Wildlife Photography by Erik Karits

European peacock (Inachis io)

The European Peacock (Inachis io, recently also classified as Aglais io)—or Päevapaabusilm in Estonian—is perhaps the most recognizable butterfly in the Palearctic. It is the…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

The Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)—also known as the Malayan Water Monitor—is the heavyweight champion of the Southeast Asian waterways. Second in size only to…

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) (DUPLICATE)

The Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is a masterclass in subtle, geometric beauty. While it lacks the flamboyant colors of a parrot or a kingfisher, its…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)—known in Estonia as the Värbkakk—is a living contradiction. It is the smallest owl in Europe, barely the size of…

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) is one of the largest and most striking butterflies found in Europe. Its vibrant colors and graceful flight make it…

Mallard or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)—known in Estonia as the Sinikael-part (Blue-necked duck)—is the ancestor of almost all domestic ducks and the undisputed king of the world’s…

Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)

Here’s a full overview of the Cuckoo wasps (Chrysis spp.), one of the most striking groups of parasitic wasps: Cuckoo Wasps (Chrysis spp.) Taxonomy &…

Blackspotted longhorn 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,…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

Overall, the Asian Water Monitor is a fascinating reptile species with unique adaptations for survival in tropical environments. While they are not currently endangered, conservation…

Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum)

Deep Overview: Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl in Europe, known for its fierce hunting skills,…

Tiger moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)

The Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)—known in Estonia as the Kevadkaruslane (the “Spring Bear”) or Roostetiib—is a master of the “bait and switch.” At rest,…

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)

The image depicts a Long-eared Owl perched on a branch, its distinctive ear tufts extending upwards like delicate antennas, giving it an almost whimsical appearance.…

Jumping spider

This mesmerizing macro photograph captures the intricate beauty and captivating charm of a jumping spider in stunning detail. The photographer’s skill and precision in capturing…

Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis)

The Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis) is one of the most misunderstood insects in the garden. With its elongated “beak” and the male’s menacing, upturned tail,…

Common myna (Acridotheres tristis)

The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), also known as the Indian Myna or Indian Mynah, is a bird species belonging to the starling family, Sturnidae. Known…

Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

The Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is a distinctive and much-loved member of the finch family (Fringillidae), recognizable by its stocky build and striking plumage. Here…

Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa)

Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) Photo from Estonia This stunning photograph, taken in Estonia, beautifully captures the essence of the Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly amidst the serene…

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…

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

The Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)—also known as the Malayan Water Monitor—is the heavyweight champion of the Southeast Asian waterways. Second in size only to…

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…