Loggerheads, Manatee and Dolphin ... Oh my! HH Report

[RobDoc]

There has been a lot of nature at HH this past week. Right at the resort in the marina itself, there has been a manatee and a number of dolphin. We've seen many dolphin over the years here and even a manatee several years ago, but never in the marina area so this was a new experience for us.

On Monday, DW and I were enjoying the surf at low tide in front of the Beach House and a large head appeared about 20 feet away. I never saw the shell, but recognized the head as that of a loggerhead sea turtle. This morning, on the beach as the tide was going out, a female loggerhead had washed ashore about 200 yards north of the Disney beach area. She had been hit by a boat propeller and had 5 prop cuts along her carapace and her right front flipper had been amputated. While we were there a couple of turtle naturalists arrived to measure and record pertinent data (and to remove the carcass).

The loggerheads just started to return to HH in numbers about 4 years ago and this year's season has just begun. So far this nesting season there are 76 known loggerhead nests on Hilton Head. This turtle was a mature female, at least 25 years old (they can live to near 70) and in the prime of her breeding activity. Apparently they will lay eggs about four times in a season and then not again for 2-3 years. It was sad to see the body there, especially with the injuries evident.

The weather has been great here. We are nearing the end of our 3 week trip but will be back with grandkids soon for another week. The DVC resort has been pretty busy.

The Tuesday fireworks begin on June 22 and will go on thru August 10. The merchants made the financial decision to shorten the Harbourfest season this year, but I suspect it may return to a more normal schedule next year as the crowds on the island are up after slow seasons the last few years.

 

[podsnel]

Oh so sad about the turtle- but it sounds wonderful that the numbers already appear to be good this year for the nests! And a MANATEE!!! WOW!!! I hope he is still there in August when I arrive! Thanks for the info- and VERY envious of your 3 weeks in HHI!

Ellen

 

[Connears]

There has been a lot of nature at HH this past week. Right at the resort in the marina itself, there has been a manatee and a number of dolphin. We've seen many dolphin over the years here and even a manatee several years ago, but never in the marina area so this was a new experience for us.

On Monday, DW and I were enjoying the surf at low tide in front of the Beach House and a large head appeared about 20 feet away. I never saw the shell, but recognized the head as that of a loggerhead sea turtle. This morning, on the beach as the tide was going out, a female loggerhead had washed ashore about 200 yards north of the Disney beach area. She had been hit by a boat propeller and had 5 prop cuts along her carapace and her right front flipper had been amputated. While we were there a couple of turtle naturalists arrived to measure and record pertinent data (and to remove the carcass).

The loggerheads just started to return to HH in numbers about 4 years ago and this year's season has just begun. So far this nesting season there are 76 known loggerhead nests on Hilton Head. This turtle was a mature female, at least 25 years old (they can live to near 70) and in the prime of her breeding activity. Apparently they will lay eggs about four times in a season and then not again for 2-3 years. It was sad to see the body there, especially with the injuries evident.

The weather has been great here. We are nearing the end of our 3 week trip but will be back with grandkids soon for another week. The DVC resort has been pretty busy.

The Tuesday fireworks begin on June 22 and will go on thru August 10. The merchants made the financial decision to shorten the Harbourfest season this year, but I suspect it may return to a more normal schedule next year as the crowds on the island are up after slow seasons the last few years.

We missed you! Just left HHI this morning after checking in sunday. I agree about the amazing weather, I also miss the Tuesday fireworks..hope your prediction is true. We didn't hear or see the manatee or loggerhead turtle, but that would have been amazing. Have fun...we are in Savannah for one night.

Connears

 

[DisDaydreamer]

This turtle was a mature female, at least 25 years old (they can live to near 70) and in the prime of her breeding activity. Apparently they will lay eggs about four times in a season and then not again for 2-3 years. It was sad to see the body there, especially with the injuries evident.

Hopefully, she was heading out after a night of laying eggs and has a few more offspring to contribute to the earth.

Hope the rest of your trip is wonderful.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow...

Are there "manatee zones" signs in the water? We did go on a dolphin watch last fall from the resort and saw some dolphins. Thanks for the report and have lots of fun!

Bobbi

 

[Minnie_Moo]

That's sad to hear about the loggerhead.

My daughter and I went on the kayaking excursion during our recent visit Memorial Day weekend and saw several dolphins and lots of birds out in the marsh. Very cool!

It was our first time kayaking and we did great. I'd highly recommend this activity

 

[5forDiz]

How unfortunate about loggerhead, so sad (& worrisome) when things like that happen; this week here in NY 25ft humpback whale washed ashore

Glad you're enjoying your HHI trip.

 

[dis-happy]

That's so cool about the manatee! A few years ago one would come up the canal by SPCC and hang out, but to see more in the wild...wow!

And yet so saddened to hear about the sea turtle--I used to help with the nesting patrol on a different barrier island; and now along with the devastating oil in the gulf it makes me cry for those beautiful and amazing creatures.

Glad you had a good trip.