Children's Turtle Time Starting June 30 and 2021 Turtle Nest Update

posted: June 19, 2021, 11:46 AM

We will be holding Children's Turtle Time from 4:00 to 4:45 for the next 6 Wednesdays starting June 30 in the pavilion behind Town Hall. These programs will feature age appropriate crafts, stories and activities for children ages 3 to 6 years old. The children will be divided into two groups: ages 3 & 4 and 5 & 6. Each group will learn about the sea turtles that nest on Holden Beach. Each participant is asked to bring a beach blanket/towel to sit on, sunscreen, and bug spray. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This program is free of charge. For more information on this program contact the Holden Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 842-6488.
This summer so far, we have a total of 22 nests. I bet your are wondering what is happening in the nest before the baby turtles emerge or boil? Here are some cool facts:
• Each nest, looks like an upside down light bulb, is about 18 inches deep and has an average of 120 eggs.
• Turtles incubate in the nest for about 2 months and each embryo starts developing in a folded position. The yolk sac which is its food source remains external during incubation.
• In North Carolina, warmer temperature of 84.6*F and higher produce more females, while cooler temperatures of 84.6*F and lower produce more males. Constant temperatures of 84.6*F produce equal numbers of both sexes.
• As the incubation comes to a close each hatchling will slit the eggshell with its temporary "egg tooth" on the tip of its beak and absorb the egg yolk into their body for nourishment.
• Most turtles in the nest hatch about the same time and they work together to climb to the top of the nest. Many times the sand at the top of the nest may cave in. This is called a depression.
• In time, a nose or a flipper will become visible. When all the baby turtles move quickly and emerge out of the nest it is called a boil.





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