A Wildlife Photographer’s Christmas in Arkansas

Christmas morning dawns overcast, windy and cool here in Arkansas, with temperatures expected to reach the mid 40s under cloudy skies. No snow for this Christmas, but I’m not complaining! I’ll take the mild weather any day.

As a wildlife photographer, Christmas Day is one of my favorite times to get outside with my camera and see what critters are out and about. While many are gathered indoors around the tree or holiday meal, I’ll be venturing to the local park hoping to capture images of the wildlife taking advantage of the quiet trails and waterways.

Although this Christmas lacks the iconic snowy scenes, there is still plenty of natural beauty to behold and photograph. The bare winter trees and still lakes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting birds and other animals. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for waterfowl, songbirds, deer, beavers, and perhaps even a glimpse of an elusive bobcat or fox.

Today I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite Christmas wildlife images – a majestic Whitetail Buck standing alert in a pasture, a Red-tailed Hawk perched on the bare branch of a tree surveying the landscape, and a Bald Eagle soaring overhead against the winter sky. Though each Christmas Day brings different conditions and photographic opportunities, my camera and I are always ready to document Arkansas’ incredible wildlife and the natural wonders that reveal themselves during this magical season.

I hope you’ll join me in appreciating the quiet beauty of nature this holiday season, whatever the weather may bring. May your Christmas be filled with moments of joy, and I wish you abundance, connection, and wonder in the coming year. Let’s reflect on the miracles, both natural and otherwise, that fill our lives if we take the time to notice.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Arkansas: The Natural State!

Note:

While I’ll be out and about with my camera for much of this Christmas Day, I’ll also be taking some time to connect with family and friends. The holidays are a time for togetherness and making memories with loved ones, and I want to be present for special meals and moments with those close to me. Don’t worry, I won’t spend all of Christmas behind the lens! I believe balance is important, so my photography outings will be mixed in with quality time spent celebrating the holiday with the people who matter most. My family knows my passion for photographing wildlife and supports my Christmas photo adventures.