Loggerhead turtle hatchlings ready for their close-up

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: August 17, 2009

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BIG PINE KEY --

Environmental enthusiasts should be able to observe infant loggerhead sea turtles hatching and emerging from their nest, via a streaming Webcam in the Florida Keys.

The camera, which went live Monday, feeds to the Florida Keys tourism council's Web site at www.fla-keys.com/turtlecam.

The camera is focused on a nest with eggs expected to hatch by Aug. 24. After that, the camera will be moved to other nearby nests through Sept. 9.

Sea turtles crawl ashore at night to dig nests and lay about 100 ping-pong-ball-sized eggs per nest. Approximately two months later, hatchlings emerge and seek the water.