Bells ring as first nesting turtle of the season arrives at Mon Repos

Bells rang across the Bundaberg region to herald the return of laying turtles to Mon Repos in an ode to an old Scottish tradition.

Bells rang across the Bundaberg region this week to announce the arrival of the first nesting turtle of the season at Mon Repos.

The tolling of the bells followed the discovery of the return of a long-time nesting flatback turtle (X23103) to the region’s shores.

Rangers discovered the very first clutch of eggs at the beach on Sunday evening, October 15.

Ranger-in-charge Shane O’Connor said that particular turtle had last nested at Mon Repos two years ago.

“This is now her 19th breeding season; she’s been in the program for more than 49 years and laid more than 40 nests here in her life,” he said.

“We’re hoping it will be another busy nesting season with lots of turtles swimming to Mon Repos shores to lay their eggs.”

The flatback turtle X23103 has returned to Mon Repos for her 19th breeding season.

The ringing of the bells is based on the ancient Scottish tradition, which historically welcomed the return of fishing boats to port.

“St Peter’s Anglican Church in Bargara will be the first to ring its bells at 10am, to be joined by many junior turtle rangers ringing the bells at schools around the region” Mr O’Connor said.

“It’s a truly wonderful tradition that Bundaberg locals and tourists look forward to each year with great anticipation.

The recording of the laying is just one part of the conservation efforts made by local rangers, which works alongside the Mon Repos Turtle Encounter as the only ranger-guided turtle encounter available on the east coast.