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Thanks!   --Susan

Counting and recording data on sea turtles on St. George Island 07/29/08 After a nest hatches, we wait 3 days and then dig up the nest to evaluate it, and record the data on how many eggs were in the nest - hatched or unhatched. The unhatched eggs that are left after 3 days are not going to hatch - they are typically unfertilized eggs, or ones that did not develop to maturity for some reason. We count the eggshells left, as well as the unhatched eggs, and record them on the forms at right. I group the hatched eggshells in groups of 5 to make counting easier. So far on St. George Island, I've evaluated 2 nests, with a total of 219 hatched eggs, 15 unhatched, and two live babies who did not make it out of the nest for some reason. The two babies are currently at my house in a dark cool place, resting, and I will release them on a dark beach tonight, when their chances for survival are the best. This work with sea turtles is all permitted by the State of Florida, and I am trained to do this work with the sea turtles. It is fascinating, and I am a lucky dog. Reply Posted: 07/30/08 Hi Susan--These are really interesting posts! I love the pictures and your explanations of what's going on with the turtles. Did you release the babies last night? - Cathie LeBlanc Reply Posted: 07/30/08 Yes, it involved a trip down to the east end about 10PM, to the darkest beach I could find, well away from the lights of downtown. I'm feeling guilty the whole time about burning the gas to drive from my house to the far end of the island (7 miles) while feeling a little virtuous to be helping usher these two little ones into the surf, where they can begin their lives in the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Even tired, even that late, I think next time I will ride my bike with the bucket hooked on the handlebars, and hope for the best. I put the babies out near the edge of the surf, and they hit the water with all flippers in max propeller mode, and headed right out. - Susan Post Reply Your Name: Your eMail: Your Reply: : Type the above text