AMITW Nesting Numbers 10/3/2025
| 9/27/2025 – 10/03/2025 | Loggerhead | Green | |
| Nests this week | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| False Crawls this week | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Total Nests | 544 | 528 | 16 |
| 2025 Total False Crawls | 827 | 797 | 30 |
| 2025 Hatched Nests | 420 | 407 | 13 |
| 2025 Nests Inventoried | 471 | 457 | 14 |
| 2025 Hatchlings Produced | 30,613 | 29,603 | 1010 |
| 2025 Adult Disorientations | 30 | 28 | 2 |
| 2025 Hatchling Disorientations | 151 | 148 | 3 |
| Nests remaining on the beach | 12 | 10 | 2 |
Just 12 nests remaining on the beach and we are still awaiting their hatching. We have been conducting a lot of 70 day excavations on nests that are overdue – many have been washed over by the surf several times this year. The good news is that some of them have hatched eggs indicating that we didn’t see the hatch (hatchling tracks are often obliterated during overnight rains). All these nests provide important data about the number of eggs in the nest and how much overwash a nest can withstand and still hatch. Without a depression in the sand or hatchling tracks where the hatchlings come out, we don’t have the exact location of the eggs, so you might see us digging some pretty big holes to try to find the eggs and get that important data.
We had 2 nests hatch this week and both disoriented with one hatchling found in a pool and another in a parking lot. Please remember these rules to being turtle friendly:
- No cell phone or flashlights (even red lights) on the beach at night
- Close blinds so interior lights cannot be seen from the beach
- Use turtle-friendly lighting (red or amber LEDs) with shields or turn off lights that can be seen from the beach.
- Report any non-turtle friendly lights that can be seen from the beach to your local code enforcement.
- Fill in your holes and remove your beach items, furniture, and trash every night when you leave the beach.
If you find a hatchling in danger, in the road, in a pool, or just off the beach, here’s what to do:
- Pick up the hatchling to get it out of danger
- Place it in a bucket/container (you can put a little sand in the bucket but NO WATER!)
- Call AMITW‘s Hotline 941-301-8434 for more instructions
- Please do not release hatchlings on your own. If they are sick or injured, they may not be able to swim.
We also remind folks that we share the beach with shorebirds. Some birds are resting and feeding their young, while others are stopping on AMI to rest and feed during long migratory journeys. To help protect the birds while you enjoy the island, please follow these simple suggestions:
1. Give them space by walking around the flock.
2. Allow the birds to rest and feed quietly without running through the flock.
3. Birds eat fish, insects and crustaceans . . . not bread.
4. Enjoy them from a distance . . . especially the begging youngsters.
Upcoming Events with AMITW
Save the Date for the 6th Annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday! Our annual fundraiser is being held Wednesday, October 22nd from 4pm – 6pm at Hurricane Hanks (5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach). If you would like to make a donation to our silent or live auctions, please contact us at info@islandturtlewatch.com. This is a FREE event, so come be a part of this fun event for a great cause! (see attached flyer for details)
AMITW booth at the Anna Maria Farmer’s Market – Meet our turtle patrol volunteers and learn about shorebirds and sea turtles while you shop. Weekly on Tuesdays from 9am – 2pm at Roser Memorial Community Church (512 Pine Ave) starting October 7th.
Photos:
Hatchling Transport: A loggerhead sea turtle hatchling is transported by AMITW to Mote’s Hatchling Hospital after being found in a swimming pool. Credit: Cindy Hodge
Overdue Excavation: AMITW volunteers Maureen Richmond and Cindy Hodge try to find the eggs in an overdue nest. Without a depression or hatchling tracks from the hatch, it is a challenging task!
Green Hatchling Tracks: Tracks from a green sea turtle hatchling nest look like a miniature version of adult sea turtle tracks. AMITW volunteers check every nest every day in hopes of finding these! Credit: Kristen Mazzarella
Shorebirds: Shorebirds enjoy fishing in a swale on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Please give shorebirds room as they are feeding and will use up valuable energy if they are disturbed. Credit: Kristen Mazzarella