Sea Turtle Inventory Release Nest 4 Litchfield by the Sea, SC

Five Baby Turtles Amaze Crowd
On Litchfield by the Sea Beach Five baby turtles bring cheers from a Litchfield by the Sea crowd
as the hatchlings seemed determined to head for the sea. South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiast (SCUTE) volunteer sea turtle watchers successfully complete an inventory Saturday night, Aug. 8, 2009, at Litchfield by the Sea. Volunteers, Lynn Geuder, LOA, talks to an enthusiastic crowd; Goffinet McLaren goes into the nest and produces turtle five more turtles, which are counted by Pat Milling. SCUTE Co-Founder Jeff McClary supervises Nest 4, with about an 87 per cent hatchling success based on 91 eggs.

First-year volunteer Milling of Murrells Inlet says she heard parents explaining to their children about what a rare sight they were witnessing.  Since most nests hatch late at night, Milling says. Usually the only sight left are tiny tracts heading to the sea.  People used words like privilege to explain how special this was to see five Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings go out to see after the nest inventory. Milling says this gives the volunteers a great opportunity to educate everyone. They can see how important it is to keep our beaches clean of litter and to remove all tents, chairs and such from the beach each night, she says. As much fun as playing on the beach is, youngsters now understand it is equally important to fill in all holes so mother turtles and hatchling don't get trapped in them. Onlookers also see how It is important for turtles to be free to travel on the beach unimpeded, Milling says. As the waves first take them they are often backwashed and can be injured by people trying to follow them too closely into the water. We are blessed to be able to share the beaches and ocean waves with such sea life and wildlife. Milling says being a first-year SCUTE turtle walker has been amazing.  Earlier this summer I witnessed a turtle as she finished laying her eggs and returned to the sea, Milling explains.  I hope I am able to walk for turtles for a very long time and can in a small way help these amazing creatures.

Audio track by 'The Hired Hands' folk music by children of Tim and Ann Miller, who live on a farm near Lisbon Oh, are going far and wide to pursue their interest and are led by two celtic harps played by their two eldest daughters, Allison and Sairey.    For info on their CD, link to The Hired Hands at www.myspace.com/thehiredhands -- Lloyd Mackall, Public Relations and Digital Imagery Based in Wachesaw East Plantation, 9 Palmetto Place, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576  843-651-4610

Video by CoastalDigital 9 Palmetto Place, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Pawleys Island
• Myrtle Beach
• Loggerhead sea turtles
• sea turtle hatchlings

[CoastalDigital]

This video should be dedicated to Goffinet McLaren of Pawleys Island, SC, volunteer for South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE) on the beach at Litchfield by the Sea, SC. During June to October, she begins at 6 a.m. and walks more than 3 miles 7 days a week. Each day she walks with several other volunteers to help protect sea turtles.  They look for turtle tracks, check turtle nests and pick up litter during the morning trek. There is night work, too, for this Grace-filled person.