Buzz on the beach

So why have I taken a picture of a hole in the sand and posted it here? That little hole — about 6 inches in diameter and a good 20 to 24 inches deep — caused quite a stir on the beach this morning. The tracks from the sea let us know it was made by a turtle and that's where the buzz on the beach begins. Let me explain...

Though these posts are usually about solitary things like my beach walks, the scenery, various critters, birds etc. I have not mentioned that each day I see many of the same people also on their beach walks or jogs. I know some by name because they live in my neighborhood but most are just folks I've seen practically every day for the past several years. We nod in recognition, say good morning or give a brief wave as we pass each other. It is quite an interesting little society. Needless to say one thing most of us have in common this time of year is turtle nesting. As I headed up the beach, one of my nodding buddies stopped and told me about a new nest where the turtle had come ashore, dug the hole to bury her eggs but had returned to sea without leaving the first egg. Most unusual. As I was taking photos of the empty nest another of the beach walkers arrived and much conversation ensued about this unusual circumstance. Next thing I knew there were several of us discussing the rarity of the empty nest.

Word spread and this unusual sight really caused quite a buzz on the beach. Later one of the turtle patrol volunteers said that though this was a rare occurrence it was not unheard of. What amazed me and other observers was how a huge sea turtle could dig such a precise and deep hole in the sand. I had somehow imagined the nests to be much larger and more shallow. Amazing the things mother nature can teach us. What a day!