See the winning images from our weekly photo contest
I discovered a snapping turtle on a grassy path near a retention pond. I came face to face with it and used a macro lens to photograph its face. I was about 3 inches away from it, being careful to make sure it wasn't a biter. It let me take various shots of it and sat there unfazed. I liked this photo the best because the photo shows a symmetrical view of its face, also showing the detail in its eyes.
Angela Cichosz of Carol Stream
Tulip tree flower, with ladybug (this is on a tree, not a real tulip flower on the ground). The tree was in full bloom, with many beautiful tulip flowers like this one.
Mike Krzywosz of Lisle
A bumble bee seems to be sitting while pollinating flowers in an Arlington Heights backyard.
Fred Share of Arlington Heights
Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford catches a puck at the Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild playoff game on May 3.
John Wysocki of Mount Prospect
The needles of a barrel cactus on May 10 at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Detroit, MI.
Ken Juranek of Des Plaines
During sand crab mating season, a few fisherman were catching white fish that like the sand crabs in Destin, Florida last April. They would stick their poles in the sand and wait.
Ann Van Schaik of Wauconda
A beautiful sunset along the Prairie Crossing farm trail.
Cindy Madson of Grayslake
A swan travels on the waterway near the McHenry dam last month.
Joan Farrell of Island Lake
I took this photo at the Lake in the Hills Fen last week. Foreground plants aided in providing additional color and softness to this picture. The short depth of field also allowed for a softer background. On this particular day dragonflies were in abundance and with the lack of wind it made for a good day out.
Tony Pocewicz of Carpentersville
This photo was taken during a recent visit with my family to Big Cedar Lodge, near Branson, MO. After being scared away once by this friendly visitor, I remained calm and was able to catch him working his 9 to 5 job.
Nicole Yingst of Geneva
A few weeks ago at the Chicago Botanic Garden, I was lucky enough to spot the resident heron walking closely by the water's edge. I followed quietly, watching, when all of a sudden, a tasty dragonfly was plucked out of the air!
Susan Birr of Carpentersville
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.