Jonathan Swanson - Jonswan Productions

As the first rays of springtime sun filter through the trees at Oak Bottom, a symphony of colors and sounds begins to unfold. Among the most captivating sights are the wood ducks, with their iridescent plumage and striking patterns. Armed with my new Fuji XH2, I set out to capture these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. The Allure of Wood Ducks Wood ducks are truly a marvel of nature. With their dazzling array of colors—ranging from deep greens and purples to vibrant reds and

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Birds, Jonswan Nature Blog, Owls

The Plight of The Barred Owl

jgustav71 March 31, 2025March 31, 2025

The Barred owl is creature whose beauty is only matched by the complexity of its existence. This owl, with its striking eyes and gentle demeanor, perched quietly, oblivious to the controversy surrounding its presence. The barred owl, often misunderstood and labeled as invasive, faces a grim fate in many regions. Wildlife management practices sometimes involve euthanizing these owls to protect other species, like the smaller screech owl or the threatened spotted owl. While the intention is to preserve biodiversity, it raises difficult questions about how

🌸🌈 Springtime Splendor in Photos 🌈🌸

jgustav71 March 28, 2025March 28, 2025

I’ve been out and about capturing the vibrant beauty of spring, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite photos with you all. From the cheerful chirping of birds to the brilliant hues of rainbows and the delicate blooms of flowers, spring truly is a feast for the senses. I’ve also had the pleasure of spotting some adorable ducks enjoying the season’s warmth. I hope these photos bring a smile to your face and remind you of the wondrous beauty around us during this

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Birds, Hummingbirds, Jonswan Nature Blog

The Male Anna’s Hummingbird

jgustav71 March 24, 2025March 24, 2025

The natural world is replete with wonders that both dazzle the senses and challenge our understanding of physics and biology. Among these marvels is the male Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), a creature whose vibrant plumage and astonishing speed make it a subject of fascination for ornithologists and laypersons alike. This essay explores the dual allure of the male Anna’s hummingbird, examining both its iridescent coloration and its extraordinary velocity, which positions it as one of the fastest birds on the planet. First described by René

Spring Rain Storms and Rainbows.

jgustav71 March 17, 2025March 17, 2025

Imagine embracing the elements, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, all in pursuit of that perfect shot. Despite the rain and cold, picture yourself patiently awaiting those fleeting rays of sunshine peeking through the clouds, unveiling nature’s splendor before your lens .Similar to a devoted artist braving the tempest with a soul ablaze with fervor, yearning to capture the awe-inspiring enchantment of a rainbow elegantly spanning the heavens and mirroring its hues on the water. I was incredibly lucky to

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Birds, Jonswan Nature Blog, Landscapes

Signs of Spring

jgustav71 March 14, 2025March 15, 2025

Step into the mesmerizing world of my recent escapade on the last enchanting spring day, a day filled with paradoxical beauty of hail and thunderstorms. As I embraced the whims of nature, I adorned my raincoat and embarked on a thrilling journey. With unwavering vigilance, I monitored my weather app, a portal to real-time satellite images of weather patterns. This technological marvel empowered me to seize the perfect moments, navigating through the tempest to uncover serene interludes between relentless storms. A Video Featuring the Birds

The Lunar Eclipse

jgustav71 March 14, 2025March 14, 2025

Capturing the Celestial Dance: My Experience with the Lunar Eclipse Witnessing a lunar eclipse is like watching a celestial ballet unfold in the night sky. There’s an ethereal beauty in seeing the Earth’s shadow slowly envelop the moon, transforming it into a deep, reddish orb. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing this awe-inspiring event, and I’d love to share my experience and some of the photos I captured. Understanding the Lunar Eclipse: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself between the sun

Signs of Spring

jgustav71 March 10, 2025March 10, 2025

I now have daffodils blooming in my garden and the birds are singing indicating that Spring is right around the corner. Spring is also when birds are trying to impress their mates and display beautiful plumage. I created a video featuring some local birds that you can see in Portland Oregon this time of year. Featured Birds of Oaks Bottom in the Spring Northern Shovelers are a familiar sight during the colder months and the beginning of spring at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. With their

Focus on the Journey

jgustav71 March 4, 2025March 10, 2025

In the contemporary world, the relentless pursuit of success is often equated with reaching a specific destination—a gold medal, a prestigious award, or a coveted job title. This destination-oriented mindset frequently overshadows the intrinsic value of the journey itself. The allure of the end goal, while undeniably enticing, can lead to a myopic view of success, wherein the process—teeming with growth, learning, and memorable experiences—is overlooked. By shifting our focus from the destination to the journey, we can redefine the essence of success, making life

Harmonizing Nature: An Ode to Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge with Dvořák’s Symphony The New World Symphony

jgustav71 March 3, 2025March 3, 2025

In the heart of nature, where the air is filled with the whispers of leaves and the gentle calls of birds, I found the perfect setting for a creative endeavor that marries the visual beauty of Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge with the timeless music of Antonín Dvořák. Join me on a journey through this serene landscape, where each note of the New World Symphony finds its echo in the flutter of wings and the rustle of branches. As a musician and videographer, I had the

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Author: Jonathan Swanson

Capturing the Vibrant Beauty of Wood Ducks at Oak Bottom: A Springtime Adventure with My Fuji XH2

The Plight of The Barred Owl

🌸🌈 Springtime Splendor in Photos 🌈🌸

The Male Anna’s Hummingbird

Spring Rain Storms and Rainbows.

Signs of Spring

The Lunar Eclipse

Signs of Spring

Focus on the Journey

Harmonizing Nature: An Ode to Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge with Dvořák’s Symphony The New World Symphony