The end of nights

We're officially done with the nightly turtle patrols, which is both a happy and sad occasion.  I think we'll all miss the sometimes exciting, sometimes exhausting nights with the girls.  But it will be good to move on to something new.  For our last two weeks on island we'll be checking that Buck has remained rat-free since the successful eradication program several years ago.  Then there's the usual data entry, reporting, and gear organization.  Before we know it, we'll all be off on our next adventures.  In the interest of nostalgia, check out some photos of the pretty ladies.

Hawksbill--check out that beak!

That beautiful shell is why they're endangered

Hawksbill laying eggs

Data, always data

Lady Green on her way to the water

Fin

Hatchlings!

Baby Hawksbills heading to the open ocean

There’s something almost magical about walking along the beach on patrol and stumbling across dozens and dozens of turtle hatchlings making their way together to the ocean.  They disappear into the water so quickly.  Where do they go?  How do they get there?  And better yet, how do they make their way back to their natal beach after 15 years and traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles?  The life of a turtle holds so many mysteries beyond what we see when they come up on land.

So far, we’ve had green, hawksbill, and leatherback nests hatch.  We’ve got hatchlings in every size, shape and color…brown ones, black ones, grey and white.  And let me tell you, those baby turtleys are cuuuuuuute! But don’t take my word for it.  Check out the pictures!

Hawksbill

Leatherback

I’m still holding out for the loggerhead babies!