hobgoblin was released on April 10, 2021 at the 13th annual Turtle Fest in Marineland, Florida.
|
April 10, 2021
Thank You for a Successful
13th Annual Turtle Fest!
THANK YOU to everyone who joined us on April 10
to make the 13th annual Turtle Fest a great success!
to make the 13th annual Turtle Fest a great success!
Sea Turtle Release
"Hobgoblin" was rescued in Duval County on February 4, 2021. He was triaged at the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory and then went to the Marine Science Center on February 5 for treatment. He had gastrointestinal issues, was underweight and lethargic. He was also missing his right front flipper from an old injury. Hobgoblin was released on April 10, 2021 at the 13th annual Turtle Fest in Marineland, Florida.
"Hobgoblin" was rescued in Duval County on February 4, 2021. He was triaged at the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory and then went to the Marine Science Center on February 5 for treatment. He had gastrointestinal issues, was underweight and lethargic. He was also missing his right front flipper from an old injury. Hobgoblin was released on April 10, 2021 at the 13th annual Turtle Fest in Marineland, Florida.
2021 Turtle Fest Sponsors
A big THANK YOU to our 2021 Turtle Fest Sponsors!
You help make morning patrols possible!
A big THANK YOU to our 2021 Turtle Fest Sponsors!
You help make morning patrols possible!
|
6th Street Deli
Alex Barnette Arlene Deegan A Scent to Remember Bambi & Michael Pro Beach Front Grille Bill & Margie Hanson Break Awayz Café by the Sea Candy Taylor Charles & Mami Stanley Chris & Kate Nelson Crabby Joes Cracked Egg Diner Danielle Rogers Deena Delany Faye & Lanny Johnson Flagler Animal Hospital Flagler Beach Gift Shop Flagler Board Shack Flagler Fish Company Flagler Surf Flagler Tea Company |
Friends Café
Ginger Pinholster Greg Lynn Jewelers Hammock Gardens Hammock Hardware High Tides Jan & Harvey Hatridge JAVA Joint Jimmy’s Hang Ten Jose Gasper Treasure Company Joyce Cunningham- Caldwell Junque in the Trunk Kathie Bunch Kona Ice Flagler Kona Ice Volusia Lagerheads Bar & Grill Larry & Laurel Allberg Laurel Coulon Laura & Richard Rauscher Lynnda McCoy Margaret Markes Martine McCartney Hair Design Martins Restaurant |
Mary Louk
Metro Diner Mick & Marcy Schorsch Oceanside Beach Bar Old Time Radio Show Patrick & Dena Laurienti In Memory of Larry Powell Publix Supermarkets Roger & Gloria Diagstedt Romero’s Tuscany by the Sea Snack Jacks, High Jackers Southeast Jewelry Stephanie & Dave Fabrizi Target, Palm Coast Tortugas Tri City Cycles Turtle Shack UPS Store- Palm Coast Veranda Pampering Salon Vessels Whaam Burger Z Wave Surf Shop |
2021 Turtle Fest featuring...
Shimmy Chic Fitness with Sadira
Shimmy Chic Fitness with Sadira
|
|
Florida Sea Turtles
There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.
LOGGERHEADThe Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.
|
LEATHERBACKThe 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.
|
GREENThe Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
and algae. |
HAWKSBILLThe Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped.
|
KEMP'S RIDLEYThe 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.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.