Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small and brightly colored bird species belonging to the family Alcedinidae. Renowned for its vibrant plumage and remarkable…

Scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea)

The Scarlet Dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a striking species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. Known for its vivid coloration, it is a common…

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Polygonia c-album, commonly known as the Comma butterfly, is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae. Here’s some information about this fascinating butterfly:…

Red-Brown Longhorn Beetle (Stictoleptura rubra)

The Red-Brown Longhorn Beetle (Stictoleptura rubra) is a visually striking beetle known for its distinct coloration and long antennae. Here are some key details about…

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

The Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) is one of the most distinctive and adaptable species in the Palearctic region. In Estonia (where it is known as…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) The Asian Water Monitor is one of the largest lizards in the world, known for its impressive size, intelligence, and…

Black-spotted longhorn beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a notable species of beetle belonging to the Cerambycidae family, known for its distinctive appearance and behaviors. This…

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

The Long-eared owl (Asio otus)—known in Estonian as the Kõrvukräts—is perhaps the most enigmatic of our nocturnal predators. A master of disguise and a master…

Scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a strikingly beautiful butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Known for its large size, elegant tail-like extensions, and distinctive…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

The Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)—known in Estonian as the Luhatäpik—is a medium-sized butterfly that serves as a vibrant ambassador for Europe’s damp grasslands.1 While…

Eurasian Bluets (Coenagrion)

The Eurasian Bluets (genus Coenagrion) are the living neon signs of the wetland. These delicate damselflies, often called “Azure Damselflies,” are a masterclass in intricate…

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena Vatia)

Here’s a detailed, factual overview of the Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia): 🕷️ Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) Taxonomy: 🟡 Identification The Goldenrod Crab Spider…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl species in Europe, known for its compact size and fierce hunting behavior. Below is a…

Chequered skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)

The Chequered skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)—or Täpik-punnpea in Estonian—is a small but vibrant butterfly that brings a touch of gold to damp woodland clearings in late…

The coal tit (Periparus ater)

The Coal tit (Periparus ater) is the smallest of our native tits and a master of high-speed survival. While its larger cousins, the Great tit…

Comma butterfly (Polygonia C-album)

The Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) is a favorite for macro photographers, not just for its fiery orange wings, but for its incredible ability to “disappear”…

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Ural owl (Strix uralensis)

The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a large, distinctive owl native to the forests of Eurasia. Known for its striking appearance and powerful presence, it…

Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)

The Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa) is a strikingly beautiful moth that belongs to the family Erebidae. This species is known for its vibrant coloration…

Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)

The Cuckoo wasp (genus Crysis) is one of the most stunning subjects for any macro photographer. Often called “Jewel Wasps” or “Emerald Wasps,” these tiny…

Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

The Crimson Spectacle: Meeting the Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) If there is one bird that can turn a drab winter garden into a scene from…

Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

The Electric Blue Angler: Discovering the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) Often referred to as the “flying jewel” of the riverbank, the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)…

European crested tit (Lophophanes cristatus)

The Punk of the Pine: Discovering the European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus) Deep within the ancient, mossy coniferous forests of Europe lives a small bird…

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

The Springtime Scout: Exploring the Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) For many naturalists, the first sighting of a male Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines) is the…

Thailand frog

Thailand is home to a diverse array of frog species, with many fascinating amphibians found in its forests, wetlands, and rural areas. Here are a…

Red admiral (Vanessa atlanta)

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a well-known and striking butterfly, celebrated for its vibrant colors and migratory behavior. Here’s an overview of this remarkable…

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) is a species of agamid lizard that is widely distributed in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Known for its…

Mallard

Wild Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) The wild mallard is one of the most widespread and recognizable wild ducks in the world. It is the ancestor of…

White-tailed bumble bee (Bombus lucorum)

The White-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum) is a common and widespread species of bumblebee notable for its distinctive white tail and important ecological role as a…

Goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia)

The Invisible Ambush: The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) The Chameleon of the Meadow Unlike most spiders that rely on speed or webs, the female…

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

A Splash of Azure: The Enchanting World of the Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) Widely considered one of the most beautiful and easily recognizable butterflies in…

House Fly (Phaonia angelicae)

The Elegant Outlier: Understanding the House Fly (Phaonia angelicae) When we hear the term “House Fly,” we usually think of a domestic pest. However, Phaonia…

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Golden Lace and Purple Hues: Discovering the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) In the damp meadows and sun-drenched woodland edges of summer, a small, golden-orange…

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)

The Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) is a large, distinctive waterfowl native to Central and South America, with domesticated varieties found worldwide. Unlike many other ducks,…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Here’s a full, detailed overview of the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Europe’s smallest owl and one of its most fascinating forest predators. 🦉 Eurasian…

Green crab spider (Diaea dorsata)

Deep Overview: Green Crab Spider (Diaea dorsata) The green crab spider (Diaea dorsata) is a fascinating arachnid belonging to the Thomisidae family, commonly known as…

Blackspotted pliers support beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Blackspotted Pliers Support Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a species of longhorn beetle known for its distinctive markings and its role in decomposing deadwood. It…

Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

The Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) is a striking species of damselfly known for its vibrant colors and graceful appearance. It is part of the family…

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

The term “Blackbird” commonly refers to the Eurasian Blackbird, scientifically known as Turdus merula. This bird is a member of the thrush family, Turdidae. Here…

Snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus)

The Ghost of the Tundra: Mastering the Majesty of the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) While many owls are creatures of the shadows, the Snowy Owl…

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)

The Elusive Sentinel: Mastering the Mystery of the Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) Among the nocturnal hunters of the forest, few are as enigmatic or as…

The Tiny King: Discovering the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

Meet the lightweight champion of the bird world. The Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is officially the smallest bird in Europe, weighing a mere 5 to 6…

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

The Emerald of Spring: Discovering the Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) In the world of butterflies, true green is a rare and precious color. The Green…

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

A Splash of Azure: The Enchanting World of the Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) Widely considered one of the most beautiful and easily recognizable butterflies in…

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is a small, widespread butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. It is one of the most common and easily recognizable…

European peacock (Inachis io)

Here’s a detailed overview of the European Peacock (Inachis io), one of Europe’s most recognizable butterflies: European Peacock (Inachis io) Taxonomy & Classification General Description…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

The Giant of the Wetlands: Discovering the Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) The Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) is one of the most impressive reptiles…

Plain tiger (Danaus chrysippus)

The Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus), also known as the African Monarch, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is well-known for its…

Blackspotted pliers support beetle (Rhagium mordax)

The Black-spotted Longhorn Beetle (Rhagium mordax) is a species of longhorn beetle belonging to the Cerambycidae family. Here’s an overview of this fascinating insect: Overall,…

Common hover fly (Diplazon laetatorius)

The Common Hover Fly (Diplazon laetatorius) is a member of the family Syrphidae, also known as hoverflies or flower flies. It is notable for its…

Common tiger, Striped Tiger (Danaus genutia)

The Common Tiger (Danaus genutia), also known as the Striped Tiger, is a medium-sized butterfly found throughout Asia and is part of the milkweed butterfly…

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Common Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) is a small and vibrant butterfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. Here’s a brief overview: Overall, the…

Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis)

The Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis) is a species of hornet that is native to parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Known for its…

Red-throated barbet (Megalaima mystacophanos)

The Red-throated Barbet (Megalaima mystacophanos) is a colorful bird species belonging to the family Megalaimidae, which is native to Southeast Asia. Here are some key…

Green crab spider (Diaea dorsata)

The Green Crab Spider (Diaea dorsata) is a fascinating arachnid belonging to the family Thomisidae, known for its ability to blend into its surroundings and…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Here’s a full, detailed overview of the Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Europe’s smallest owl and one of its most fascinating forest predators. 🦉 Eurasian…

Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula)

The Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula) is a distinctive and fascinating bird of prey that inhabits the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, including regions of…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a striking butterfly species belonging to the Papilionidae family. Here are some key features and characteristics: Overall, the Scarce…

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) is a large, striking butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae. Despite its name, the Scarce Swallowtail is not particularly rare…

Northern Hawk-owl (Surnia ulula)

The Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula) is a species of owl belonging to the family Strigidae. Here are some key characteristics and information about this fascinating…

Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)

The Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) is a widespread and common butterfly found throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Known for its modest size…