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...
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County’s housing market finished 2025 on a steady note, with a few clear shifts that local buyers and sellers are starting to feel. Prices in many neighborhoods barely budged, even as some properties took longer to sell. Resort and island areas saw slower movement, but overall...
Perdido Key, Fla. — (OBA) — The spirit of Mardi Gras is officially coming to Perdido Key in a very grand style. This new event is called the Perdido Key Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. It is being co-hosted by the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and Lillian’s Pizza. Everyone is invited to join the fun and let the...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents and visitors will soon have a chance to enjoy exercise and nature with a group along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The Alabama Coastal Foundation is hosting the Good Life Ride, a free event focused on environmental awareness and healthy living. Set against the backdrop of Gulf State Park,
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores is preparing for one of its most anticipated community traditions with the 47th Annual Mardi Gras Parade. City officials announced that the 2026 celebration will return to its familiar route along Highway 59. Organizers said the goal this year is to encourage more...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tacky Jacks is continuing its winter beer and wine tasting series along the waterfront in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The events invite guests to sip and snack while learning about each drink. Organizers say the tastings are guided and designed to feel relaxed. Seating is limited, and...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is expanding its public safety camera system to help improve safety across the city. City leaders say the cameras support police work and can help solve cases faster. They also say the cameras can increase coverage without adding as many staff. The expansion is part of a larger plan to...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Last night, shortly before 7 PM, police and first responders received a call about a vehicle that had struck a light pole head-on and could not exit the vehicle. The accident happened on Canal Road near Swift Supply. Sirens blared, and emergency lights flashed as teams arrived at the distre
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A Robertsdale man is facing serious drug charges after Foley police said they found liquid methamphetamine during a traffic stop this week. Officers made the discovery Tuesday night after pulling the driver over for what they described as a traffic violation. Police said the stop quickly turned...
The Baldwin County Commission has issued a public warning after being notified of a fraudulent invoice scam. Officials say the scam involves payment requests that falsely claim to be from Baldwin County departments. The incident has been reported to law enforcement. County leaders are urging residents and businesses...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley High School has a new head football coach. The job is going to Bryan Moore. He previously led the football program at Opelika. School leaders said he was approved by the Baldwin County Board of Education.
