Tuesday, November 13

Darwin - The Most Unique Capital City Ever

When I first started this blog it was because I had illusions of grandure. I was certain that this would be my first (and probably only) stepping stone to the world of being a big time writer. As such I made a point not to disclose too much personal information. Especially in regards to where I lived and the children.

A few years down the track I am still full of grand illusions but they have changed a little.

For example there will be many stepping stones for me to dance across as I try my hand at this writing gig. The chances of ever making it to the big time are somewhere between not bloody likely and not standing a chance. And all of that is ok. My need to write now is more about myself than signing a book contract, though I will happily sign one if you are publisher in need of soliciting a new (and rather awesome) author.

One of the other things that has changed is my desire to keep my location a classified secret. Reality has set in and chances are if you really wanted to come a stalk me in life not mentioning here is going to stop you. Plus where I live is unlike most places and it is about time I let you in on a few of the rather cool things that go on here.

Like turtles.

Turns out that Darwin, is the only capital city in the world, yes that's right the world, that has flat back turtles nest on their beaches. How amazing cool is that?

How did I discover that I hear you ask? Well read on.

Being the only capital city the world over that has turtles nest on it's beaches means that the local Parks and Wildlife Rangers are rather keen to share their turtle knowledge with members of the public. This means that every now and then when they discover a clutch of eggs has hatched they invite a bunch of special people to come down and watch these cute little critters make their way down to the water's edge.

And you guessed it, yesterday I was able to be one of those special people. Though before I get too carried away with the specialness of it all I should point out there were probably two hundred odd people out there with me.


For twenty years now Territory Parks and Wildlife rangers have been coming down and sharing this wonderful experience with the public and helping baby turtles make it safely to the water. Previously the waiting list has been about two and a half years long. The groups were much smaller and probably offered a lot more to the individual but since not nearly enough people got to be a part of it they decided to change things a bit and I am so glad they did because this was one of the most wonderful things I have witnessed.

Now we didn't get to actually see the turtle nests or watch them come out of the sand because that happens at night on the high tide and just wouldn't be all that safe for lots of people with small children. Instead the rangers check the nests every day and when they see that the eggs have hatched they call up all who have expressed an interest to be involved. The rangers then remove the eggs from the nest and place them in a calico bag till late in the afternoon when everyone can meet down on the beach.

From there Ranger Ray gives a very informative turtle talk. 

Ranger Ray giving us the low down on turtles
After the talk all present form a big line and the baby turtles are placed on the sand and head towards the water. All present then get to watch these gorgeous little creatures head towards the ocean and ensure they make it safe and sound. Did you know that only 1 in 2000 turtles actually makes it to be an adult? They really are not good odds.

If you are interested in finding out some more of what Ranger Ray spoke about there is a whole post about it. And if you come back on Wednesday there will be some more great photos.

For now though joining in with Essential Jess and the #IBOT gang for

17 comments:

  1. How beautiful to watch. But really sad at the same time, must be hard for the rangers too, knowing that most of them won't survive.

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  2. yeah but at the same time the Rangers also know the work they are doing changes that and gives them a better start. They were so cute crawling across the sand though

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  3. Hi Rhianna - beautiful post - popping over from Team IBOT xx

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    1. Thanks Lauren, and thanks for stopping by I love the #IBOT love sharing x

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  4. Wow! How interesting! Since i'm in Australia, I keep saying to hubby that I'd love to visit Darwin... Hopefully I'll get the chance to see these turtles one day.

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    1. Oh yes do come it is so lovely up here. Though make sure you come between May and August as that is when the weather is best.

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  5. Wow! What an awesome experience, I have only been to Darwin once and never got to experience this. Thanks for sharing. Team #IBOT

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    1. It really was a wonderful experience. I have lived in Darwin my whole life and this the first time I have been, I hope I get to go again soon as it really was lovely. Mind you I would really really love to be there at night one time and watch them come out of the nest, that would be super cool.

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  6. They put the babies in a calico bag? That seems a little harsh!
    Which beach do they nest on? Boatman says they lay on Bare Sandy Island out at Bynoe too

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    1. yeah I did have a little issue with that as well but you can't have it all I guess. They also nest quite heavily out at Dundee. The beach we were at yesterday was Casuarina, down near the rudey nudey part. They did say that where we were yesterday wasn't one of the biggest nesting locations around due to the heavy traffic of the beach, which was one of the reason they manage it all so carefully. For the most part all the hatching and going to the water is done naturally.

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  7. That would have been such a magical moment - you made me wish I was there with you!

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  8. how amazing!! 1 in 2000 is very very bad odds :( I love turtles.

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  9. Wow! What an incredible experience! I would love to see something like that. On my honeymoon in Broome, hubby and I saw turtle nests all covered up, but never got the chance to see them hatch. Turtles are my favourite marine animal, and I hate that their situation is so tenuous.
    Magical! :)
    xx

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  10. My kids would LOSE it if they saw a turtle! :)

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  11. I have always wanted to go to Darwin but now even more so :) I would love to see those turtles

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  12. I would love to see that! I'm a little jealous!

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  13. That is one of the things I am really looking forward to about Port Hedland - The flat back sea turtles nest there too and as the population (of humans) is small, you can be a turtle monitor volunteer!! Can't wait til next season :)

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Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses to you, thanks for stopping by, it really means a lot, you taking the time so say hi. I try as much as I can to write a reply but if for some chance I don't get to it please know that I always read them.