It’s Leap Day, which happens once every four years and throws our calendars slightly off-kilter. But in the wild kingdom, every day is a leap of faith, a gamble for survival and adaptation.
This made me think about the unexpected moments I’ve encountered in the outdoors. As a wildlife photographer, I spend countless hours patiently waiting, observing, and camouflaged, hoping to capture nature’s magic. Sometimes, I get lucky with the anticipated shot of a majestic bald eagle soaring or a playful family of otters frolicking in the water.
However, it’s the unexpected leaps that truly leave me amazed. Do you remember the time a curious Red Fox continued to lay calmly on the trail, seemingly unconcerned by my presence? Or the rare sighting of a bobcat stalking its prey through the undergrowth? These unexpected interactions, these leaps of nature, are what make this hobby so exhilarating.
Leap Day is a reminder that even in the seemingly predictable rhythms of nature, there’s always room for surprise. It encourages us to look closer, be patient, and remain open to the unexpected. Just like in photography, sometimes the most captivating moments are the ones we don’t plan for.
So, as you go about your day, take a moment to appreciate the unexpected around you. Whether it’s a squirrel defying gravity as it leaps across branches or a butterfly’s delicate dance in the breeze, there’s always wonder to be found in the natural world.
Happy Leap Day!
Love this post and your coyote photo!