Nestled against a boulder, morning dew still wet on the ground, I looked up at the midnight black Raven perched not far off in front of me and smiled to myself once again. What an opportunity! Many people would see this as a poor consolation prize if they considered what I could be photographing instead, but I couldn’t be happier with the morning’s outcome and the charismatic bird in front of my camera lens.

Darkness was beginning to fade as the morning arrived, a little breezy and there was still a slight chill in the air. When people talk about crisp air, this is what they were talking about. As I walked along the trail that I knew so well, I did my best to keep my senses alert, looking for the various species that called this landscape home. I looked to the lake that I was walking beside and scanned the still dark surface. River Otters frequently swam these waters, I had just seen some out here the previous morning and I was hopeful for a repeat encounter. But it wouldn’t happen that morning.

The sun was about to peak over the horizon and I could see clearly now that darkness had lifted. As I continued along, I constantly kept an eye on the beautiful lake at my side. There had been no movement out there this morning, but I was still hopeful. As I trekked along, I also scanned the surrounding vegetation, the hills, the rocks and trees. I’d photographed a pair of Coyotes out here the other morning, what an amazing encounter that had been! It would be nice to see them, but it wouldn’t happen that morning.

A few days prior I had seen and photographed some small wading birds out here on the water's edge. I kept a lookout for them as the morning progressed, but it wouldn’t happen that morning. Herons, Badgers, Bobcats, Owls, Merlins, and so much more. I had photographed them all out here at one time or another, but it wouldn’t happen that morning.

The day was wearing on and there was just nothing to be seen. The light was still magnificent, but it would soon become too harsh and difficult to work with. Taking a moment to scan the landscape for any wildlife, something I’d done countless times that morning with no luck, I saw a flash of movement by the lake’s edge and smiled to myself with excitement. A flash of movement, pitch black movement. I knew immediately what it was and hurriedly started again in that direction.

Just minutes later, I had slowed my pace considerably and carefully began to nestle down against a large boulder. Ravens can either be extremely tolerant of people, or extremely flighty around them. This beautiful bird, not far off now, seemed to be one of the tolerant ones, but I didn’t want to push my luck. The light was outstanding with vibrant colors all around and there the Raven was in front of me, perched on a log, playing with a twig, a slight breeze ruffling its feathers.

It had been a slower morning, but there I sat with that beautiful bird and I couldn’t have been happier at that moment!