Ponderosa PineconesFallen conifer cones overpower springtime dainties on the forest floor of the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pine, Arizona, USA. .

throughout its statewide reach from the four corners area all the way to the Grand Canyon

179 foot (4

grows in the Sonoran Desert and Chihuahuan Desert and has attractive flowers followed by yellow fruit located on the top of the plant

it is shrouded by fog and enriched by oak leaf color at the end of season

A wide range of colors and styles makes the common rose often quite uncommon

Ancient Greek Orthodox monastaries built atop natural sandstone pillars are thrust heavenward from the northern reaches of the Plain of Thessaly

The sphinx itself is considered among earth's oldest monumental elements and its diligent gaze has been scrutinizing visitors for some 4500 years

Yet in this group of high profile and very individual neighbors

An American native hummingbird displays a splendid tail dress as it performs an air dance near a favored nectar source

this land proves to have been fashioned in extremes and in contradiction

Ranging from Colorado to Alaska these North American woolies are comfortable even in altitudes over two miles high

A heron appears to be dozing off under the watchful eye of an alligator doubled in size by an everglade reflection