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...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — 506 N. Pine Street in Foley is opening its doors as a warming center for people who need a safe place to escape the cold. Church leaders say the effort is part of their ongoing mission to serve neighbors in need. The warming center will be set up in the church’s Parish Hall and will welcome anyone
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As the calendar turns and a brand-new year approaches, the Gulf Coast comes alive with opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and start fresh. From goal-setting workshops and scenic winter cruises to family-friendly festivities, lively New Year’s Eve celebrations, and bold New Year’s Day...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Community Association will be honoring our local heroes at its January Pot Luck gathering. This gathering will serve as the annual first responder appreciation dinner and awards ceremony. It is the first Orange Beach potluck dinner of 2026. The association organizes these m
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents and visitors along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast will celebrate the start of 2026 with traditional cold-water plunges. These annual events draw thousands of people to the shoreline to jump into the Gulf at high noon. Local venues in Gulf Shores and Perdido Key provide food...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Families in Orange Beach will have the opportunity to start the new year outdoors with a guided First Day Hike at Gulf State Park. Park naturalists will lead the event and is suitable for all ages. Organizers say the hike will follow a paved, easy-to-walk path. It also provides several spo
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Coast residents are once again being encouraged to support coastal dune restoration by recycling their live Christmas trees. For over 30 years, this environmental initiative has played a vital role in strengthening the dunes that protect the coastal ecosystem, provide wildlife habitats
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Greek culture will take center stage at the Orange Beach Event Center when the 2026 edition of Greek Night at the Beach returns. The evening will feature traditional dishes, lively music, and authentic dancing. Organizers say the event is meant to make everyone feel Greek for one night.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Tacky Jacks is offering a whole “Winter of Fun” to keep locals and visitors busy along the Alabama coast. Both the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach locations are rolling out art classes, hands-on nature programs, and guided wine and beer tastings. The seasonal lineup is built around creativity,
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley leaders say the city is on track for another busy year of growth and construction. In his latest State of the City address, Mayor Ralph Hellmich described projects that will add services and improve residents' daily lives. He discussed the new buildings, street and road improvements, and...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — New Year’s Eve on the Gulf Coast offers something for everyone, from early ball drops and confetti showers for kids to chef-driven dinners, themed bar parties, and late-night live music. Families can ring in 2026 at noon or well before midnight, while night owls have their pick...
