Your Outdoor Photos May 2026

The Inland Northwest is full of flora, fauna, waters, scenery and active people out to savor it all. Please visit this gallery regularly to share photos of your wild experiences, learning moments, hot discoveries, favorite trips. Help us build a visual tour of what's so great about the outdoors in this region through all four seasons. This photo gallery will be an inspiration to some people. To others it will be a reminder of why we love to live here – and get outside as much as possible.

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Section:Reader Photo

Fri., May 1, 2026

Photos in This Album

A Western Tanager from way south like Costa Rica visit our area every spring. Found this one in River front park 5 16 2026

Photographer: Buck Domitrovich Cheney W.A.
This is Catch of the Day. This photo was taken on May 12, 2026 at Turnbull NWR. I didn't realize until I opened the image that the Osprey was carrying a catfish it caught from Pine lake.

Photographer: Mark Hatchel
American White Pelican flying over Cheney wetlands with vegetation on his bill. 5/14/26

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson
Launch of the white pelicans. This occurred Thursday 05-14-26 at Middle Pine Lake, Turnbull Refuge about 6:30 AM. All variables came together for a memorable image of these great birds. They are among the most beautiful of avian flyers. They so easily ride on air currents once they gain altitude.

Photographer: Jerry R O L W E S
Dragonfly resting on Rhododendron flowers on a cold morning.

Photographer: Mary Jo Stauner
Squirrel in the backyard.

Photographer: Mary Jo Stauner
White faced ibis flying along the edge of Pete's pond at Saltese Wetlands. These are considered rare / uncommon in the Spokane area. 5/11/26.

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson
Wilson Snipe found on Turnbull wild life refuge May 1 2026 usually perched on a fence post or a snag this one was on the ground. Turnbull wild life refuge. May 1 2026

Photographer: Buck Domitrovich Cheney W.A.
An American Bittern they remind me of Big Bird can be very vocal but hard to see. Found on Turnbull wild life refuge.

Photographer: Buck Domitrovich Cheney W.A.
Killdeer doing a distraction display termed as the “broken-wing act” to divert predators and trespassers away from their nests. Taken at Saltese Wetlands 5/7/26

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson
A pod of pelicans seen in the Cheney Wetlands the first week of May

Photographer: Melaine Williams
The bunny was convinced it was hiding out along the Centennial Trail west of Barker Road.

Photographer: Carol Olsen
Strutting For The Ladies May 8, 2026 Four Lakes, WA This tom turkey was strutting for the ladies in our back pasture. They were ignoring him and focusing on eating.

Photographer: Gary Miller
Rhododendron

Photographer: Mary Jo Stauner
White faced ibis standing in the grass at Saltese Wetlands. Found near the pond below the Morrison house. 5/7/26

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson
This male Gadwall had been with its mate. When it took off I think it assumed the mate would follow but she didn't. He circled several times and ended up landing next to her again. This photo was taken on one of his circuits around his mate. The photo was taken 5/5/26 over the Saltese lowlands marsh area.

Photographer: Jim Summers
In the eye of the beholder... This goose was standing on the trail on the Saltese lowlands marsh as I walked by. It kept an eye on me but did not walk away. I took this portrait from about 3 feet away. If you look closely at the eye you can see the reflection of the trail. The photo was taken May 5th.

Photographer: Jim Summers
A couple of cowbirds taking some time out in the morning sun on a Pend Oreille river piling, May 6th

Photographer: Nia Patton
Baby squirrel in the Colorado Blue Spruce tree.

Photographer: Mary Jo Stauner
Red-tailed hawk patrolling the fields of Saltese Wetlands. 5/4/26

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson
Helianthus

Photographer: Mary Jo Stauner
A regal goose protecting a family of goslings along the Centennial Trail near Barker Road.

Photographer: Carol Olsen
Ring-necked Pheasant puffing out his chest. Taken in Stevens County north of Suncrest. 5/1/26

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson