Anxiously awaiting

posted: May 7, 2023, 7:56 AM

The turtle nesting season started on May 1 here in Holden Beach. Our riders began early morning searches for signs of mother turtles laying eggs on our beach. So far, we have not found any evidence. There have been nests recorded in South Carolina and on May 6, 2023 the first nest was found in North Carolina on Masonboro Island. We hope they'll find Holden Beach soon.

The earliest date we've recorded of a nest on Holden Beach was on May 8, 2021---when we were the first nest in North Carolina. Last year the first nest was on May 21.

May 20 has been a frequent first nest date! This was the first nest in 2014, 2015 and 2018. (See first nest history in the photos section of this website for other first nest dates).

Since it is turtle season, we'd like to remind everyone to turn off ocean facing lights in beach front property. Please do not use flashlights on the beach and fill in holes dug in the sand before you leave the beach.

**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Holden Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 22ST11).**

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