Common raccoons (Carnivora: Procyonidae: Procyon lotor) are generally nocturnal, spending daylight hours sleeping somewhere safe. Sometimes they can be seen in trees like this eastern hackberry (Cannabaceae: Celtis occidentalis). Palmyra Michigan, 05 Apr 2010.

Winter stoneflies (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae) don’t need warm, sunny days to be active. These cold-adapted insects are at their peak from January to April. Their aquatic naiads thrive in cold, oxygen-rich winter water before molting into flying adults to mate. Blissfield Michigan, 27 Feb 2016.

Chapel Falls, located along the six mile Chapel Loop Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, 24 May 2012.

A view west from the Diablo Mountains. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, 09 Apr 2018.

The fruit of the shrubby vines known as bittersweet (Celastraceae: Celastrus sp.) are hard capsules that split open to reveal the sugary flesh inside. They provide a late-season food source for ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea Michigan, 21 Oct 2012.

When click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) find themselves stuck upside-down they can suddenly “snap” their unique thoracic joints to create a “click” sound and launch themselves through the air. Once upright again they continue about their business. Great Basin National Park, Nevada, 18 May 2016.

Chapel Rock is made up of weathered Munising Sandstone. These sediments were deposited in a shoreline environment in the mid to late Cambrian Period, about 487-520 million years ago. It can be reached by hiking the six mile Chapel Loop Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, 24 May 2012.

Darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are one of the largest and most diverse animal families in the world. Within North America they're more common in the west, and many species are adapted to arid climates. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 08 Aug 2014.

American pikas (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae: Ochotona princeps) are tiny and hard to see but their squeaks are easy to hear. Although they resemble rodents, these alpine critters are more closely related to rabbits and hares. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, 06 Aug 2013.

The larvae of striped willow leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Disonycha alternata) feed on willow trees like this sandbar willow (Salicaceae: Salix exigua). As with most insects, the larvae look nothing like the adults. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, 03 Aug 2013.

Slender dayflower (Commelinaceae: Commelina erecta) can be found throughout much of the Americas, usually in dry sandy soil. The common name comes from the fact that individual flowers only last for one day. Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen Nebraska, 29 Jul 2025.

Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls South Dakota, 31 Jul 2025.

The San Luis Valley collects a lot of sand transported by erosion and streams from the surrounding mountains. Wind drives much of this sand into a bend in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where it has created the tallest dunes in North America. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, 03 Aug 2013.

Grasses (Poaceae) are wind-pollinated, where gravity and a breeze transport male pollen to the female parts of the flowers. Although insects aren’t required for reproduction, the pollen can still attract some like this hover fly (Syrphidae). Clayton Michigan, 28 Jun 2013.

A black swallowtail (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Papilio polyxenes) feeding on a thistle flower (Asteraceae: Cirsium sp.). Clayton Michigan, 26 Aug 2010.

Scarlet gilia (Polemoniaceae: Ipomopsis aggregata) is a biennial wildflower native to western North America. The brightly colored flowers are trumpet-shaped and rather deep, so they're usually pollinated by long-tongued moths and hummingbirds. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, 03 Aug 2013.

Long-horned bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Eucerini) stand out thanks to the long antennae found on males. Females dig vertical nests in soil, and although they are solitary bees their nests are sometimes in proximity to each other. Palmyra Michigan, 03 Jul 2013.

The Pyrenees Mountains and El Grado Reservoir. Escanilla Spain, 13 Sep 2015.

Pussy willows (Salicaceae: Salix discolor) are dioecious, having separate male and female plants. Both sexes produce flowers in elongated, slender clusters known as catkins. Fertilized female catkins produce clusters of slender green fruit. Pinckney State Recreation Area, Michigan, 05 May 2013.

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are best known for the foul-smelling defensive chemicals they can release. Although they usually overwinter in leaf litter, some try to seek shelter in homes. This makes them rather conspicuous in the autumn. Waterloo State Recreation Area, Michigan, 28 Sep 2013.

At the Black Canyon the Gunnison River has carved a route through metamorphic gneiss and schist, formed from the collision of ancient volcanic islands about 1.7 billion years ago. At one point the river descends 240 feet per mile. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, 04 Aug 2013.

Gray treefrogs (Anura: Hylidae: Dryophytes versicolor) have a highly variable appearance because they can change colors to camouflage themselves. Since they're arboreal they're typically found in forested areas in much of eastern North America. Palmyra Michigan, 01 Sep 2010.

The larvae of most metallic wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) feed on dead or dying wood, but some eat live wood, leaves, and even herbaceous plants. A few like the emerald ash borer are significant pests. This Buprestis is not. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, 03 Aug 2013.

Great blue lobelia (Campanulaceae: Lobelia siphilitica) thrives in swamps and floodplain forests in most of eastern North America. The tubular flowers encourage insects to dig deep for nectar, ensuring pollination. Pinckney State Recreation Area near Chelsea Michigan, 18 Aug 2012.

Differential weathering along the Pacific coast. These sediments were deposited between 23 and 5 million years ago, and more recently experienced uplift and erosion. Softer mudstone breaks down more easily than overlying sandtone, creating mushroom-shaped hoodoos. Yehliu Geopark Taiwan, 06 Dec 2012.

Young white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae: Odocoileus virginianus) typically curl up and hide in tall foliage while their mothers are out feeding. This one saw its mom returning and got up and started wagging its tail. Clayton Michigan, 27 Jun 2013.

Spotted joe pyeweed (Asteraceae: Eutrochium maculatum) is widespread in marshes and swamps throughout much of the US and Canada. Stems are often green with purple spots, but can also be entirely purple. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan, 22 Jul 2012.

A mining bee (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) feeding on the pollen and nectar of a golden ragwort (Asteraceae: Packera aurea). Zaleski State Forest near Athens Ohio, 02 May 2014.

A trail where the mouth of the Presque Isle River meets Lake Superior. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan, 22 Jul 2012.

An American bison (Artiodactyla: Bovidae: Bison bison) grazing near a steaming hot spring in the Lower Geyser Basin. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 06 Sep 2014. #NationalParks

Blue-tipped dancers (Odonata: Coenagrionidae: Argia tibialis) are named for the blue-tipped abdomens of mature males. This individual is a blue-form female, and there are also brown-form females. Damselflies have aquatic young so they're often found near water. Blissfield Michigan, 10 Jul 2011.

Tamarack (Pinaceae: Larix laricina) is an extremely cold-tolerant tree that’s native to much of northern North America. It differs from other conifers in that the needles are in spiral clusters and it's deciduous, not evergreen. Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea Michigan, 28 Sep 2013.

Anhingas (Suliformes: Anhingidae: Anhinga anhinga) inhabit shallow, slow-moving, and sheltered waters from the Gulf of Mexico through much of Central and South America. They nest in loose groups often with other water birds, and eat mainly fish. Everglades National Park, Florida, 08 Apr 2012.

Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas, 17 Jun 2017.

Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are found throughout the world, typically near fresh water. Their young naiads are aquatic, and every spring they emerge as flying adults in short-lived but dense mating swarms. Their remains are often littered everywhere afterward. Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio, 15 Jun 2026.

At Blue Hen Falls resistant Berea Sandstone from the early Carboniferous Period caps softer Bedford Shale from the late Devonian. These sediments were deposited in river delta and shoreline environments about 350-360 million years ago. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, 17 Sep 2011. #NationalParks

Bluebead (Liliaceae: Clintonia borealis) is native to woodlands in northeastern North America. After pollination the showy yellow flowers develop into small blue fruit. These berries provide food for wildlife but are mildly toxic to humans. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, 23 Jul 2012.

Bean leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cerotoma trifurcata) can be found throughout much of North America. They're significant pests of soybeans but also feed on other legumes as well as melons and squash. Blissfield Michigan, 20 Mar 2011.

A Magnificent Frigatebird (Suliformes: Fregatidae: Fregata magnificens) soaring over the Gulf of Mexico. Mature males like this one have a bright red throat pouch they can inflate for courtship displays. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, 10 Apr 2012.

The Atlantic Ocean and Sand Beach early in the morning. Acadia National Park, Maine, 27 Oct 2015. #NationalParks

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Araceae: Arisaema triphyllum) is easy to recognize thanks to a prominent spadix enveloped in a single colorful bract. It's relatively common in eastern North America. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, 25 May 2012.

A Canada Goose (Anseriformes: Anatidae: Branta canadensis) keeping a watchful eye on a passing group of Ring-necked Ducks (Anatidae: Aythya collaris). This particular goose chose to make her nest on top of a muskrat den, giving her an ideal defensive position. Clayton Michigan, 30 Mar 2016.

Kelso Dunes originated from the erosion of the granitic San Bernardino Mountains to the west. Wind carried the sand eastward until it reached a trap between the Providence and Granite Mountains, where the wind slowed and dropped its sand load. Mojave National Preserve, California, 22 Dec 2012.

In spite of the name, the larvae of hickory tussock moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lophocampa caryae) feed on a variety of trees and shrubs. They spend summer gorging on leaves, overwinter as pupae, and emerge as brown and white adults in spring. Pinckney State Recreation Area, Michigan, 18 Aug 2012.

Bald Eagles (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae: Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were once decimated by hunting, trapping, and poisoning. Widespread use of the pesticide DDT made things worse until it was banned in 1972. Since then their numbers have increased. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 07 Sep 2014.

European drone flies (Diptera: Syrphidae: Eristalis arbustorum) were introduced to North America from Europe. Like other hover flies adults feed on flowers like this wild carrot (Apiaceae: Daucus carota). Larvae are aquatic and live in standing water, dung, or compost. Clayton Michigan, 13 Jul 2010.

Common mallow (Malvaceae: Malva neglecta) is native to Eurasia but was introduced elsewhere for culinary use. The leaves and seeds are edible and also nutritious. It's considered weedy in North America but isn't particularly invasive. Blissfield Michigan, 06 Jun 2026.

Indian Pond reflecting the clouds. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 07 Sep 2014. #NationalParks

Giant ironweed (Asteraceae: Vernonia gigantea) is a perennial wildflower native to eastern North America. It can grow up to seven feet in height and serves as host to larvae of several moth species. The abundant flowers feed a variety of pollinating insects. Blissfield Michigan, 22 Aug 2010.

Crab spiders (Araneae: Thomisidae) often sit on flowers, waiting to ambush pollinating insects. With their long front legs they can take down prey larger than themselves. This one chose an eastern daisy fleabane (Asteraceae: Erigeron annuus) as its hunting spot. Manitou Beach Michigan, 17 Sep 2010.