Quick trip to Georgia
This past weekend took me to Georgia for work, and while the schedule was full, I still couldn’t resist slipping away into the woods whenever I found a pocket of time. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate—cold rain fell steadily and hunting season was in full swing—but sometimes those are the conditions that make an adventure feel the most authentic. Layers on, eyes open, and a quiet respect for the rhythm of the forest… that’s how most of my time out there unfolded.
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the trip turned into a real win. I managed to add a few new bird species to my personal list—always a thrill and one of the biggest rewards of getting out into the field. Each new sighting reminded me why I love exploring unfamiliar places: that little moment of discovery never gets old. Alongside those first-timers were some beautiful, familiar favorites that felt like welcoming old friends, including a truly stunning bald eagle that made braving the rain entirely worth it. Watching it soar against the gray sky was one of those moments that stays with you long after you pack the camera away.
Trips like this always reinforce how much the outdoors fills my creative cup. Even when the weather is tough and the conditions aren’t perfect, there’s something incredibly grounding about being out there—learning, observing, and connecting with wildlife. I’m feeling especially inspired heading into the next year, with a growing itch to explore more trails, forests, and hidden corners wherever the road leads. Hopefully with a bit more sunshine and a bit less rain—but either way, I’ll be out there chasing those quiet moments and the birds that bring them to life.
Brown Creeper
Brown Creeper
Hermit Thrush
Winter Wren
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
Bald Eagle
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Bald Eagle
Carolina Wren
White-breasted Nuthatch
Bald Eagle
