50 incredible sights found in nature that show how awesome our world is

You know that saying, “Stop and smell the roses?” It’s telling us not to be in such a rush. To linger a little bit and pay attention to the amazing things in nature that are all around us.

We are surrounded by beauty—okay, some of it’s creepy but in a beautiful way—and some of it is in the most unexpected places. But if we’re always tearing through life, we never notice it.

Thankfully, there are those that do take a few moments out of their busy days to stroll and observe. And take pictures of what they see, so the rest of use can see too.

Here are 50 examples of people who took the time to stop. To see the beauty that surrounds them. And post it on the internet.

1. Opposing environments

Sometimes, life will find a way, even in inhospitable environments. Look at these pretty, delicate looking flowers blooming on totally arid land.

2. The sky is the limit

I love purple petunias to begin with. I would be thrilled to end up with a variety that looks like a galaxy.

3. Ice palace

This looks like something from a fairy tale, doesn’t it? It’s probably chilly in there but this little guy is protected a little bit.

4. It actually looks fake

But this is a real-life albino deer. But pair it with the rainbow and it seems like a magical spot.

5. SPF

Looks like it’s not just us that needs protection from the sun. Mt. Fuji has what looks like a parasol overhead to provide some shade on a sunny day.

6. Controversial!

Someone says this is the side of their building and that this is the shadow of 2 trees on it. Someone calls bogus and says the real story here is art that looks like a shadow. The real shadow is the bottom right corner of the building.

7. So cute

I’m Canadian, so I know my maple leaves. And while that looks like an adorable little one, it’s not our North America variety. That’s a Japanese maple leaf.

8. It looks like a snake

So the story behind this is the tree was most likely killed by some kind of winding vine like ivy. It twisted around the tree and eventually killed it. Can’t everyone just get along?

9. Community spread

When it comes to plants like sunflowers, you only think you are in control. Those seeds will fly, and if they land in a hospitable spot—even just barely—they will grow there.

10. Camouflage

In his own habitat, somewhere in trees and grass, I’m sure this little guy would go unnoticed. Which it good and bad. Good for him, but bad for us, because he sure is cute.

11. Autumn comes

That gradient of colors is beautiful. And the way one patch has started to change color before the other tells a story of how the sun shone on that spot.

12. Just a little spooky

I have to admit I didn’t know this could happen. And all red/orange rainbow. But this was shot at midnight in Finland and there is some science behind why this would happen because of atmosphere.

13. Just hanging out

That lone cherry. It grew all by itself in the middle of the tree. Anyone else think this social distancing thing has gone too far? I’m mean, I get it. I do. But enough. Please?

14. The will to live

Most of us know some people like this. Nothing will bring them down. This tree was badly burnt in a bushfire but still manages to survive.

15. This is so cool

It looks like a huge dining room table built around the trees. That actually a river that flooded, then froze. When the water receded, it left those ice shelves around the trees.

16. I want one

Okay, who of you would like a tree that looks like this on your property? It’s a Tibetan Cherry Tree but it looks like the trunk is made out of copper.

17. Rainbow cabbage

This cabbage is changing color along with the seasons. But is it a red cabbage? A green cabbage? It’s really hard to tell.

18. They’re cute, but…

This is also extremely disturbing. I think I would freak if I looked into my garden and found this army of baby grasshoppers. Because they will grow up!

19. I… just… can’t…

You can almost hear it as it slowly gives up and crumbles into the water. With a depressed look, knowing it’s time was just about up. But that water does look very inviting.

20. So pretty

Look at the new growth on this fir tree. So fluffy and delicate. And apparently you can eat this new growth. It tastes like lime and is rich in vitamins.

21. So tiny

Look at this itsy bitsy frog! It’s not even a quarter of the size of that person’s thumb nail. He needs a little home.

22. Busting out

I wonder how many years that took. The tree grew from a sapling to full grown inside that old silo. And then overtook its host.

23. I’m not a fan of mushrooms

Having said that, look at these! They are gorgeous. They look like little jade figurines or something. But no, I still wouldn’t ever eat them.

24. Baby skink

Okay. Off topic, but writing that made me start humming Baby Shark. Back to the skink. That is a gorgeous blue, but it will unfortunately lose it as it ages.

25. Blonde ambition

Look at this black squirrel with the blonde tail. It reminds me of the software you can use to see what a new cut or color would look like on you before you commit. Or even commit to just coloring your ponytail before doing the whole job.

26. Then and now

This is a painting of a spot done in 1892. And a photo of the same spot in 2020. So much has changed, yet remains the same.

27. The intricacies of nature

It’s astounding that something so simple as morning dew could create art like this. Because hands down, that is some fine artwork.

28. Apples and oranges

Except in this case it’s still apples and apples. Someone has grafted a normal apple tree onto a crab apple tree. Looks weird but is very common.

29. Toadstools!

As a person who is freaked out by mushrooms—I mean, come on people! They are fungus!—I find this somewhat horrifying. But some see this field of fairy inkcaps as magical. Whatever.

30. It’s gonna blow!

This is a pretty cool shot. What you’re looking at is a geyser that has built up to the point were it’s just about to blow.

31. One of these things…

Is clearly not like the other. This single rose is a yearly occurrence in someone’s garden. Every year they get one—just one—grow through a wall of ivy.

32. Looks crazy big

This moth is gorgeous, but the picture makes it look freakishly large. It’s and Elephant Hawk moth and has a wingspan of about 2.5 inches.

33. The beer garden

Look at this. If you ever find an empty beet bottle laying in the woods, don’t be so sure it’s empty. It might be host to a whole new ecosystem.

34. Roll ‘er up!

She looks pretty pleased with herself, doesn’t she? I wonder if that is the fruit of her labor or someone else’s. Either way, having a snowfall that allows you to roll up the snow like this doesn’t happen all the time.

35. How did they do that?

That clearly isn’t a natural occurrence. It’s a display for some sort of wine bar. But how did they manage to make one giant bunch of grapes from all those small bunches?

36. Some serious beadwork

Actually, that is a close up shot of a chameleon. So fascinating, especially how some of those beads/scales are more than one color.

37. Nature’s weather doppler

Look at all the colors in this maple leave. Parts of it still hanging on to summer, part of it well into autumn, and some of it dead and ready to fall.

38. It all starts with math

This is a palm frond. But for some reason it’s a very geometrical palm frond. It looks like it was tired of having straight fronds and was going for a wavy do.

39. It’s watching you

Hey, gardeners, is that part of the flower called the stigma? This one could be an eagle or a baby alien, take your pick. But whichever, it has it’s eyes on you.

40. How many of us can relate?

Raise your hands. Who here tried to cut their own hair when in lockdown or quarantine? So we probably shouldn’t laugh at this shaggy do.

41. The grass really is greener

When you get frost and your neighbor doesn’t because your lawn is cut an inch lower. The reason? That extra layer is like a layer of thermal insulation. So the ground on his side stayed warmer and frost-free.

42. How to get your kids to eat vegetables

I swear this heirloom corn likes like Jelly Bellies. The interesting thing about these cobs is they all—supposedly—come from the same variety. If they really were Jelly Bellies, that wouldn’t be the case.

43. Apple pie chart?

Is that what you see? Or are you more tech than math oriented and see the circular loading symbol? As in this apple is still loading?

44. Hmm, really?

There is a lot of talk that this bird is the spitting image of Danny DeVito. But I’m not sure I see it. Sure, a bit of a resemblance, but a twin? Really?

45. Hens and chicks

For those not in the know, these succulents really are called Hens and Chicks. And I love the way the can adorn an otherwise boring old stone wall.

46. And then it sneezes

At first, you miss that bee in there, all covered in pollen. But it’s doing its job and will carry that to the next spot. Unfortunately, as that pollen wafts through the air, it makes some sneeze.

47. Now this is cool!

I see a tree stamped into this tree stump. But someone else says they see a mushroom cloud, and I see that too. But I’d prefer to think on something less destructive. There’s already enough negativity in 2020, right?

48. Forget the science

Yes, there is a long scientific reason for this rock within a rock—but we’re not about science here. You came to be entertained, and this doesn’t just entertain, it rocks!

49. Sponsored by…

Depending on where you live, you’ve probably heard one of these before. It’s a cicada. However, this one seems to be unique. It carries the McDonald’s logo! Is this the start of the next Beyond Meat craze?

50. Tumbling tumbleweeds

I think if I was rushing out my door one morning and discovered this wall of tumbleweeds, I’d be extremely annoyed. But it is the sort of thing you can look back on and laugh about.

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