From time to time the ARK (Animal Rehabilitation Keep) will release turtles that have been rescued and rehabilitated from injuries.
Yesterday was the day. This photo and the next two are courtesy of the ARK since they were much better than the ones I took. Above is a shot from a drone showing the corridor formed to give the turtles a wide berth to the sea. (turnout is always good for the releases)
Volunteers in their green shirts are showing the turtles to spectators prior to release.
Here is a turtle staying hydrated until release.
This photo and the rest are mine. No release would be complete without some t-shirts which help raise funds for the ARK.
This is the time when Sea turtles begin to come ashore to lay their eggs. They do this from now until August. These moms return to the place where as hatchlings they initially entered the sea.
On Wednesday of this week, a Kemp-Ridley turtle returned to her release spot to lay her eggs. Just in time for Mother’s Day.
Here is a closer shot of her hard at work digging her nest. Once she is complete with the process which includes burying the eggs, volunteers will dig them up and take them to the sanctuary for safe hatching. They will then be released back to the Gulf. The rope will be tossed into the nest before she buries the eggs. This will ensure that the eggs can be easily found. This turtle laid over eighty eggs.
This is a photo of the trail she left on her way to her nest.
She makes a serpentine path.
Here is a close up of her marks in the sand. You can see how her shell makes groves.
To give you an idea of the distance, her nest is between the car on the left and the truck on the right. These vehicles belong to volunteers. I took this shot from the water.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
Fiction Favorites 
A perfect photo story for Mother’s Day! Thank you for the inspiration. Have a great day. 🙂
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Happy Mother’s Day, Gwen. Hope the day is special.
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Great pictures
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Thank you, Eric. 😀
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This post was perfect for Mother’s Day, John. I was amazed to read how many eggs she laid. These were great pictures. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. The baby mortality rate is astronomical so they need to lay a lot.
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We have a problem with people who think turtle eggs are an aphrodisiac or just want to make money because they’re considered a delicacy. Plus, to make matters worse, when the eggs do hatch right across the street, the lights confuse the babies as to where the ocean is and they go right toward A1A highway.
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I wonder if an organization could be formed over there to take care of these guys. Wonder why there hasn’t been one? Thanks, GP
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There is, I believe in Riviera Bch. about 20 miles away. They try to protect them and have people turn off their lights on A1A, but humans will be humans I’m afraid!!
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I think you are right.
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What a fantastic event! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing photos, John!
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Thank you, Jill
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This is just wonderful. I’ve never seen a release, or been involved with our “turtle patrol” (which looks for nests on the beach) but it’s wonderful work with a lot of volunteers. What an inspiring post.
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We have had two on the same day. I couln’t get to the other one.
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A perfect post for the day, John. I loved seeing how well the community supports this effort. And that “turtle shell” hat! Happy Mother’s Day to Molly. Hugs to you all.
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I know right? Happy mother’s day to Crystal’s mom.
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Aw. You’re so kind. More hugs.
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🙂
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This is a great post for Mother’s Day, John. Thanks for getting your feet wet for us.
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Ha haha. Eighty degree water so not much of a sacrifice.
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Wow – already 80?
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Yup.
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Always fun to see the turtle posts. 😁
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Yup. Thanks, Charles.
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Good morning, John,
I’m glad the turtles are so well cared for. They need all the rpotection they can get. We visited the turtle rescue place on South Padre when we were tghere in 2015 and were impressed.
Have a greta Sunday,
Pit
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Thank you, Pit. You as well. 🙂
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🙂
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John,
This is a beautifully appropriate post for Mother’s Day. All the best to your special lady.
Peace
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Thank you, Marc. To yours as well. 😀
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Thank you for a great story, John. The turtles are huge. Far bigger than ours in New England.
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Yes we have several different breeds. The green turtles are the smallest.
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80 offspring? And I thought cats were bad. 🙂
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Can you imagine what the breakfast table looks like in the morning?
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Great shots for Mothers Day, John. By the way, I love your new banner picture!
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Thanks. The readers voted and that was the winner.
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Please tell me you have one of those cool turtle hats.
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No. Ha ha ha
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A great reminder that mothers came in many forms. Cheers to those who donate their time and effort to protect the sea turtles! Happy Mothers Day to all!
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Thank you, Frank.
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These turtles show that mothers can be fiercely determined. Great post for Mother’s Day, John. Thank you for your wishes.
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So true. Thank you, Evelyne
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Perfect for Mother’s Day, John! Another example of how your community comes together.
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So true. Thaks, Michelle.
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What a perfect story for Mother’s Day. I love this. Nature is such a fascinating study. Hope The Producer had a wonderful day!
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The best. Thank you, Jan
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Aw, this is just wonderful, John. Eighty eggs?? That’s a lot of kiddos (though I’m guessing all of them don’t make it, right?) Tell the Producer Happy Mom’s Day for me!
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Thaks, Debbie.
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LOVE turtles! 🙂
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Great photos – thanks for sharing the process up close! Husband, Son, and I had lunch Sunday at Virginia’s on the Bay. I had not been back since Harvey so it was nice to see things getting back to a more normal atmosphere. Things looked pretty good!
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I think things are moving ahead. Thanks, Jo
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Amazing! I’d have loved this experience. Thank you for sharing this day with us. Hope you’re doing well.
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It was beautiful.
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What a great experience, John. I read another post recently about the same thing. While it is sad that there is a need for this sort of protection, it is a good thing it is being provided.
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The world is just too dangerous for these animals. Humans are the biggest danger.
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I know, John. It is tragic and it is worse in places like AFrica where the people are two poverty stricken to care about the environment and conservation.
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Sad thing, Robbie. Thank you.
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80 eggs – what a mom! Late getting here, but still perfect for Mother’s Day.
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Thank you, Teri.
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How wonderful and uplifting this post is! I hope they all make it, and the babies when hatched make too!
I’ve watched documentaries on their trek from the sea to the nesting site, and then when the babies hatch their arduous journey to the sea. It’s amazing that any make it what with all the sea gulls, crabs, and cars along the way!
To see this live must be truly jaw dropping amazing!
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It is. I was standing next to a volunteer and he was like a coach whispering encouragement to the mom. Made for an emotional time.
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I love that 🙂 awesome pictures…I don’t think I’ve seen it in reality only in tv 📺 😫 lucky you! 😀
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I am thankful every day. Thanks, Ray.
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