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A flight over the Red Desert near Rock Springs, Wyom., Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2008, reveals the scale of the The Killpecker Dunes. These dunes are part of the largest active sand dune system in North America and second largest in the world, beat only by the massive Sahara Desert. The dunes here bury snow, which in summer leaks out creating pockets of desert wetlands that support countless birds and other animals. Early morning light is best for photographing the contours of this massive dune field. It took a few cups of coffee to get going before dawn, but it was worth skimping on sleep in order to catch the light. (Photo/Morgan E. Heim)