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A Sundew plant taken at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana

Newly applied coal-tar-based sealcoat is dark black, sharply contrasting with the unsealed asphalt parking lot below. Coal-tar-based sealcoat is a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

Sealcoat, marketed to protect and beautify the underlying asphalt, sharply contrasts here with the light gray of unsealcoated asphalt pavement. Read more about coal-tar-based sealcoat and PAHs here.

The abrasive action of car tires and snow plows causes sealcoat to wear off. Here, light-colored patches indicate where the sealcoat has worn off and the underlying asphalt shows through.

Coal-tar-based sealcoat, a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), abrades into fine particles with time.  Here, runoff containing abraded particles goes down a storm drain and is delivered to a nearby lake. Read more about coal-tar-based sealcoat and PAHs here.

Coal-tar-based sealcoat, a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), abrades into fine particles with time.  Here, runoff containing abraded particles goes down a storm drain and is delivered to a nearby lake. Read more about coal-tar-based sealcoat and PAHs here.

USGS' Steve Hanser holding a Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri).

Small waterfall in the Gunnison River Canyon.

Ant hill near grassland-forest ecotone near Tebicuary river. This former pasture has not been grazed since an endangered bird species was discovered here half a dozen years ago. The Ñeembucú Region is typified by extensive grasslands and wetlands. Near 26°34’52’’S, 56°49’18’’W. (Guyra Paraguay 2004, Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Paraguay, Paraguay.)

Squirrel stepping out from it's ground burrow.

Squirrel stepping out from it's ground burrow.

Hollow in living tree in gallery forest of tributary to Tebicuary river. Grey feathers stuck along bottom of entrance suggest that it may be used by a bird. Paraguay is home to at least 589 breeding bird species and 120 migratory bird species. The Ñeembucú Region is typified by extensive grasslands and wetlands.

Caracaras in gallery forest along Tebicuary river. Paraguay is home to at least 589 breeding bird species and 120 migratory bird species. The Ñeembucú Region is typified by extensive grasslands and wetlands. A total of 384 bird species have been recorded in this region, of which two have not been recorded elsewhere in Paraguay. Near 26°34’52’’S, 56°49’18’’W.

Side view of a wasp nest hanging from tree trunk in gallery forest of tributary to Tebicuary river. The stem-like structure attaching it to the trunk is part of the nest. Diameter approximately 40 cm. The Ñeembucú Region is typified by extensive grasslands and wetlands. Near 26°34’52’’S, 56°49’18’’W.

Side view of a wasp nest hanging from tree trunk in gallery forest of tributary to Tebicuary river. The stem-like structure attaching it to the trunk is part of the nest. Diameter approximately 40 cm. The Ñeembucú Region is typified by extensive grasslands and wetlands. Near 26°34’52’’S, 56°49’18’’W.

Underneath view of a wasp nest hanging from tree trunk in gallery forest of tributary to Tebicuary river. The diameter is approximately 40 cm. The Ñeembucú Region is typified by extensive grasslands and wetlands. Near 26°34’52’’S, 56°49’18’’W. (Portion of text from: Guyra Paraguay 2004, Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Paraguay, Paraguay.)

Two Cynomys leucurus peering from the neck of a burrow.

Cynomys leucurus resting on its haunches next to a burrow.

Cynomys leucurus peering from a burrow.

Cynomys leucurus peering from a burrow, with its head barely visible.