WINSTON WEEKLY

September 27, 2026

Vol. 4, No. 39

HATCHLINGS[1]

Sea turtles are as interesting as they are vulnerable. Along Florida’s beaches, the six-month average nesting season is critical to their long-term survival. Even with dedicated conservation efforts, the hatchling survival rate is 1 in 1,000.

In the darkness, adult females come ashore at night to dig nests in the sand, laying between 50 to 200 eggs before returning to the ocean. During the incubation period, eggs face multiple disruptions. From humans, vehicles, weather conditions, and animals, disruptions can doom their average two-month incubation period.

In those that survive the incubation period, a flurry of activity occurs over several days. Born with a temporary “egg tooth,” hatchlings break free of their shells and work together in the arduous task to reach the surface. At under two inches in length and weighing less than an ounce, they rely on each other to push through the sand. Guided by the reflection of the moon and the stars on the water, they make their way to the ocean in the dark of night.

For residents of and visitors to Florida, it is critical to keep artificial light sources at a minimum as hatchlings can be confused, drawing them inland where they have little chance of survival. Even those who do not contend with artificial light fall prey to animals and humans as they navigate their way to the ocean.

Those that reach the waves engage in a “swimming frenzy” for the next 24 to 48 hours before taking refuge on seaweed and other debris. Feeding on seaweed, algae, small crustaceans, and sponge fragments, some survive, although most fall prey to animals, humans, or weather conditions.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

Identify the five species of sea turtles in Florida, and the one unique to Australia. Sea Turtles of the Gulf Coast: Mystery and Facts by Dr. Jane Thielemann and illustrated by Dr. Joe Richichi is a wonderful book for school-age children and adults. (Self-published, 2024). For those interested in a comprehensive analysis of sea turtles, check out Sea Turtle Health & Rehabilitation. (Edited by Charles Manire, and others, J. Ross Publishing, 2017).

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[1] Winston Weekly is a weekly blog and newsletter by Alysen Bayles of Bayles Connect: “Learn, live, love, read.” Resources: Samantha Smith,  15 Interesting Baby Sea Turtle Facts – Wildlife Informer; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sea Turtle Program | FWC.