Not long ago, I was sitting outside at sunset, watching the swallows fluttering and swooping around catching bugs in flight. Every so often, two swallows would zero in on the same bug, causing a near collision in mid-air. This would result in some unhappy squawking and scolding, after which the birds would carry on as if nothing had happened. As I watched this amazing and entertaining show, it occurred to me that birds are magic.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that nature is magic. If you pay attention, you will often see what I mean. Even with all the scientific knowledge humans have acquired, there is still so much we don’t completely understand. Yet, understanding is not needed to fully appreciate the wonder of it all.

Barn Swallow Calling

After the extraordinary experience of seeing Pacific Gray Whales close up in the wild and beautiful Smith River, I decided to revisit some of the magic that touched me this year as winter slowly made way for spring. With so much magic all around, only a small fraction of it gets captured with my camera. My hope is that the images you see here and in my galleries convey some of that magic.

A Match Made in Heaven

Sometimes it’s a movement you catch out of the corner of your eye, and when you turn to look, you can’t believe what you’re seeing. And then, just as fast as it caught your attention, it’s gone.

Otter at Full Speed

Sometimes, it’s something you have admired and wished to see for yourself. For example, the bird on the cover of my Sibley’s Guide, which turned up one rainy day in a campground on the Oregon Coast.

Varied Thrush

Sometimes, it’s the thing you’ve seen many times, but it comes and goes quickly and you never know exactly when to expect it. I’m very grateful to have noticed the fiddleheads before they transformed into ordinary fern leaves.

 Fiddlehead

Other times, it’s a bird you have been hearing for days, but never managed to catch a glimpse of. Then, all of a sudden, there it is.

Spotted Towhee

And then, once in a great while, nature gives you an unforgettable experience. Such as the incredible beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime sunset at–where else–Sunset Bay, Oregon.

Mystical Sunset

We all experience the magic of nature, if we’re open to it and paying attention. I bet you see a bit of magic in nature every day. I’d love to hear about your magical nature moments, both big and small, in the comments. And I hope you have a magical day!