Yellowstone National Park’s winter season begins Friday, December 15, though snow conditions are not optimal for travel, according to park staff.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan is taking an important step to benefit the environment, and park visitors and workers, by replacing gas-powered trail and maintenance equipment with clean, quiet, all-electric battery powered models.

Armed with binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, and notepads, and assisted by experts who immediately can tell the difference between a Western tanager and a goldfinch, or between a Downy woodpecker and its Hairy cousin, devoted birders across the hemisphere will be heading to plots with a 15-mile radius over the next three weeks to see what they can see during the 124th annual Christmas Bird Count.

Hikers who want to visit Angels Landing in Zion National Park next year can apply to four seasonal lotteries.