Preserving the Joy

Lately, I’ve been asking myself why. There are so many things in this world that need to be done, why is it that I chose nature photography. What is the reason this obsession cannot be denied? After much reflection and introspection, this is what came to me–preserving the joy. There is an inherent joy in nature that is difficult to describe in words. I feel it whenever I am out in a natural setting just being a part of the natural world and noticing the other parts. Whether it’s the wind in the leaves, the birdsong, the water flowing in a river, the clouds moving and changing shape, or the smell of pine, there is always something to notice. The sights, sounds and smells of nature bring me joy. By photographing the things that invoke that joy, I can preserve it. In this article, I will share some of the images that bring me joy. I hope they will bring you some, too.

Burrowing owl fledgling (Athene cunicularia) celebrating its newly discovered ability to fly. Photographed near Burns, Oregon. — ***“Burrowing Owl Joy”***

Burrowing owls may not even realize how much fun they are to watch. I refer to them as the clowns of the owl world because every time I have seen them, they seem to be laughing and joking, playing around and generally having a good time.

An unusually calm morning at Lake Siskiyou provides the perfect mirror for a swirling, dancing lenticular cloud beside majestic Mount Shasta. — ***“Cloud Dance”***

Clouds, especially unusual ones, also bring me joy. When there is a reflection of clouds, then it is double the joy!

Just minutes before the sun rises over the horizon, the sky explodes with color, while the incredible sandstone buttes of Monument Valley remain in the dark. This is the classic view of Monument Valley, including the West Mitten, East Mitten, and Merrill Butte. — ***“Monumental Sunrise”***

Sunrise, or more specifically, the last few minutes before the sun rises above the horizon, is an especially joyful time of day. Sunrise is hopeful and invigorating, no matter where I happen to be. It is all the more so if I happen to be in a sacred and inspiring place.

Male rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) hovering around the lilac bush at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. — ***“Rufous Cutie”***

Hummingbirds. What else can I say? Hummingbirds make me happy.

Falls Creek Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National forest of southern Washington. The water falls more than 300 feet over three tiers. Only the lower two tiers are visible at once, as in this image captured in the autumn rain. — ***“Falls Creek Falls”***

Waterfalls are one of my very favorite things in the world. I’ve shot so many of them it was difficult to chose one to post here. But, this one is very special, not only because it is so breathtaking, but the hike to get there is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable I have experienced. I can almost hear the sound of the rushing water when I gaze at this image.

An abundant resident of the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuges, the Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri) puts on a show with much hovering, swooping and diving. — ***“Forster’s Tern”***

Have you heard the saying “if you could only bottle this feeling and sell it, you could make a fortune?” Well, it’s not bottled and I’m certainly not making a fortune, but it does feel like I’m preserving the joy in some small way. My wish to all of you for this holiday season and the year ahead is that whether it’s vast or tiny, common or rare, soaring or grounded, majestic or adorable, you have the opportunity to experience the profound joy of nature.