November proved to have been a very busy and exciting month indeed. Turtles, birds and even tortoises helped to keep us busy.

A Hawksbill Turtle Hatchling going down to sea.

Starting with the turtles, lots of the diary entries concentrated on these, so to keep it sweet and short, during November a total of 328 hatchlings were safely released to sea. A total of 57 nests were laid during November, a new record for Cousine Island to be laid in a single month, bringing our total up to 68 nests by the end of the month (ahead of last years record number of 44!). After last year’s record numbers, we expected a lower season this year, but so far it looks like we might be in for a busy season indeed.

Not to be outdone, our one tortoise female also supplied us with a pleasant surprise when she was caught early morning on the 24th covering up her clutch of eggs.

Chanel, the tortoise, covering up her nest.

The birds also provided for their share of interesting observations, from a new Seychelles Magpie Robin chick, to interesting waders, including a sick Crab Plover which we managed to nurse back to health. This poor bird was found very weak on the beach. Even after giving it lots of water, we realised it was too weak to be released quickly and had to learn the hard way how to take care of this beautiful bird. Two crabs a day seem to have done the trick and after spending just over a week in our care, we were able to safely release the crab plover on the beach. It immediately ran off, meeting up with a young crab plover and its first priority was to take a bath in the sea.

Top: The release after over a week in the aviary; Middle: Freedom; Bottom: Having a bath in the sea before running off with a juvenile crab plover in tow.

A busy November indeed!