Sea Turtle Nests

[Sanibel]

Strange thing this year. Of the 4 sea turtle nests built on the beach by my house 3 of them were way out in the middle of the beach and not by the edge of the dune vegetation like normal. Last year all the turtles built very high into the vegetation. We had Dennis, Rita, and Katrina pass fairly close. Wilma gave us the worst brush.

One of the nests was so far out on the beach a very high tide washed it away. I can't figure out any interpretation for this if there is any at all. Makes me think if turtle nests are storm predictors we will either get nothing or get hit by a big one? Or maybe it means nothing at all?

[krisj]

I have a friend who has lived on Isle of Palms for quite some time. She said that the year Hugo came there were virtually no nests. The year we got Charley and Gaston there were hardly any nests. Last year there were many nests and we didn't get anything, really.
I haven't asked about the nests this time around. She goes by the theory that if there are few nests we need to watch out.
I don't know about location though.

[O Town]

Strange thing this year. Of the 4 sea turtle nests built on the beach by my house 3 of them were way out in the middle of the beach and not by the edge of the dune vegetation like normal. Last year all the turtles built very high into the vegetation. We had Dennis, Rita, and Katrina pass fairly close. Wilma gave us the worst brush.

One of the nests was so far out on the beach a very high tide washed it away. I can't figure out any interpretation for this if there is any at all. Makes me think if turtle nests are storm predictors we will either get nothing or get hit by a big one? Or maybe it means nothing at all?

Interestiing. I have never seen nests built anywhere but up high by the dunes, so I find that a bit odd as well. I hope the other three make it regaurdless.

[SouthFloridawx]

I have a friend who has lived on Isle of Palms for quite some time. She said that the year Hugo came there were virtually no nests. The year we got Charley and Gaston there were hardly any nests. Last year there were many nests and we didn't get anything, really.
I haven't asked about the nests this time around. She goes by the theory that if there are few nests we need to watch out.
I don't know about location though.

Let us know when you talk to her.

[Steve]

Maybe sea turtles are following people in the dumbing down of America?



Steve

[JPmia]

There was an article in the West Palm Beach Post either in 2004 or 05 about this issue. Local scientists observed the turtles building nests unusually higher than average as if they were expecting higher water levels.

[Dean4Storms]

Could just be some tired turtles!

[gatorcane]

wouldn't the turtles build farther away from the beach to avoid the storm? Makes me say SW Florida will be safe this year.

[CentralFlGal]

Perhaps they were disoriented by lights and/or overdevelopment near their natural habitat.