Crete Birding

Loggerhead Turtle....Caretta caretta. 08-09-08 This individual was the last to leave the nest at Kolymbari. Without the aid of three volunteers from Archelon [The Sea Turtle protection Society of Greece] this one would not have made it from the nest . We looked on as they started to excavate the site four days after the last known young had left. After the excavation broken shells from 85 individuals were found with 8 either non fertile or with young that failed to hatch due to a fungus which attacks the shell. The little one we watched, as seen in the photo only minutes after being helped from the sand. After 20-30 metres it reached the water , finally after three attempts it disappeared below the waves. It is believed that 84 young left the nest site between 29th August and 4th September. It was a privilege to watch this after an invite from ISKA at Kastelli Kissamos who sponsored the nest site