Perdido

I had planned to spend the day at Santa Rosa, but we had an early morning call that our first nest, 5091, was making noise -- that means there are hatchlings crawling their way to the surface. So, I decided to go check the nest myself. It's still not coned, and I didn't hear much, but it was late in the day when I got there and it was a little hot. The little guys may have been resting in the heat of the day. Kemp's ridley nests don't always hatch here, and often are slow to hatch. We'll check again tomorrow.



There were benefits to visiting Perdido today. I got to see this chick, who was still in an egg yesterday. Snowy plover chicks (Charadrius alexandrinus)are just adorable!



This brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) was having a peaceful day preening and resting at the end of the jetty at Pensacola Pass.



A lone willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) walked by the swimming hole...



feeding, and calling his characteristic 'squeaky wheel' cry.



Even the fishermen thought it was a perfect day.



So, no hathclings yet, but life is still pretty good at Gulf Islands National Seashore.



Please remember to share the beach with turtles, and call Gulf Islands (850-232-3640) or FWC (1-888-404-FWCC or *FWC from your cell phone) if you see a nesting or hathcling sea turtle on the beach. Thank you!