2026 Nest Data
Sat
May 09
Nest 01: Fripp's first loggerhead nest was found today.
Michael P. and Karen N. located the nest at POA 25s, above the
mean high tide line. One egg was taken for research.
Thanks go to Bob S. for bringing
supplies, and
everyone else out there for your help and support.
Mon.
May 11
Nest 02: Nancy and Mickey found this nest at POA 08 and relocated 132 eggs to
POA 11. There were 133 eggs and a small spacer egg in the
nest.
Mon.
May 11
Nest 03, at POA 25n. Linnea and Laurie found the nest and relocated 154 eggs further back
from the mean high tide line. Egg number 155 was taken for research.
Wed. May 15
Nest 04: Karen
and Dalin found NEST 04 near
POA 31n with 134 eggs and relocated 133 eggs further north near
POA 27n above the MHTL. The remaining egg was submitted for DNA research.
Thur. May 21
Nest 05, was located by Connor, Colleen, and Hannah. The nest was laid directly in front of the POA 26
beach access stairway. It couldn't stay there, so 128 eggs were
relocated to the seaward side of a sloping dune just south of POA
26.
Sat. May 23
Nest 06: Pebbles and Tony tripped over this nest at the POA
23 beach access. 115 eggs were relocated a bit to the north and a
bit higher with the help of Pebbles nephew "Ace". Egg
116 was submitted to the DNA research project.
Sat' May 23
Nest 07: Karen found 2 crawls this morning and asked Michelle
and Mike to work this one. It was a classic crawl with a great
body pit. After a few probes, we found the nest and left it in
situ. We took one egg for research.
Sat. May 23
Nest 08, was located by Michael P. at POA 29n.
Karen and
Michael relocated 124 eggs
further back to the seaward side of a sloping dune also at POA
25n. Egg 125 was sacrificed for the DNA research project.
Sun. May 24
Nest 09: Pebbles, Ross, and Julia found the nest at POA 02n. Pebbles, Ross, and
Michael relocated 133 eggs to
the seaward side of a sloping dune at POA 14 north that Gayla had
prepped (this was teamwork). One egg is headed to GA for
research.
Sun. May 24
Nest 10, was found at POA 17s in a
very shallow hole. 128 eggs (1 taken for DNA
research). Karen and Cathy relocated
127 eggs to the seaward side of a sloping dune at POA 17s. There was one egg that was
pear-shaped and 3 spacer eggs.
Sun. May 24
Nest 11, was located against the rocks at POA 26s. With one egg
held back for research; 140 eggs were relocated to a
seaward-facing dune at POA 26n, Nancy, Mickey, Gayla, and
Julia.
Mon. May 25
Nest 12: Julie
and Gayla located this nest
at POA 25s in a low-lying area. Relocated 139 eggs further
back to a seaward-facing dune. Two eggs had been taken by ghost
crabs, which helped in locating the chamber. One of those eggs
was used for the DNA research project. Overall,
a picture-perfect experience for Julie's first nest of 2026.
Mon. May 25
Nest 13, located at POA 16s by Laurie and Linnea. 115 eggs were relocated straight back to higher
ground. Egg 116 was kept out for the DNA research project; while
unusual, this nest did include a small "spacer" egg.
Tue. May 26
Nest 14, this big girl laid 152 eggs at POA 18n - discovered by Sarah and Rich on flat ground close to the MHTL. 151 eggs were
moved further back to high ground, with one egg reserved for the DNA research program.
Wed. May 27
Nest 15, at POA 20n in a low-lying area. 176 eggs were
relocated directly back to the seaward side of a sloping dune at
POA 20n. This was Bob and Monette's first nest of the season.
This female was big, judging by the width of the track. 181 eggs
total. The ghost crab had 5 for breakfast, one of which was saved
for the DNA research project. Karen, Sarah, Bob, And Monette.
Wed. May 27
Nest 16, was found at POA 24s by Jen and Ellen and relocated
directly back to the seaward side of a sloping dune. There were
102 eggs were relocated, and one egg was used for the DNA
research project.
Thur. May 28
Nest 17: Linda
and Jemmy discovered this nest
with a broken
egg shell on top at POA 15s
below the Mean High Tide Line (MHTL). They followed a crab tunnel
right down to the chamber and retrieved 3 predated eggs, used 1
for genetics and relocated 128 viable eggs to dune above MHTL at
POA 15s.
Fri. May 29
Nest 18, was located by Dalin and Karen at POA 27n with 141 eggs
in the nest, and with the help of Sarah and Rich, 140 eggs were
relocated further back to higher ground, on the sloping side of
dune. There was one oversized egg in
this nest.
Sarah, Karen, Dalin, and Rich.
Sun. May 30
Nest 19, Ross and Donna located this nest at POA 03s. This whole
area is problematic, necessitating, with Gayla and Mike's
assistance, the relocation of 117 eggs to POA 13s. One egg was
held out for the DNA research project.
Tue. June 02
Nest 20, was located by Sadie, the new intern at the activity
center, Colleen, and Abby. The nest was laid in front of POA 11
so 117 eggs were relocated to the seaward side of a sloping dune
just south of POA 13.
Tue. June 02
Nest 21, at POA 25s in a flat area below MHTL. Karen and Cathy relocated 130 eggs (1 was taken for DNA research)
behind the seaward side of a sloping dune. Visitors witnessed the
turtle coming up at 9:30 pm last night and using red light
captured her nesting on a video.
Wed. June 03
Nest 22, at POA 16n by Karen, Monette, Bob, and
Tony POA 16n. It was a difficult find, as the wind had
compromised much of the evidence. They relocated 126 eggs to
higher ground at POA 16n and saved one for the DNA research
project.
Wed. June 03
Nest 23, was found at POA 31n with 6 compromised eggs on top, one taken for research, and 109 were
relocated to POA 27n on a seaward-facing dune. Jen and Ellen.
Wed. June 03
Nest 24, was also found by Jen and Ellen, but at POA 31s, and was
relocated to POA 27n. 136 eggs went in the new nest; one
additional egg was taken for DNA analysis.
Thur. June 04
Nest 25, just South of the Beach Club. Jemmy and Linda relocated 117 eggs directly behind, in the dune
area, above the MHTL.
Thur. June 04
Nest 26: Michelle,
Conner, and Julie, at POA
27n. 153 eggs were found; of those, 4 were broken (1 was
taken for DNA). 149 eggs were relocated to the seaward side
of the dune just behind the original nest.
Fri. June 05
Nest 27: Julie found nest 27 at POA 08s with 134 eggs. 133 were
relocated to POA 13s egg 134 was saved for the DNA research
project.
Fri. June 05
Nest 28: Karen found this nest at POA 21s and after one egg was
taken for research it was left in situ. Dalan and Richard.
Fri. June 05
Nest 29: Pebbles found nest 29 with no problem at POA 07. There
were 132 eggs in the nest and 131 were relocated to POA 13s.
Sat. June 06
Nest 30, at POA 20n; Tony and Mark.
High and dry and left in situ -1 for research.
Sat. June 06
Nest 31: Michelle
and Donna at POA 28n. The nest
was relocated to POA 26n. 105 eggs laid 102 relocated. One of the
broken eggs was used for research.
Sat. June 06
Nest 32: Richard located this nest at POA 30s, and he and Sarah
relocated 134 eggs. Laura brought the nest-marking supplies to
POA 26s, as this was the closest area available to ensure
successful incubation. Karen, Laura, Richard, and Sarah.
Sat.June 07
Nest 33, was located by Sarah at POA 18n. 129 eggs total.128 eggs
relocated to the seaward side of a sloping dune POA 18n. Sarah and Karen.
Sat. June 07
Nest 34, at POA 23n by Gayla and Ross. Relocated 132 eggs a bit
higher to protect them from the king tides. Egg number 133 was
submitted to the DNA research project.
Sat. June 07
Nest 35: Mickey
and Nancy found this nest
with141 eggs at POA 28s and relocated 140 eggs to POA 27n.
Mon. June 08
Nest 36, was located by Pebbles at POA 01Bs, 122 eggs. With
one egg taken for research, 121 eggs were moved to the seaward
side of a sloping dune at POA 18n. Karen and Pebbles.
Mon. June 08
Nest 37: Gayla and Julie found this nest at POA 27s right next to
yesterday's false crawl. They relocated 112 eggs to POA 27n and
kept one out for research.
Tue. June 09
Nest 38: Sarah and Richard located it at POA 22n. 126 eggs were
laid; 125 were relocated to the dune directly behind the original
location.
Fri. June 12
Nest 39, at POA 22n, containing 118 eggs. Sarah and Richard
relocated 117 of those eggs to a suitable dune behind the
original site. One egg was used for the DNA sample.
Sat. June 13
Nest 40, was discovered just to the north of POA 16 by Mark and
Tony, just above the last high tide line. Donna and Mark relocated 135 eggs to a nearby dune at POA
16n. One egg was kept out for research.
Mon. June 15
Nest 41, at POA 12 just N of the access path. The nest was laid
on a high dune facing the water, so it was left in situ. Richard and Sarah.
Mon. June 15
Nest 42: Karen
and Pebbles located nest 42 at
POA 01Bs below an escarpment. 119 eggs were relocated to the
seaward side of a sloping dune at P0A 13n. This female was large,
and the nest was shallow; the top of the nest was only about 8
inches below the surface.
Wed. June 17
Nest 43: Jennifer's nest at POA 30s with 111 eggs. Relocated 109
eggs to higher ground at POA 26s .
Wed. June 17
Nest 44: Laurie found this nest at POA 27n in
a good location and left it in situ.
Thur. June 18
Nest 45, at POA 20s by Linda and Jemmy below the Mean High Tide
Line. 105 eggs were relocated to higher ground at POA 20s.One egg
was saved for the DNS research project
Thur. June 18
Nest 46: Rob found the egg chamber just north of POA 15. The nest
was laid in a great location, on the seaward side of the dune. It
was left in situ, with one egg being taken for DNA research. Rob and Heather.
Thur. June 18
Nest 47, was located at POA 01Bs and 128 eggs
relocated to POA 13n. Mickey and Pebbles
Thur. June 18
Nest 48, was laid directly at the Beach Club access. Linda and
Jemmy relocated 109 eggs to POA 16s, 1 egg was taken for genetics
research.
Fri. June 19
Nest 49, was found by Dalin and Karen at POA 28n below the MHTL,
and 130 eggs were relocated in the rain, to
POA 27n.
Fri. June 19
Nest 50: Richard located an in-and-out ribbon crawl at POA 17n.
It was pretty blown over/rained on. Nest was found in a low area
with 123 eggs. Relocated 122 eggs to a dune at POA 18s. One egg was taken
for genetics research.
Fri. June 19
Nest 51, was found south of POA 01B. Mom turtle climbed up a
pretty steep “cliff” to lay her eggs about 8’ back
from the edge. We left it in situ. It had begun raining, and
there was thunder/lightning in the vicinity. Heather probed and
found it easily. One egg was removed and taken for DNA research. Rob, Heather, and
Elinore.
Fri. June 19
Nest 52: Found at POA 02s just as it was starting to rain.
Then the downpour came. Relocated 135 eggs (saved one for DNA) to
POA 13s in a lovely, sloping dune.
Fri. June 19
Nest 53, was located by Karen and Pebbles
at POA 03n with 135 eggs. 133 eggs were relocated to the seaward
side of a nearby sloping dune at Poa 03n.
Mon.June 22
Nest 54: Julie found this nest at POA 20s. Laurie and Julie relocated 111 eggs to a sloping dune right behind
the original location at 20s.
Mon.June 22
Nest 55, was located today by Cathy at POA 01Bs. One egg was held
out for research, and 127 eggs were relocated to the seaward side
of a sloping dune at POA 03n. Karen and Kathy.
Mon.June 22
Nest 56: Richard located the nest chamber of 122 eggs at POA 19s.
120 were relocated straight back to the face of a dune. Of the
two broken eggs, one was saved for the DNA research project. She
nested at POA 19, but then she crawled all the way down past POA 18
to exit. There were many
footprints along her track, so we are assuming she was being
followed. Laurie,
Linnea, and Richard
Tue. June 23
Nest 57: Richard and Sarah found a short set of tracks from the
high-tide line to the soft sand that seemed to come from nowhere.
The
wind-blown dry sand covered any remaining evidence of a crawl. Fortunately, this little turtle left a very shallow, sand-blown
impression at the base of a
dune by POA 23s, and Richard quickly found the nest containing 78
eggs 77 of which were relocated straight back to the face of a
small dune.
Wed. June 24
Nest 58, with 117 eggs, was located by Karen, Bob, and Monette at POA 20n. 116 eggs were relocated straight back to
a nearby seaward side of a sloping dune.
Fri. June 26
Nest 59, was located by Karen and Dalin
at POA 26s. 10 eggs were found broken in the middle of the nest
chamber. 67 eggs were relocated directly back to the seaward side
of a sloping dune at POA 26s. This nest had several double and triple eggs in
the chamber. Sent all the data
and photos to SCDNR for comments.
Fri. June 26
Nest 60, was found directly in front of POA 03. It was laid just
above the last high tide line in a large body pit. Due to its
original location, the nest was relocated to just north of POA
03, next to the other two nests. Rob probed and found the
nest, with Heather’s advice and consent. A total of 132 eggs were laid, with 1 being taken
for research.
Sat. June 27
Nest 61: Sarah,
Donna, Tony, and Mark. located
nest 61 at POA 22n, 104 eggs relocated straight back. 1 egg was
taken for research.
Sat. June 27
Nest 62, was located in POA 22s and relocated 154 eggs straight
back at POA 22s, 1 egg taken for research. Sarah, Donna, Tony, and
Mark.
Sat. June 27
Nest 63: Gayla and Ross worked this nest at POA 28s. Taking one
egg for research, they relocated 127 eggs to POA 27n, Their
grandchildren, Breeley and Jagger, had an experience of a
lifetime on their first morning of vacation.
Sat. June 27
Nest 64, was located today by Michael and Karen
at POA 31s, 138 eggs were relocated to the seaward side of a
sloping dune at POA 26s. One egg saved for research.
Sun. June 28
Nest 65, was found at POA 05s by Donna and Ross. One egg taken for research and 103 eggs relocated
to POA 03n.
Sun, June 28
Nest 66: Julie
and Gayla found this nest with
130 eggs at POA 03n and, after saving one for research, moved it
it to higher ground at POA 03n
Mon. June 29
Nest 67: Linnea
and Laurie found this nest
with 132 eggs at POA 15s and relocated 131 eggs to a sloping,
ocean-facing dune at POA 16n.
Tue. June 30
Nest 68, was found just North of POA 13 with 130 eggs and was
relocated higher up into the dunes. Abbey, Sadie, and Colleen.
Tue. June 30
Nest 69:
Pebbles and Mike found 125
eggs at POA 19s; 124 eggs were relocated to a higher spot
straight back in the dunes.
Tue. June 30
Nest 70: Mickey and Laurie located this nest at POA 24 and
relocated 104 eggs straight back to a seaward-facing dune.
Tue. June 30
Nest 71, at POA 17n, Sadie, Abbe, and Colleen relocated 145 eggs
just North of POA 17 into a seaward-facing dune.
Tue. June 30
Nest 72 Mickey found nest 72 at POA 19 and relocated 114 eggs
straight back.
Tue. June 30
Nest 73 Cathy and Karen at POA 18s. The nest was in a low-lying
area, so with one egg taken for DNA, we relocated 126 eggs
directly back to a sloping seaward-facing dune.