A sad beginning with a very happy ending 

We came across a nest that had a ghost crab hole with three dead hatchlings by the entrance - and the nest was covered with fire ants.  After a call to our fearless leader Beth, we were told to dig up the nest and see what was happening.

I know there's a nest in here somewhere
We started digging, and digging - following the ghost crab tunnel trying to find the nest. 

Freedom at last
We finally found the nest and the poor babies were covered with fire ants.  This is the second batch getting ready to be released.  In total we rescued 70 hatchlings and sent them on their journey.

Mama Tinker tending to one of her flock
Tinker was busy washing the ants off the little ones and tending to them while they made their way to the sea.  She was kept busy keeping the birds away and making sure the hatchlings did not wash back in.

They are so tiny and the ocean so big
It was a lot of work but worth every minute just knowing that with a little bit of help these guys get another chance, but still face huge odds on making it to adulthood, in about 20 years.