Photo by Karen Sota

Life really is a beach
It really is, but from May through October the life on the beach we're concerned with is our sea turtles. Those beautiful Loggerhead ladies are really working their flippers off, especially on the north end of the island. Last week I told you we (actually Jean, the definitive source) had a theory as to why the mamas are all headed to North Topsail. Back in the early 80's she and her late daughter Karen, recorded 63 nests in that area. Sixty three! Keep in mind that there have been a few years when the total number of nests on the island hasn't been much more than that. OK, so what does that have to do with today? If you remember your basic sea turtle facts from reading this column you'll know that loggerheads reach maturity at about 25-30 years of age*. Do the math and you'll see why these gals are headed back to their natal beach this year. Now we're not saying that every turtle is from one of those nests that Jean and Karen nurtured in the 80's, but we do believe that those visionary efforts at preservation have really paid off. All this activity is keeping our noble crew of Topsail Turtle Project volunteers on their toes. Not only are they out there every day, walking every mile of beach before 8 AM, we added to their work with that proverbial last item in every corporate job description: "other duties as assigned." These gracious folks served as honor guards during the release. They did an amazing job of educating and entertaining the crowd while we loaded up the parolees at the hospital. Because of their efforts it was one of the most orderly releases in memory. Thanks! You can keep track of the Topsail nesting season by visiting our website: www.seaturtlehospital.org. Please report all sea turtle activity (nestings, strandings, injured turtles or hatchings) to our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer @ 910-470-2880.

*Research has shown that the same species of sea turtles matures at different ages in different parts of the world. For our northern Loggerheads it's about 25-30 years of age.

Come on down - we're open!
What a successful first week of open house! We had oodles of visitors, in fact some of the nicest and most generous visitors we've had in some time. Even the 90-whatever degree heat didn't stop those brave souls. There are five patients on the tour at the moment. "Swan" is becoming quite the ham, blowing bubbles and squirting water out of her nose - turtle kicks. Good thing she's in a bigger tank because with all the newfound attention her head and ego can barely be contained.

The gift shop is open and we have T-shirts, hats, bags and stuffed turtles, including a new hatchling shirt in pink to honor women and families touched by breast cancer. Tour info: Open every day (except Wednesday and Sunday) from 2 - 4 PM. Early arrival is encouraged if you don't like lines. We close without notice (but normally for only a short period of time) for incoming turtles and/or dangerous weather conditions. For more info: 910-328-3377.
 
Turtle Talks - better than talk radio
Don't know nothin' 'bout sea turtles? Begin your education by attending our weekly turtle talks, every Wednesday through Labor Day. This one-hour presentation, 3:45 - 4:45 PM includes lots of hands-on materials to introduce you to the enigmatic world of sea turtles. Visuals and handouts are appropriate for ages K-adult, and bring your camera to get some great shots for that holiday newsletter. The site is the Surf City Community Center, JH Batts Rd. (off Rt. 210 between Docksider and Gilligans.) Admission is free but donations for our turtles are appreciated. Please leave food and drinks in the car. For more information call the hospital at: 910-328-3377.

Questions, comments or suggestions for stories
Contact me at: flippers@embarqmail.com.