First Sea Turtle Nest in Alabama for the 2020 Season
R. Ken Cooper • May 14, 2020
The day of the first sea turtle nest of 2020 season happened on May 14th
Photo of the May 14th Sea Turtle nesting tracks by Share the Beach Volunteers
On the morning of May 14th the first sea turtle nest of the 2020 season was discovered on West Beach in Gulf Shores by the West Beach Sea Turtle Volunteers of Share the Beach - Alabama's Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
It takes between 55 and 70 days for a sea turtle nest to hatch once it's been laid. The earliest this nest would hatch would be July 8th and the latest it would hatch would be July 23rd.
It's estimated that about 7,500 sea turtles make it to the gulf each year from the Alabama Gulf Coast.
According to NOAA, " Sea turtles are ancient species, having been around since the time of the dinosaurs — about 110 million years."
"All six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters are protected by the Endangered Species Act. They are the green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley."
"All six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters are protected by the Endangered Species Act. They are the green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley."
By far, the most common sea turtle found on Alabama Beach are loggerheads. We normally see a couple of Kemp's Ridley and rarely see Green Sea Turtles.
Also according to NOAA, "It takes 20-30 years for a sea turtle to reach sexual maturity. When a female is ready to lay eggs, she returns to the nesting beach where she was born, even if she has not been there for 30 years! Some females nest every year until the age of 80."
"Loggerheads nest from April to September and generally build 3-5 nests per season, totaling 35 pounds of eggs."
From the Alabama Sea Turtles website:
"During the 2019 nesting season, 114 nests were documented on Alabama beaches. One of the 114 total nests was laid by a green turtle on June 22 on Orange Beach, with the remaining 113 nests those of loggerhead sea turtles.
"During the 2019 nesting season, 114 nests were documented on Alabama beaches. One of the 114 total nests was laid by a green turtle on June 22 on Orange Beach, with the remaining 113 nests those of loggerhead sea turtles.
The 2019 nesting season represents a 36.6% increase in recorded annual nests from 2018, and 51.5% fewer nests than the maximum number of nests recorded in Alabama (n=235 in 2016).
An estimated 7,037 eggs were laid on our beaches in 2019, with an average clutch size of 103.6 eggs per nest. Approximately 3,597 hatchlings successfully made it to the water with an overall hatching success of 51% for nests on Alabama beaches. This hatching success rate includes the impacts of both TS Barry and high levels of predation on the westernmost end of Dauphin Island. Average incubation period was 56 days for this season.
Tropical Storm Barry impacted Alabama beaches on 11-14 July. Collectively, 66 nests (57.9%) were negatively impacted by the storm surge and/or the rise in groundwater associated with this storm system.
We are continuing to work towards mitigating/reducing the negative impacts of artificial lighting on sea turtles. However, in 2019, 17 adult female sea turtles and hatchlings from 7 nests were disoriented due to artificial lighting."
More photos below from the May 14th Sea Turtle nesting on West Beach in Gulf Shores.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library are inviting residents to browse thousands of used books at their upcoming Annual Book Sale. The event is designed to bring the community together while raising money for local literacy efforts. Organizers say the sale offers something for every...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue has named lifeguard Sawyer Wilson as its 2025 Lifeguard of the Year. The award recognizes Wilson’s leadership on the beach and his strong record of preventing dangerous situations in the water. Officials say he stands out not only for his skills but also for his...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach High School's new $46.1 million state-of-the-art athletic complex is officially open, featuring a football/soccer stadium with a track, a competition gym for basketball/volleyball, a fieldhouse with a weight room, covered practice areas, and advanced facilities built to...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The wait is over for readers and lifelong learners in Gulf Shores as the Thomas B. Norton Public Library prepares to launch its annual Speaker Series. Library staff have announced a full roster of guests for the 2026 season. The programs are designed to help residents learn, be inspired...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A traveling exhibit celebrating 18th-century explorer William Bartram's journey through Alabama has begun its tour of state parks. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' State Parks Division partnered with Auburn University to create the display. It honors Bartram's...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach is partnering with LifeSouth to host a blood drive at City Hall in early January. The LifeSouth Bloodmobile will be available for donors to give blood and help save lives in the community. Orange Beach City Hall is located at 4099 Orange Beach Boulevard.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley city leaders and state officials recently honored three longtime members of the Foley City Council for their years of service to the community. The recognition highlighted both the dedication of two retiring council members and the memory of a colleague who died while in office. Council...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best beaches in the U.S. highlights the nation’s favorite shorelines as chosen by travelers. Pensacola Beach in Florida earned the top spot, praised for its white-sand coastline and vibrant cultural scene. Gulf Coast and...
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As the calendar turns to 2026, people across the Gulf Coast and beyond are embracing the promise of a fresh start. From improving fitness and eating better to getting organized and giving back, New Year’s resolutions mark a collective moment of reflection and renewal. Whether the goal is...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Along the Alabama Gulf Coast, New Year’s Day starts with a plate that is part superstition, part family story. In kitchens across the Gulf Coast, cooks lean on peas, greens, and cornbread, then often add a side of fresh seafood. Each item is chosen with a purpose, meant to invite luck...
