It's the start the year. Arctic winds plunge the polar bear into a de freeze, while in Australia, the heat means a feast for one bird prey.

Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere as cherry blossoms bloom across Japan. In India, a congregation wild Asian elephants coincides with the colorful Holi festival.

May brings violent tornados to North America and the life-giving monsoon to India. The dry season ends in southern Africa, claiming victims among elephants.

In July, Arctic ice sheets crash into the sea while an arctic fox hunts among the rocks. In Africa, herds wildebeest cross the croc-infested Mara river.

Rain welcomes baby meerkats to the Kalahari. The arrival spring in eastern Australia ignites the passions everything from kangaroos to humpback whales.

Millions monarch butterflies converge in the forests Mexico. The Arctic skies blaze with the aurora borealis as Earth completes its annual cycle.