Doing a survey we came across some wonderful creatures and saved a couple painted turtles off the roads. This beautifully colored garter snake was lying just off to one side of the path and my son Jeff was lucky to spot her. What a beauty. In another spot in the woods we had some good young eyes spot the tiniest of creature's, the spring peeper. Another area one of the guys spotted a massassauga rattlesnake all curled up in the juniper bushes. They love juniper bushes. So be aware. She was not bothered by us but did give a buzz as a warning to let us know she was there. We kept our distance and got off some shots of this beautiful healthy snake. We went on our way and she continued to enjoy her day.The 2 midland painted turtles were crossing roads. One on a very busy road and as we were running to get to her truck after truck after truck went by. Oh my lord we just held our breath. The drivers saw us however and saw her. Each one drove around her in whichever way they could to miss her. she was needless to say tucked in her shell when we got to her. Got her to safety and off we went. The other one was on the side of a dirt road crossing over. She gave me a nice smile as if to say thank you mam.