Turtle Spotting!
August 23, 2011
When it comes to spotting wildlife, the best moments often occur when you least expect it, and that’s exactly how I came across a turtle today.
I walked out along Hayman’s sand flats at dead tide until I reached the drop-off of the reef surrounding the island. It was very relaxing standing in the tropical knee-deep water, I watched birds fly overhead and boats sail by, but was soon distracted by something I saw moving in the water nearby.
At first I thought it must have been a fish but then its head bobbed out of the water and I realised it was a turtle! They are such graceful creatures. It was a thrill to see one in the wild.
I held my breath; I wanted to see if I could get a bit closer to take a good photo.
I gently put my camera in the water not more than 30cm away from the turtle’s head. CLICK.
Hayman is home to three different turtle species, later I discovered I had spotted a Green turtle. These endangered turtles grow to be one metre in size and can weigh up to 180kg.
I have seen turtles in captivity before but it is a truly unique experience to see turtles in their native habitat. Unforgetable.
If you want more information on turtles and what time of year you can see them at Hayman, please click here.
