Hatchling Sea Turtles on Amelia Island

The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch is a group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles that nest on the island. Volunteers mark the nests as they are laid starting in May. Once the hatchlings are ready, they dig up the nest to ensure that all the hatchlings make it out safely and count the babies, eggs, etc. They put the babies in a bucket and then carry it down to the surf and let them go into the ocean. You can go to www.ameliaislandseaturtlewatch.com to see the excavation schedule and are welcome to come and watch.

This picture was taken very early Thursday morning when Sandy (from the spa) went to watch an excavation of a sea turtle nest. This little fella, actually she said it's a girl, had gotten stuck in the nest wall when it probably became disoriented during the mad escape.