Sometimes you just get lucky. This morning was one of those mornings. Brenda and I were walking along the beach about 5:45 this morning, and we noticed a group of municipality workers (garbage collectors) standing on the beach. It was an unusual view because these guys are usually really industrious, always moving, and very efficient. But, they were just standing on the beach, with their truck in the background.
When we reached them, we understood. They were protecting a mother turtle as she laid her eggs on the beach. As we watched and spoke about her, the guys expressed their concern for the turtles’ safety and protection, and were so disappointed that poachers get most of the eggs.
As we watched this mother lay her eggs and then cover them through a long series of movements and motions, it was rather mesmerizing. Her movements were deliberate and repetitive. She was operating from instinct, and she was not disturbed or distracted by our presence. I thought perhaps she might be deterred or startled when a dog approached her, but no. This was one determined mother.
There are 13 types of sea turtles in Costa Rica. Olive Ridley sea turtles nest in Jaco Beach and nearby Hermosa Beach.
I’m not sure why, but there were tracks and evidence for over 20 turtle nests this morning along our beach. We have never seen that many at one time. We were thrilled that we were able to protect this mother’s nest and disguise it so that poachers will not find it. If only that could happen for every mother’s eggs.
Thanks for joining the mother turtle and her fans this morning on Jaco Beach.
Until next time,
This is Paul, A Part-Time Expat
(Actually, we are not part-time any more, but the name remains. We are now living full-time in Costa Rica.)
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Loved it! We so enjoyed watching the sea turtles when we visited Costa Rica. Fascinating creatures!