Many of our local animals have patterns and colors that provide camouflage, breaking up their outlines and concealing them from predators. Capturing these hidden creatures is a special challenge, but it can also lead to some beautiful compositions, as shown by these images from our past Photo Contests.

Gray Treefrog, 2012 Photo Contest Entry © Kenneth Lavalle

American Bittern, 2013 Photo Contest Entry © Mark Grimason

Beach Wolf Spider, 2013 Photo Contest Entry © Karen Brocksmith

Virginia Opossum, 2014 Photo Contest Entry © Laurene Cogswell

Great Horned Owl, 2014 Photo Contest Entry © Marie Pelletier

Have a great shot of your own? The 2015 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest has launched!

The story of ospreys in Massachusetts is one of adversity and survival. These fish-eating raptors faced two main challenges: first, they declined due to deforestation. Later, their numbers plummeted due to the pesticide DDT, which weakened eggshells. But thanks to conservation efforts, record numbers of ospreys are flying in the Commonwealth. Here are five images from our Photo Contest that highlight these charismatic birds. Read more about their history in the state.

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Cathy Cogswell

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Mike Snow

2014 Photo Contest Entry © David Ennis

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Linda Fuller

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Rod Parker

Have a great shot of your own? The 2015 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest has launched!