ADVERTISEMENT

OK, I know "mildly interesting" doesn't sound as exciting as "nature is f**king lit" or "nature is metal" but this subreddit also features lit and metal pictures of Mother Earth.

Since its creation in 2012, r/MildlyInteresting has become one of the biggest communities on Reddit. It has over 18.7 million members, with thousands browsing the sub at any given moment.

As Bored Panda showed in our previous article, nature is one of the most popular themes in this colorful corner of the Internet—whether it's a random fact or a unique photo, the surprises keep on coming. Continue scrolling and check out the most recent ones.

#1

This Tree That Has Grown Across The Driveway And Sprouted More Trees Off The Top

This Tree That Has Grown Across The Driveway And Sprouted More Trees Off The Top

reddit.com Report

Spending some time in nature is really beneficial even if you come back without a cool photo to upload on r/MildlyInteresting. The fresh air, the sun on our skin; sometimes a short walk outside is all we need to feel refreshed and revived. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The University of Michigan, for example, conducted a study that revealed students who regularly went for a nature walk actually had a better time retaining information.

#2

Truck Door Handle On A Frosty Morning

Truck Door Handle On A Frosty Morning

reddit.com Report

#3

Flock Of Sparrows Portaying A Horse While Horses Gallop In The Background

Flock Of Sparrows Portaying A Horse While Horses Gallop In The Background

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
vaydabird10 avatar
retro_baz avatar
hughcooks avatar
Hugh Cookson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More likely to be Starlings - a murmuration. Sparrows tend to flock but not in huge numbers

rahni avatar
Rannveig Ess
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are Starlings, and when I say they're one of my favorite birds most people make faces because they are seen as pests in the U.S. They are one of about 60 species of birds that were mentioned in Shakespeare's novels. A fanatic of Shakespeare, long ago, thought it'd be fun/neat/a tribute to release starlings in New York's Central Park as a nod to Shakespeare . 60 Starlings were released and now it's estimated there are an estimated 200 million. They eat crops like a cloud of locusts, groups get sucked into jet engines. They also make these huge patterns and it's getting rarer and rarer to see. I love starlings as during breeding season they get brown and black outlined with rainbow sheen and look quite "steam punk". They also are great mimics and will sit and talk, burr, click, whistle and try to sound like other birds. They're so funny. They always make me smile. So how does the bird in the center know when the leader changes direction?

ltweezie avatar
Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not too many starlings out here in New Mexico...that is fine with me. So many other cool birds including Canyon Towhees who yell at the door every morning for me to bring out their seed. Very friendly and eat out of my hand. I do miss cardinals and blue jays (we have gorgeous scrub jays and electric blue blue birds). Four species of hummingbirds and I put the feeders out on April 1. We get a MOB of them and love them all! Then of course, the neighborhood Roadrunner who LOVES ham! The ravens and crows are my watch dogs. They wait on the fence until I take care of my horses, then they know it is their turn to get fed. They ALWAYS let me know when coyotes are around. As long as the coyotes don't bother the horses, they are fine and I don't try to chase them away. Every part of the country has their own special birds, that is for sure. I am so happy to live out here in the Wild West. Still not crowded and room for every special living creature!

Load More Replies...
stacy avatar
Fixin'Ta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are likely European starlings, not sparrows. A huge flock of starlings like this is called a "murmuration".

a-krist8353 avatar
helenbcora avatar
Layla Corman
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Art imitating life? Wait, nature imitating art? Nature imitating nature? I give up. This is beautiful!

zselyke_szekely avatar
Nomadus Aureus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Starlings. That is a murmuration of starlings. Check out some videos of it, it's awesome!

brandivansteenwyk avatar
Brandi VanSteenwyk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Astonishingly beautiful. There really are so many things that we will never know about other animal species. Such as... Is this how those birds communicate?

ulrikesponagel avatar
Stephanie IV
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder: could this be a conscious effort? Might this be a form of corporate identity, communicating with the outside world?

amandacrnilsson avatar
DogMom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps these birds are more intelligent than we realize

a-krist8353 avatar
Annette Krist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for posting my picture! I know now these are Starlings. We are from Holland and we thought the right word was Sparrow, but it's not😉

ltweezie avatar
Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are definitely starlings, not sparrows...pretty common in Midwest and Eastern US--Have never seen them fly into a pattern of an Arabian horse...very cool!

a-krist8353 avatar
Annette Krist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes these are starlings. We are from Holland and chosen the wrong word🙈😅

Load More Replies...
randyvolz avatar
Randy Volz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sparrows. Starlings. The activity they are doing is called a murmuration.

vthart avatar
Viv Hart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To me that looks like a 'murmeration' of starlings, I don't think sparrows congregate like this.

ottonilo avatar
Otto Nilo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but for me the birds formation looks like Photoshopped

a-krist8353 avatar
Annette Krist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not!!! I took the picture. I didnt know what I captured untill I get home and looked at my photos and then I saw this one. Its just a coincidene. Photoshop is not a thing that I use. Look at my Facebook account. Annette Krist and you see more photos from that evening

Load More Replies...
marilynslateronthemove avatar
Marilyn Slater
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are most likely starlings. It's called a murmuration when they flock like that.

tferchak2724 avatar
Toni Ferchak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WOW !!!! What capture .... IF it hasn't been " photoshopped "!!!!

a-krist8353 avatar
Annette Krist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its not!! It hurds when People say its photoshop,because its not! It was real, I have 2 of these photos and then the horse in the sky was gone. It is pure coincidene.

Load More Replies...
shado_1 avatar
shado
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

going to call photoshop on this one ... that 'spray-can' touch is a little too predominant and even in some spots

a-krist8353 avatar
Annette Krist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at my Facebook account and you see more of the murmuration that evening

Load More Replies...
bossmare avatar
Sue Knerl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are probably starlings. They like to flock up like that.

leoniedeyoung avatar
Leonie de Young
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These birds are likely starlings not sparrows. This is called a murmuration.

nuttibinature avatar
Kakofonyx
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are we going to just ignore the two poor horses that are obviously freaked out by this apparition in the sky? Cheeky starlings!!

ltweezie avatar
Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think they are freaked out...I think it is time for them to come home in the evening. My horses have never been freaked out by them.

Load More Replies...
24brockh avatar
Haley Brock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow beutiful and stunning just how can the birds be that smart

ltweezie avatar
Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just spend some time with ravens and crows and cockatoos and parrots! Brilliant and talk about a sense of humor! Check out YOUTUBE. We sadly just lost one of our cockatoos who was with us for 43 years. He was about 60 years old. All our other birds still call for him and look for him. VERY VERY SAD! My hubby and Bill grew up together.

Load More Replies...
kexoy43701 avatar
kexoy
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

My Boy pal makes $seventy five/hour on net. he has been job less for six months. However he earns$16453 genuinely working at the internet for some hours. Immediately join from the sourceHEE...........................Www.JOB.WORKS76.COM

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

In a world where we are surrounded by screens, taking the time to unplug and go outside can do wonders for reducing stress as well. Nature has a calming effect on our brains, even if we are going outside for just five minutes each day. Plus, outdoor exercise, like going for a walk, hiking, and so forth, gets the blood flowing and heart pumping, another way to lower stress levels.

#5

The Way This Bird Sits While Eating

The Way This Bird Sits While Eating

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
korrie avatar
Korrie Broos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a woodpecker, the feet of a woodpecker is not made to sit or walk on, but to hold the bird in a vertical position against a tree trunk, So when on a flat surface it is very uncomfortable for the bird.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Studies also show that getting between 15 to 20 minutes a day of sunshine will allow your body to produce vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of cancer, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Furthermore, research has shown that going outdoors can help boost the immune system.

#6

My Cat Has A Genetic Mutation That Makes Her Eyes Weird, Her Sight Is Perfect

My Cat Has A Genetic Mutation That Makes Her Eyes Weird, Her Sight Is Perfect

reddit.com Report

#7

I Found A Mushroom That Looks Like A Little Owl

I Found A Mushroom That Looks Like A Little Owl

miss421 Report

Add photo comments
POST
popapach avatar
troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe the little owl did something wrong and the fairies turned him into a mushroom!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Some of the health benefits of nature are due to people getting more active when they are outside.

But research shows that even sitting still in nature (as with Japanese “forest bathing”) can improve health.

Patricia H Hasbach, PhD, a licensed psychotherapist and ecotherapist in Eugene, Oregon, said nature also provides a break from hours of mentally tiring “directed attention” — time spent focused on our work, our computer screen, driving.

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

My Cat Has A Cookie Shape On His Belly

My Cat Has A Cookie Shape On His Belly

reddit.com Report

“When people interrupt directed attention with even just brief times outdoors, they tend to allow for more involuntary attention,” Hasbach explained. “This becomes quite restorative for when people have to go back to directed attention.”

ADVERTISEMENT

These benefits, however, only show up if you put down your smartphone and give nature your full attention, whether it’s a breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon or a tree near your apartment.

#10

My Tuxedo Cat Wednesday Has White Lines Going Down Each Leg. From Underneath She Looks Skeletal

My Tuxedo Cat Wednesday Has White Lines Going Down Each Leg. From Underneath She Looks Skeletal

reddit.com Report

#11

The Area I Used To Work In Washington Looks Like Jurassic Park

The Area I Used To Work In Washington Looks Like Jurassic Park

reddit.com Report

#12

Stygian Owl Known For Red Reflection Of Their Eyes That Are Often Associated With The Devil

Stygian Owl Known For Red Reflection Of Their Eyes That Are Often Associated With The Devil

reddit.com Report

#13

The Inside Of My Purple Cabbage

The Inside Of My Purple Cabbage

reddit.com Report

#14

A 225 Million Year Old Petrified Opal Tree Trunk Located In Arizona

A 225 Million Year Old Petrified Opal Tree Trunk Located In Arizona

reddit.com Report

#15

Two Roses Are Growing Out Of The Dying Remains Of The Other Rose

Two Roses Are Growing Out Of The Dying Remains Of The Other Rose

reddit.com Report

#16

Black And White Squirrel That Came Up To Me On My Walk

Black And White Squirrel That Came Up To Me On My Walk

reddit.com Report

#17

I Took A Photo From The Same Spot In All 4 Seasons

I Took A Photo From The Same Spot In All 4 Seasons

gummibearhawk Report

Add photo comments
POST
marieke_3 avatar
Llewella
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And people still wonder why I love fall so much, look at all the colors.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Blue Sky Reflecting On Neighboring Building With Storm Behind It

Blue Sky Reflecting On Neighboring Building With Storm Behind It

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

How They Replanted This Forest To Smile At You In The Fall

How They Replanted This Forest To Smile At You In The Fall

reddit.com Report

#21

A Tree Growing On The Branch Of Another Tree

A Tree Growing On The Branch Of Another Tree

reddit.com Report

#22

I Found Some Icicles Looking Like Chess Pieces

I Found Some Icicles Looking Like Chess Pieces

reddit.com Report

#24

This Snowflake Perfectly Suspended On A Spider’s Thread

This Snowflake Perfectly Suspended On A Spider’s Thread

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
mariaroberts avatar
SongoftheStars
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's just the spider trying to add a little winter festivity to his home.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

This Cat Has Black Circles Around This Eyes

This Cat Has Black Circles Around This Eyes

reddit.com Report

#26

This Cat's Markings Make It Look Like It's Nose Is Missing

This Cat's Markings Make It Look Like It's Nose Is Missing

reddit.com Report

#27

Found A Patch Of Moss Behind A Loading Dock That Looks Like A Tiny Tropical Island With A Palm Tree

Found A Patch Of Moss Behind A Loading Dock That Looks Like A Tiny Tropical Island With A Palm Tree

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

The Way My Silhouette Appears Within This Circular Rainbow

The Way My Silhouette Appears Within This Circular Rainbow

reddit.com Report

#30

Jupiter And Saturn Alignment From Italy

Jupiter And Saturn Alignment From Italy

reddit.com Report

#31

Watched A Crimson Rose Caterpillar Metamorphosize To A Butterfly

Watched A Crimson Rose Caterpillar Metamorphosize To A Butterfly

reddit.com Report

#32

Splitting Firewood And Found A Piece Resembling The Sky In "The Starry Night"

Splitting Firewood And Found A Piece Resembling The Sky In "The Starry Night"

reddit.com Report

#33

This Rock That Looks Like A Sock

This Rock That Looks Like A Sock

HelliciousRyan Report

#34

This Eagle Struck Me A Pose On The Top Floor Of A Mall

This Eagle Struck Me A Pose On The Top Floor Of A Mall

TacticalHermes Report

#35

The Way This Pumpkin Has Rotted Is Just Creepy

The Way This Pumpkin Has Rotted Is Just Creepy

reddit.com Report

#36

Tree Fell But Grew Back Up

Tree Fell But Grew Back Up

reddit.com Report

#38

The Skin On My Apple Kinda Looks Like The Silhouette Of A Camel

The Skin On My Apple Kinda Looks Like The Silhouette Of A Camel

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

This Knot On Our Door Glows Red When The Sun Shines On The Other Side

This Knot On Our Door Glows Red When The Sun Shines On The Other Side

reddit.com Report

#42

This Bridge To Nowhere. When The Tide Is Out, It Allows Beachgoers To Cross A Stream That Cuts Across The Beach

This Bridge To Nowhere. When The Tide Is Out, It Allows Beachgoers To Cross A Stream That Cuts Across The Beach

reddit.com Report

#45

Was Cutting Down A Tree At A Golf Course And Found A Golf Ball Wedged In It

Was Cutting Down A Tree At A Golf Course And Found A Golf Ball Wedged In It

el_tobleronie Report

Add photo comments
POST
varwenea avatar
varwenea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tree must have thought it was a jawbreaker and consumed it as a snack. 😆

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

I Found This Print From Where A Gray Wolf Slept In The Snow. You Can Even See Her Ribs!

I Found This Print From Where A Gray Wolf Slept In The Snow. You Can Even See Her Ribs!

Cactusy Report

#48

Our Kiwi Vine Produces Mostly Twins And Triplet Fruits, Enough To Showcase The Cell Division Process

Our Kiwi Vine Produces Mostly Twins And Triplet Fruits, Enough To Showcase The Cell Division Process

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
namnataliaa avatar
Natalia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All fruitful trees produce twins and triplet fruits. That's why farmers select and leave on the tree only the good fruits and drop the others in an early stage, so they can have a good harvest.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Forgot Spaghetti With Mushrooms In The Microwave For A Week. Now It's A Floofly Ball Of Mold

Forgot Spaghetti With Mushrooms In The Microwave For A Week. Now It's A Floofly Ball Of Mold

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ilonazoomer avatar
LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're gonna have to catch it and name it first before you can throw it away!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 136 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.