Newly released butterflies make hearts flutter

MIDDLEBORO -- Once again this year, butterflies are free thanks to the efforts of Middleboro resident Bob Lessard.

As he does most years, Lessard raised them from caterpillar stage to their development into full-grown monarch butterflies.

He then releases them.

He recently released three of the orange creatures as nine-year-old twins Ellie Ferdinand and Adelyn Ferdinand looked on.

Before flying away from their net enclosure,  one of the stunning creatures landed on Adelyn’s hand, much to her delighted surprise.

Lessard expects to release about 20 monarchs this season.