Monday, August 6, 2012

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Hatching at Emerald Isle

Sometimes things just work out right and the stars to align to see something wonderful in life. During our annual family trip to the outer-banks of North Carolina we had the opportunity to see Loggerhead Sea Turtles  Hatch and make the journey from their nest to the Atlantic Ocean. The whole event lasted about an our of waiting and was over in about 15 minutes as they went to the ocean. This particular nest had between 80 to 100 eggs hatch. The United States Loggerhead Sea Turtle nesting season runs from about May to November. Nesting takes place nocturnally and at 2- to 3-year intervals. Three or four clutches may be laid in a season at intervals of approximately 12 days. Clutch size averages around 115 eggs with incubation requiring 49 to 68 days, about 55 days being average. The hatchlings generally emerge at night. Limited information indicates that turtles reach sexual maturity in 12 to 30 years. These pictures are a little grainy, due to the fact it was dark and red lights were used to observe the turtles due to the fact they will travel toward white light, but they definitely came out great and can give you a glimpse of what these turtles look like.




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