Nesting Loggerhead Sea Turtle at Sunrise

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Rich and I made a late August visit over to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and encountered a nesting Loggerhead sea turtle.

We got to the beach well before sunrise, then we hiked until we came across a Loggerhead turtle nesting on the beach. She was just finishing up the process of covering her eggs. Then she turned and started the slow trek down the beach and back to the water.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Sea turtles aren’t really built for land travel. The only time they ever come on land is to nest. After a long night of digging the nest, laying the eggs, and covering them well with sand, the mothers are tired. This mother could think of nothing more than returning to the ocean.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle

She reached the water’s edge just as the sun peeked up over the horizon. You could see the relief on her face as she put a flipper in the cool water and the waves splashed the sand from her face. Sunrise with a turtle – my favorite way to start the day! :)

Return to the Sea - Loggerhead Turtle
Return to the Sea – Loggerhead Turtle

Want to learn more about nature photography at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge?

Check out my Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!

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