Ground nest in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Ground nest in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Perhaps when you think of a bird’s nest in spring, full of eggs waiting to hatch, you think of the safety of tree branches, where fewer predators can easily get to the chicks. But many species of birds are ground-nesters. They’ve adapted and evolved over time to build a nest, lay eggs, and fledge the chicks at ground level. If you’re hiking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, where this photo was taken, step lightly.