Field School: Hatching Diamondback Terrapins

This course is designed to offer unique opportunities to learn more about the turtles of Cape Cod with an emphasis on the threatened diamondback terrapin. In early summer, female diamondback terrapins leave the salt marsh to lay eggs in adjacent uplands. Several months later tiny turtles emerge from their eggshells, tunnel to the surface, and head to the marsh.

For over 30 years we have been studying the populations of terrapins in Wellfleet Bay. Through nesting surveys, mark and recapture studies, radio telemetry, and habitat and prey analysis, we have built a solid foundation of data to begin understanding the life histories of these animals and the human impacts affecting them.

During this two-day field school you will gain first-hand knowledge of turtle biology; monitor nests for hatching activity; weigh, measure, and release hatchlings; and document nesting success at various Outer Cape locations.

Indoor presentations will complement our field studies. A lecture on the first evening will provide a good overview of diamondback terrapins and their natural history. On the second afternoon there will be a lecture focusing on research conducted to study hatchling movements using radio tags, and an update on nesting statistics in our region.

*Please note: the hours listed above are a general outline for all Field School courses. Individual course schedules may be different based on tides, staff, optimal wildlife sightings, and other variables. The schedule with actual times will be prepared and sent out to registrants approximately 3-4 weeks in advance.