Sad photo, but maybe redeeming? I’ll let you be the judge:
I stumbled across this young dead Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) several weeks ago. It is no secret that sea turtle species are in peril due to humans and our careless actions. This turtle could have died from a boat strike, entanglement, consumption of plastics... I attempted to play detective, but there was no clear evidence indicating cause of death. Just a dead turtle, but it isn’t the end...
I had this image in mind when I first saw the turtle, but I had to wait several weeks to capture this photo. As highest tides come in, the dead turtle was pushed up closer to the wrack line. Dead organic matter like cord grass, sea weeds, and mollusk shells begin to collect around the turtle. Coastal winds push sand and other debris up against the turtle and begin to naturally bury the turtle. These consistent natural forces begin to create a dune. An area high enough above the water living vegetation will begin to grow and their roots will help shape and hold the dune together.
Dunes are incredibly fragile but important habitat. In future years female Loggerhead Sea Turtles will come up on this beach, very wearily crawl up to these dunes where they know the water cannot reach, and construct their nests containing over 100 eggs. 58-60 days after the female builds the nest, the young turtles will hatch out of their nests and crawl their way into to the ocean.
There is something beautiful about past sea turtles setting the foundation for future generations. I am constantly amazed by the full circles (or loops) I find in nature. I personally do not find this photo to be sad, but rather quite awe inspiring.