A nest of snapping turtles hatched out somewhere along the boulevard last night.  This little guy already has big claws, ready to dig into the pond muck.            I think they’re cute in their own prehistoric way, and their determination to reach the water is a real lesson in perseverance.

                                                                                                             We’ve also had lots of cicadas. Their life cycle is so interesting, and unlike the hummingbirds that have been zipping around the flowers lately, these cicadas were quite receptive to having their photos taken.Cicadas have beautiful patterns on their wings, like green-edged stained glass. (Thanks to my hand models for their patience during the photo shoots.  All turtles and cicadas were safely released afterwards as well.)

                                                                                                            Although they are often pests, grasshoppers are part of garden life too. This one was such a handsome color echo of the canna, I couldn’t resist.

 I know this is an insect, but doesn’t he look just like a leaf?