This is our smallest and most energetic diving duck with some major flare to boot. The male bufflehead’s oversized head glimmers green and purple iridescent with the appearance of a large pie slice removed, leaving a white patch on the back of its head. The rest of its body is a sleek and stark torpedo of black on white. The female is an unassuming brown and gray duck with a large head and distinctive white cheek patch. Both sexes measure around one foot in length and weigh between one half and just-over one pound.

Buffleheads are impressive divers and use their skills to catch aquatic invertebrates, insects, and mollusks as a main food source. Dives for food typically last between 12 and 25 seconds.

These small ducks choose woodpecker and Northern flicker holes as their nesting cavities, often preferring cavities found in aspen and poplars. Bufflehead are another mostly monogamous species and will stay with their partner for a few years, laying one brood of four to 17 eggs per year. Males will often leave the females during incubation in order to molt, but will return to help protect the ducklings.

Ten years ago, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this holiday to honor and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. You can celebrate by taking a walk in your favorite forest or taking action to protect the forests you love.

This United Nations holiday is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources, as well as raise awareness for the two billion people living without access to clean drinking water.

World Aquatic Animal Day raises global awareness of the importance of aquatic animals such as mollusks, aquatic mammals, amphibians, birds, and insects. The creators at Lewis & Clark Law School hope it inspires people from all over the world to create policies, laws, education, and collaborations that will help to protect these valuable creatures.

Every year, the International Dark Sky Association promotes International Dark Sky Week to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution and to celebrate the wonders of our starry skies.

First established in 1987, National Wildflower Week is a celebration of the beauty of wildflowers, and it promotes the importance of native wildflowers in our ecosystems.

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on different days in various countries, but in the US, it is on May 13th that we celebrate the incredible journeys of migratory birds, and commit to worldwide conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed World Bee Day to raise awareness on the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and their contributions to society.

Celebrate world nature conservation day and explore ways to reduce our ecological footprint. Learn to make a positive impact on the environment.

Considering bringing the outside in as it pertains to your ceilings, Childress says.

"Natural materials, especially stone and reclaimed wood, have long been favorites of mine for their grounding, organic qualities," she says, adding that incorporating these features on the ceiling will result in a warm, timeless environment.
Joyner is partial to wood ceilings and foresees those growing in popularity next year. She explains how wood ceilings instantly bring warmth and richness to a space.

"It’s a great way to lend some texture and interest to a room that is designed to feel more neutral as well," Joyner explains.