Diane and one of her volunteers found these nine just hatched snapping turtles! She said "This afternoon I went to the Butterfly Meadow to meet another volunteer, so we could make three holes for the serviceberry which will be planted next Tuesday. We removed the large tarp and noticed the small hole with empty shells. We each proceeded to dig a hole when Justin noticed 9 small turtles who just came out of the hole. After taking photos we brought them to the big pond. After a few minutes they buried themselves in the mud. When we came back two walkers noticed another turtle on the path, which Justin brought to the pond. Rather exciting to see them. I believe more will come out from another hole. Hope they will survive."

This just hatched turtle is next to a 'twoonie' for size comparison. As you can see, it is not much bigger. This is one of nine found by Diane and her volunteers.

A really nice clear shot of this tiny looper caterpillar on a new england aster. There is something tiny and black just behind the front legs, but no idea what it might be. This moth caterpillar is in the Geometridae family.