N.E.S.T. 2026 Season Update: Successful Hatchlings and a Historic First

The 4x4 Beach had 5 turtle nests this past season.  3 out of the 5 successfully hatched while the remaining 2 were affected by the recent nor'easter with results unknown at the time of publication. 

Nest 18: A Determined Group

Nest 18 was laid on June 26 and relocated, with 86 eggs recovered from a loggerhead nest.

A small team of five began sitting on August 22 while also supporting activity at Nest 19.

After several quiet nights, continuous sounds of hatchling activity began on August 26. At 8:44 p.m., the first hatchling emerged, followed by a second, third, fourth, and fifth —before an incredible group of 70 hatchlings emerged together! By 9:10 p.m., all had safely reached the ocean. During excavation on August 30, one live hatchling was found trapped in the egg chamber, along with nine undeveloped eggs. In total, 76 of the 86 eggs produced live hatchlings, including the designated DNA egg, for an 89% live hatchling success rate.

Nest 19: Perseverance Through the Storm

Nest 19 contained 105 eggs and began showing signs of activity in mid-August, including a sinkhole and sounds of bumping, shuffling, and knocking. Volunteers prepared the runway and began sitting ahead of the recommended date because of the increasing activity.

Despite rain and storms on August 21, the team was rewarded at 9:59 p.m. when 56 hatchlings emerged. Fourteen became disoriented along the runway, but volunteers worked together to shield them from artificial lights and guide them safely toward the ocean. Additional hatchlings emerged over the following nights.

During excavation on August 25, volunteers found six hatchlings above the egg chamber and 16 inside it. The nest produced 94 live hatchlings, with the remaining eggs and embryos accounting for the balance of the 105-egg clutch.

Nest 23: A Successful Emergence

Nest 23 was a wonderful success, with all 81 hatchlings emerging naturally after the nest boiled on September 1. More than 200 visitors stopped by to learn about sea turtles and witness the hatchlings begin their journey to the ocean. During excavation, no development was found in the remaining 36 eggs.

Nest 53: Weather Challenges

Nest 53 was a loggerhead nest laid on August 4 and relocated, with 101 eggs recovered. Unfortunately, the nest was overwashed during the nor’easter, and the eggs are believed unlikely to have survived.

Nest 50: A Historic Leatherback Nest

This season brought an extraordinary milestone: Nest 50, laid on July 30, marked the first recorded leatherback sea turtle nest in the northern Outer Banks. Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtles, making this an especially significant event for our community.

Although the nest was over-washed during the nor’easter, we remain cautiously optimistic as we approach the anticipated emergence window of October 11–14. Our team continues to monitor the nest and hopes for a successful outcome.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

N.E.S.T. is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Carova Volunteer Fire Department, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Department, and Currituck County departments. Their assistance, along with the dedication of our volunteers and the interest of our community, helps make our sea turtle conservation efforts possible.

Every nest brings new lessons, challenges, and reasons to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who has helped protect these remarkable animals and support their journey to the sea!

Submitted by Lisa Hurley with N.E. S. T.

We will update Nests 50 and 53 once we receive additional information.  You can also follow the nests on the N.E.S.T. website at nestobx.org.