Bright sunlight shines down on lily pads growing along the shallow edge of a freshwater lake in New England. Aquatic vegetation, which thrives during summer months, provides vital habitat for many fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

aquatic below biology botany bright cape cod chatham color image day directly below freshwater growth habitat hole horizontal illuminated lake leaf lily pads massachusetts natural light nature new england no people nymphaeaceae orleans outdoors part of a series photography photosynthesis plant pond sea life season shining summer sunlight sunny sunrays sunshine surface surface level underneath underwater vegetation water water lily water surface wellfleet wildlife