The Mandarin duck seen recently paddling in ponds in Central Park in New York City brought much excitement to New Yorkers and on the Internet. But have you ever seen surf scoter, a sea duck with a clown-like face? They can be seen at Jamaica Bay at Gateway National Recreation Area in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.

If you want to capture great images yet cannot, or do not wish to, venture very far from your vehicle or lodging, then you've probably been following the Armchair Photography Guides for national parks that National Parks Traveler contributing photographer Rebecca Latson has visited. In her final Part 3 of this Armchair Photography Guide for Bryce Canyon National Park, Rebecca covers portions of Fairyland Canyon and Fairyland Loop Trail, complete with suggestions and techniques for fantastic photos in this smaller amphitheater chock-full of colorful scenery and amazing geology.

Lame duck congressional sessions are pretty much a crapshoot, as the politicians rush to wrap up business and try to force through legislation that might otherwise not fly. So while there was much concern when the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove Endangered Species Act protections from gray wolves, it's not a sure thing that the Senate will go along.

With winter near, the gates to Chinook and Cayuse passes through Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state are about to swing shut for the season.