Sunday, November 29, 2009

Turtle Beach

Because Midway is a wildlife refuge and also part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, as humans, we do not have access to the whole island. There are certain areas that have been set aside exclusively for rare/threatened animals. Most of these areas are beaches but aside for monk seals. But there is one beach on the north end of the island that is particularly popular with the green sea turtles.

This is turtle beach. There are 15 sea turtles, most of them green, in this photo. They don't nest here, though. It is thought that the turtles come ashore on this beach to rest and escape predation by tiger sharks, of which we have many.

You are probably wondering how I got these photos since I am not allowed on the beach. There is a pier right next to the beach that I am allowed on, so long as my presence doesn't disturb the turtles.

4 comments:

  1. HI Kat!

    I am so excited (and not a little jealous) about your adventure!! Not to mention the maternal-type pride in you and your accomplishments.

    My daughter Olivia, 7, is in love with Orcas. I am going to show her your blog to inspire her!

    All the best to you!!

    Warmly,

    Karen Ercolino

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  2. Hey Kat! Good grief - you are in one of the most remote place on the planet. LUCKY YOU! My partner and I are off to Tonga this summer to swim with whales - and to snorkel incessantly for three weeks. We are very geeked. I swam with whale sharks in Djibouti last Christmas - and it was just amazing. I am hoping for a similar experience this time.

    You look just smashing. Please do write sometime and let me know how you are doing. Would love to cross paths with you in the not too distant future.

    John Crane
    jcrane@iol.cz

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  3. You are stalking turtles now? ( shakes head) Poor turtles....I have no turtles on my beaches but I have seals Come to ALASKA

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