DeBordieu: South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts

Our DeBordieu and Hobcaw volunteers have been hard at work. Each morning at sunrise volunteers walk the beach in search of signs for a fresh sea turtle nest.
Below are a few of their latest updates. Learn more about this incredible program here: DeBordieu Hobcaw SCUTE

South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts

July 29, 2015 - North nest hatch! false crawl


The waxing moon (full on 7/31) along with east/northeast winds are pushing the tides up higher than usual. We will also be having King Tides (extreme high tides) Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1.

North: Pat reported the hatch at 58 days of 6/1 natural DEB05 45 yds. north #11mm! She counted about 40 tracks and also crab activity in the chamber area. We will inventory this nest Saturday at 6:00 p.m. This nest is between DeBordieu and Prince George.

Pat also had a loopy false crawl 3 yds. south #13mm.

DEB 23 HOB 15 SCUTE 115 SC 4789


July 27, 2015 - No activity


We do not have any inventories scheduled for the next few days. When we receive notice from the volunteers that a nest has hatched, we must wait 3 nights before doing the nest inventory. Please check back for 'Daily Updates' to find out the inventory schedule and locations.

DEB 23 HOB 15 SCUTE 114 SC 4771


July 26, 2015 - 2 Inventory results


North: Last night we did the inventory of 5/29 DEB04 located 35 yds. north #9mm. The hatch success was a good 88% with no live hatchlings released.

This morning, Denny had no activity. The turtle that had 14 false crawls in 3 days did not return and may be the one that nested yesterday near the inlet at the south end of Pawleys Island.

Hobcaw: Carolyn, Judie and Debby walked this morning for Derenda. Because of the coyote depredation on HOB04 yesterday, we are experimenting with ways to deter these voracious predators. We used flagging last year and have some on order but in the meantime we are using pinwheels on the 4 corners of the next 3 nests that are in line to hatch. The theory is the movement of the pinwheels in the wind and any sound they make will scare the coyotes.
Carolyn reported HOB03 had a coyote chewed hole in the center of the mesh but not eggs were out. They did the inventory of this nest with Judie digging, Debby and Carolyn counting/sorting. The hatch success was 79% with 2 healthy turtles released (photo of one).

DEB 23 HOB 15 SCUTE 114 SC 4635

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