Leatherback day

Leatherback turtles are very rare... HUGE and very rare. Most years we average 6 leatherbacks within the 50 miles of shoreline in our county. Just to put it into perspective, the total nest count of all turtle nests averages to about 500 a year. The photo to the right is from the Orlando Sentinel but gives you an idea of the size of these turtles.


So, today started out with a lovely sunrise... 

an enticing moon-set 

and then I saw turtle tracks, not just ANY turtle tracks but the very large and unmistakable tracks of a leatherback. Large nest and tracks — better viewing if you click on the photo and see it enlarged.

Not only are they large but leatherbacks have a tendency to act like they've been drinking and zig-zag across the beach. Alas, she was gone but her telltale signs were left behind.
Needless to say it made MY day and my friends on the turtle patrol arrived while I was snapping photos so I got to gush my excitement to someone equally as thrilled. Oh happy day!