Thursday, June 2, 2011

Turtle Walk Thursday

It was windy and cool this morning when we started our walk.  The temperature was down to 71 last night and got up to 91 at some point today.


Another turtle walker was starting her zone at the same time we were.

Lots of small shells and crumbs were waiting to be picked up. :)








We have four nests in our zone now.  One of them had a couple of small areas where something had been digging in it.  The prints weren't easily seen, but we think, probably a raccoon.  It will be checked each day and if it continues, the nest may have to be covered to protect it.


This guy seemed to be enjoying his early morning, with a thermos full of coffee.






There were two Ospreys on the nest today as we passed by.




A 1 1/2 ft deep hole.  Thank goodness we have no turtle eggs hatching yet, because this would make a real baby turtle trap. :(




















More critter tracks were all over one small area and a track that looked like a tail was dragging.

The Anodontia alba, or better known as 
Buttercup Lucine, is a small to medium-sized bivalve.
This is one of my favorite shells and the only one I picked up today.


A little Crabbie.




On the return mile, I was casting a long shadow.

This ledge is perfect for shelling, you hardly have to bend over at all.  :)


Yes,.....a human track.  But only half a foot?  I'm guessing a jogger, running on their ball of their foot.  Very strange looking tracks.

8 comments:

Della said...

I'll be enjoying my morning coffee on the beach this weekend! I'll be sure to watch for turtle traps, and smooth them over, or fill them in :D Have a great weekend Tootie!

Those Buttercup Lucines are pretty shells! One of my faves is the thick Lucina.

NanaDiana said...

Well, I felt like I was right there with you, Tootie! Wonderful pictures today-fun to see all the words and things made by beach-goers! Hugs-Diana

sue in mexico mo said...

Thanks for taking us on your walk. And thanks for the view of Ocean's Reach! I will be there soon!

How do you cover the nest to protect from raccoons, etc?

Don said...

I miss Sanibel. Thanks Tootie.

George said...

I hope all four nests in your area continue to be undisturbed. Of course, it would also be nice if there were no deep holes in the sand when the turtles hatch.

Debra LeeBerry said...

I've visited your blog before and I'm following your blog but it's been a while since I looked in. Oh, my, the beach and the shells are beautiful! It reminds me of the year my husband and I spent our honeymoon on Captiva 29 years ago (this May 28th) - it was after a storm and the beach was covered with shells just like it is in your pictures. I still have all my shells I collected that week. Beautiful! :-)

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

nice buttercup. love the sand art, but wish people would understand the whole turtle season thing and at least fill in when they leave. nice shell bank. counting down to Oct but looking forward to San Diego next week......

Dave said...

Lots of nice beach photos here Tootie. I liked the ones of children's sand castles. - Dave