Birds
May 20, 2020

New Guinea Has Rare and Beautifully Haunting Creatures Called ‘Dracula Parrots’

There are some beautiful birds in the world but perhaps none with a name quite as frightening as one species found in New Guinea—the Dracula parrot. This is the nickname for the Pesquet's parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), which is endemic to the island's hill and montane rainforest. With rich black feathers and a scarlet red underbelly, it has all the coloration of Count Dracula's cape, but looks can be deceiving.

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Tattoos
May 20, 2020

“Hole in the Head” Tattoo Transforms Man’s Head Into a Mind-Bending Optical Illusion

Tattooist Matt Pehrson has transformed his client’s head into a mind-bending optical illusion. Using a combination of perspective and shading, the bald noggin looks as though there's a hole in it, or a vortex that is pulling everything towards its deep center. The effect is as amazing as it is impressive—especially because from certain angles, the illusion seems to engulf the entire head in its dizzying design.

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Animals
May 19, 2020

Photographer Shows Deer Having a Day at the Park in Japan With No People Around

One of the oldest public gardens in Japan, Nara Park is home to over 1,200 wild sika deer who roam freely around the 502 hectares (1,240 acres) grounds. The gentle creatures usually share the park with crowds of tourists, but since the COVID-19 lockdown, the deer have been enjoying the quiet time. Locals are still allowed to visit (as long as they uphold social distancing)

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Portrait Photography
May 19, 2020

Ethereal Portraits Highlight the Unique Beauty of a Girl With Albinism and Heterochromia

When Chechen photographer Amina Arsakova spotted a picture of 11-year-old Amina Ependieva in a shopping center, she was immediately intrigued by the young girl’s unique beauty. This is because Ependieva has two rare genetic conditions: albinism and heterochromia. The former is a condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment in the skin, eyes, and hair, while the latter is a difference in coloration of the iris.

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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.