An endangerd species, the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) peeks out of the water to assess its surroundings. Raleigh, North Carolina.

An American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) sits on log in a pond. Raleigh, North Carolina.

A Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) and a trio of fronds or fiddleheads of a Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) sprout from the forest floor. Raleigh, North Carolina.