Overview:
On July 29 at 7 a.m., wildlife photographer Jay (@photos_with_jay_108) witnessed an exceptional phenomenon in Folly Beach, SC: nearly 40 sea turtle hatchlings remaining after an initial emergence. Alongside the Folly Beach Sea Turtle Team, Jay documented Vanessa saving the nest, ensuring these late-emerging turtles made it safely to the ocean. Triggered by record July heat—temperatures soared to 103°F for the first time—this was the only such event during the 2025 season. Explore the full story, Jay’s remarkable images, and what this rare occurrence tells us about sea turtle conservation amid climate stress.
Vanessa Steps In During an Unusual Hatch
At the crack of dawn on July 29th, photographer Jay captured a remarkable wildlife rescue in progress. Vanessa, part of the Folly Beach Sea Turtle Team, guided nearly 40 loggerhead hatchlings toward the ocean. This event was a rare second emergence at Folly Beach, SC. Typically nests produce hatchlings over a single night. However, this nest showed an unusually high number of pups still in the sand after the expected hatch.
Jay’s action shots highlight the urgency and care of the rescue. They depict Vanessa soothing jittery hatchlings under the rising sun and escorting them to the ocean’s edge. Her actions protected them from fatigue and predation.
Why Did So Many Hatchlings Remain After Initial Emergence?
Experts say the cause was South Carolina’s historic heatwave. That Sunday morning saw temperatures jump to 103°F in some areas, surpassing the previous record of 101°F in 2005. This intense heat likely triggered a delayed second emergence. In the harsh conditions, some hatchlings lacked the strength to make it unaided.
By timing, lighting, and emerging conditions, those turtles would have been at serious risk if not promptly located and assisted.
Dedicated Conservation in Action
The Folly Beach Sea Turtle Watch Program—formed in 1993 and staffed by 50–60 trained volunteers—patrols over seven miles of coastline each season under SCDNR permit MTP520. They monitor nest sites, protect eggs from artificial lighting and human disturbance, assist late hatchlings, and educate the public.
Jay’s images—shot using a Nikon D7200 and an 18–55 mm lens—offer a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s hands-on conservation work. Vanessa’s gentle intervention represents “giving voice to the voiceless,” a core mission shared by Jay. He has photographed over 1,300 species, volunteers with Dhole Conservation Fund, and serves as a Master Naturalist in Charleston, SC.
Late-season Hatch Is Also a Climate Signal
South Carolina’s sea turtle nesting season typically occurs from May through October. Most hatchlings emerge in July when average nest success is high. Yet when nests incubate under extreme heat, multiple issues arise. This includes developmental stress, delayed emergence, and reduced hatchling viability.
Jay’s photos capture that fragility. They show young turtles emerging lethargic, navigating scorching sand under dawn light. These hatchlings were reliant on human assistance to begin their ocean journey.
Beauty, Urgency & Conservation Through Jay’s Lens
In each photograph, Jay captures more than movement. You see vulnerability, effort, and empathy. Textures of crumpled hatchling shells, footprints in sand, hands gently cupping infants—they reflect not only the turtles’ struggle but also humanity’s ability to help.
Jay’s formula—“Give a voice to the voiceless”—has never been more visible. His conservation mindset, paired with technical skill, offers both evidence and emotional resonance of human-wildlife mutual reliance.
Broader Lessons & Why It Matters
The unusual emergence rate, coinciding with record heat, may indicate shifting nesting behaviors under climate stress. With beach erosion reducing nesting zones, and artificial lighting confusing hatchlings, the southern Atlantic coast faces mounting conservation challenges.
That one nest required intervention underscores a broader truth. In an era of warming and coastal change, decades of volunteer vigilance and adaptive policy remain essential to species recovery.
About Jay
Jay (@photos_with_jay_108) Click here for his professional Instagram account. He is a Charleston, SC–based Master Naturalist and wildlife photographer. He believes firmly in “giving a voice to the voiceless.” Jay’s photographed over 1,300 species, volunteers with Dhole Conservation Fund, and showcases his portfolio at photographywithjay.myportfolio.com. His work helped document this rare hatch and spotlight turtle conservation in action.
Conclusion
What unfolded at Folly Beach on July 29 was more than a morning hatch—it was a moment of climate stress, human compassion, and environmental significance. Under intense heat, nearly 40 turtle hatchlings emerged late. Thanks to Vanessa and the volunteer team, supported by Jay’s powerful documentation, they reached the ocean safely.
In Jay’s words, this nest rescue was “giving a voice to the voiceless,” a metaphor for conservation itself. Let’s hope that as climate change intensifies, dedicated efforts like these remain strong. Such rare emergencies should serve as reminders to protect our coastal wildlife habitats.
Editor Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect official policy of Presence News. Content is provided for informational purposes. For corrections or story tips, email editor@presencenews.org.
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