Leaving the nest
We’ve wrapped up the nesting here on Topsail with our ladies coming in a bit under sixty nests. While it’s not a championship season by any means we’ll happily take whatever those lovely Loggerheads can deliver. We’re about a quarter of the way through our hatches, and we’ve been getting a lot of questions at the hospital, so here’s the scoop on our FAQ’s.

Where are the nests?
They’re all over the island. They’ve been staked and marked with orange tape. Our website lists the general area of the verified nests but we usually do not list specific addresses until after the nest has hatched.

How many eggs are in the nest?
Until the nest analysis is completed we won’t know for sure. Average clutch is about 120 eggs. Topsail Turtle Project (TTP) volunteers carefully excavate each nest after three days to search for the "late bloomers," the hatchlings that just didn’t hear the alarm go off. Stragglers are generally set free the next evening, or they may spend a few days at the hospital, depending on their condition and/or unusual weather. The entire contents of the nest are carefully examined, including every egg, whether intact or only a shell of its former self.

How long does it take?
Generally, incubation takes about 60 days but will vary greatly depending on sand temperature. An early hatch might be around 52 days but we’ve had a few nests that went to 70+ days.

Can you tell me where and when a nest will hatch?
We already covered the where, and nobody can tell you the when. It would be nice if we got an e-mail from the critters, or they sent up a flag announcing their arrival, but those rascals are pretty secretive about the day and time. If you’re a few ounces of tasty snack for a variety of predators (especially ghost crabs and gulls) and you’re looking at covering about 30 yards or more of open beach before you hit the surf you’re going to move fast and without fanfare.

Who watches the nests?
The TTP volunteers closely monitor each nest, taking into consideration the average incubation time. Nest sites are ramped (the sand smoothed) in anticipation of a hatch, and keeping vigil on a nightly basis begins when they see signs of activity. The sand above the nest will begin to sink as the hatchlings scramble towards the surface. It’s not a quick process to dig your way up from the bottom of a nest that might be two feet deep, being kicked in the face with flippers the whole time. TTP volunteers may sit by that depressed sand for more than a few nights until that first brave critter pips up, blinks in wide-eyed wonder and heads for the surf.

Photo: These hatchlings were practicing for their march to the sea after a day at the hospital unfurling their flippers.

Can I watch a nest hatch?
Yes, if you’re lucky. Just remember that our TTP "pit crew" is in charge at a hatch. If they say, "sit" you must sit and be quiet. No flashlights, flash photography, loud noises or running around in the area of the nest. Don’t bring your dogs to the site, even on a leash. Never try to pick up a hatchling unless specifically asked to do so by our volunteers. They know how to make sure each hatchling heads in the right direction. If you do see a hatch, count your blessings; you are among the very few, very fortunate people in the entire world who have been witness to this miracle of nature.

All sea turtles are federally protected animals. Harassing or interfering with them or their nests in any way is punishable by a hefty fine and/or imprisonment. Please report any incidents of hatching, injury, stranding or harassment to our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer at 910-470-2880 immediately.

Hospital tours coming to an end
We will be open August 31st thru Sept. 5th, excluding Wednesday, Sept. 2nd. Hours on those days are 2-4 PM. The gift shop will also be open. Lines can be long so come prepared with sunscreen and umbrellas for shade. Your minimum contribution of $2 per adult and $1 per child will help us reach that final $350,000 we need to build our new facility, and anything above and beyond is greatly appreciated. We’re behind the big blue water tank in Topsail Beach. And for those of you planning ahead, we’re planning ahead, too. We expect to have a limited opening during Autumn with Topsail, the weekend of October 17-18. Our phone number is: 910-328-3377.

Lobster Dinner and Auction
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24th.  Artists, craftspeople and business owners have been very generous with their donations over the years, but we know that there are a lot of people new to our coast who would love to use this opportunity to introduce us to their work. If you haven’t been part of our auction in the past please consider donating an item or service for this year’s event. We’ll give you more details in the next few weeks, but if you have an immediate question you can e-mail me (flippers@embarqmail.com) or Jean (loggrhead@aol.com) for information.

We’re thinking yard sale
Because so many of you generously dropped off items for the Labor Day yard sale we had to cancel we’re going to resurrect this event in 2010. We’re looking at Memorial Day weekend. Save your stuff and watch for details.

Questions, comments or suggestions for stories
Contact me at: flippers@embarqmail.com.