Birds
March 12, 2026

British Expat’s Parrot Missing for 4 Years Returns to California Speaking Spanish

Pets sometimes pick up strange habits while we’re away from them. But one parrot who went missing came back with something far more unexpected: a completely different language. Nigel, an African grey parrot belonging to British expat Darren Chick in California, vanished from his home in 2010 after flying away unexpectedly. For years, Chick assumed his beloved bird was gone for good. Four years later, however, the talkative parrot reappeared in the most surprising way.

Read Article

Inspiring
March 11, 2026

Wife Uses “Find My iPhone” To Locate Skier Husband Trapped Under an Avalanche

Michael Harris was skiing at Stevens Pass Ski Resort in Washington on Thursday, February 26, when he suddenly got caught in an avalanche. Trapped under the snow for more than four hours, he didn’t know if he’d survive, until his wife used the “Find My iPhone” feature to locate and rescue him. Realizing her husband was missing, Penny tried to call Michael’s phone, but he wasn’t able to pick up.

Read Article

Portrait Photography
March 11, 2026

Photographic Survey From 19th-Century India Snags Nearly $57K at Auction

Last month, London-based Forum Auctions sold an eight-volume survey of 19th century India for £42,000 (about $56,800), exceeding pre-sale estimates by more than £34,000 (about $45,662). The remarkable hammer price reveals an increased appetite not just for early photography, but for documentary projects that contend with complicated moments in history. In this particular case, that moment in time is the British colonization of the Indian subcontinent.

Read Article

Photo Contest
March 10, 2026

Striking Scene of a Toad Swimming Across a Pond Wins the 2026 British Wildlife Photography Awards

A black-and-white image of a toad swimming across a pond has a striking, abstracted feel. The silhouetted creature and the surrounding branches are flattened and slightly distorted, swirling like an oil spill as the toad’s legs form ripples in the water. Aptly titled A Toad Swims Across Its Woodland Pond, the image was shot by Paul Hobson and has recently earned a prestigious distinction.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.