There’s something about nature that calls to me, even when I’m not feeling 100%. Last week, I was on and off with illness, but the moment I felt even a fraction better, I knew where I needed to be: outdoors with my camera, soaking in the beauty of urban wildlife. My adventures took me through foggy mornings, autumnal landscapes, and fleeting glimpses of wildlife that left me in awe. Here’s how it all unfolded.
It started on a quiet, misty morning. The November fog blanketed the landscape, wrapping trees and fields in a soft, ethereal glow. Perched high in a silhouette against this dreamy backdrop were a pair of eagles, their forms stoic and powerful.
As I marveled at them, hawk glided effortlessly through the fog over a farmer’s field, its silhouette adding to the serene atmosphere. Hawks are often seen flying low over farmers' fields as they search for prey. These open spaces provide an excellent vantage point for spotting small mammals like mice, voles, or rabbits, which are easier to see in the shorter vegetation or freshly tilled soil. Flying low allows the hawk to stay closer to its prey, minimizing the distance it needs to cover during a swift and efficient dive to capture its meal. This hunting behavior showcases their incredible adaptability and precision as aerial predators.
Nearby, a group of swans had turned a flooded farmer’s field into their temporary home—a reminder of nature’s adaptability.
Swans often gather in groups, especially during migration or in winter, when they seek out open water or flooded fields as safe resting and feeding spots. These flooded farmer's fields are ideal for swans, as they provide access to aquatic vegetation, grains, and other food sources with minimal disturbance.
The color difference between the swans—some grey and some white—is due to age. The grey swans are juveniles, often called cygnets, and their feathers haven’t yet transitioned to the pristine white plumage of adulthood.
As they mature, typically over the course of their first year, they gradually molt their grey feathers and take on the iconic white coloration that symbolizes swans' elegance. This natural progression highlights the beauty of growth and transformation in wildlife.
Though I couldn’t get the up-close portraits I usually crave, it didn’t matter. Being in their presence was enough. I was struck, as always, by the resilience of wildlife—graceful and thriving, even in the cold, damp fog.
Later that week, on a different morning, my wildlife luck soared to new heights. As I trudged through muddy ground, I whispered a wish to the universe: Wouldn’t it be incredible to photograph a bird framed by autumn leaves? When I looked up, there he was. A Cooper's Hawk sat perched in a tree, perfectly silhouetted against the autumn leaves.
Cooper’s Hawks are agile, medium-sized raptors known for their remarkable ability to navigate through dense forests and urban environments with ease. They primarily hunt smaller birds, using their stealth and speed to surprise prey. In urban areas, you might spot them darting through backyards or perching quietly near bird feeders, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Their adaptability has made them one of the most common hawks in cities across North America.
My breath caught in my throat, and I nearly screamed in excitement. I had to double-check my footing to make sure I didn’t slip in the mud, but when I looked back, he was still there. Waiting. Watching. As if he’d been sent just for me. I snapped a few photos, did my signature happy dance, and whispered a heartfelt thank you to my feathered friend for posing so perfectly. Incredible!
"On days when I’m not my best, nature is still its best—and that’s the gift I hold onto."
Winter’s short days mean every outing feels like a race against the setting sun. One day after work, under heavy clouds and a darkening sky, I set out in search of a bufflehead duck. My hunt took me through quiet waters and empty fields, but the elusive duck remained out of reach. Disappointment began to creep in as the light faded.
Then, something caught my eye—a hawk perched high above the highway. I safely pulled over, my heart pounding, and captured a few quick shots before the moment passed.
"Even when I feel weak, stepping into nature makes me feel strong—connected to something much greater than myself."
As I turned onto a side street near home, the universe wasn’t done with me yet. A bald eagle appeared, its regal form silhouetted against the dimming sky. I couldn’t believe my luck! It felt as if nature was reminding me: Even when one door closes, another opens.
Bald eagles perch high on trees in urban environments for several reasons. Their elevated position provides them with an unobstructed view of the surrounding area, allowing them to scan for potential prey like fish, small mammals, or carrion. These vantage points also keep them safe from ground predators and disturbances. In urban settings, tall trees mimic their natural preference for perching near waterways or open spaces, often found in parks or near bodies of water within cities. Bald eagles are highly adaptable, and their ability to use urban landscapes while maintaining their hunting and nesting habits is a testament to their resilience.
Though I didn’t find my bufflehead duck, the last few days reminded me why I love urban wildlife photography. From foggy silhouettes to fiery autumn trees, and from hawks to swans and eagles, every moment was a gift. These experiences are proof that wildlife is all around us—you just have to pause, look, and appreciate. So, here’s to the little happy dances, the thank-you whispers, and the incredible creatures who share this urban world with us. My hunt for the bufflehead continues, but my heart is full.
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