Guided by Wonder: A Naturalist's Observation Skills

In a world full of wonder how do we become better observers and deepen our experience? I use a number of naturalist skills that I have spent my life practicing, but I am also inspired by the work of John Muir Laws and nature journalers who have embraced the art of seeing the world with renewed curiosity and wonder. This then is an invitation to slow down--and fall in love again--by paying attention to what you notice.

Some of my favorite resources on this topic include "The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling" by John Muir Laws; "Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking" by Tom Brown Jr.; and "Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature" by Jon Young et. al.

This video is part of an ongoing series exploring my journey as a naturalist. Please subscribe and follow my channel for weekly episodes and other naturalist videos.

[MadBotanist]

This is so deeply soothing. Thank you, David. <3 I love this invitation to fall in love again (and again!) with the world through nature. On a photography note - thank you so much for letting the footage of the landscape really breathe. Just the way you framed your video helped me slow down. When you showed the flock of birds flying overhead, I was so curious about what form their flock would take (reminded me of a big bird in itself!) and I was so delighted to be able to watch for longer and watch them change! Thank you for such a beautiful invitation to slow down and truly connect with nature at our internal pace. I needed this.

[danieltridi]

Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing this!

[pepetello]

Very inspirational video David! This is Pepe Tello, we met at Cocha Cashu, Peru, in the nineties. Hugs from NJ!

[stellarose]

Thank you for these beautiful videos 🏔

[WhatashameMaryJane]

I feel like I will come back to watch this video again in the future. Wonderful message. I'm sharing it with a friend whom I think would benefit, although I wished thousands of people would watch it: then the whole world would benefit from it.
I loved the shots too David, congratulations for this little piece of art.

[jennyc]

No, thank you David!! Another gorgeous eagle ( too big for a hawk?) on high and those awesome snow capped mountains captured my attention while I listen to you. 🙏 cheers from Western Australia 🦘🦘🦘🦘

[ayokakaiser]

Thank you, David! I had a very peaceful and intense moment of observation in a city park a few days ago - it was like hitting pause on a very busy day and the memories are vivid and sensual. I’m amazed by how learning to draw and nature journal is deepening my observation skills. Such a beautiful video!

[AdeelKhan]

You are a great person. This is wonderful education!

[ollietheartist]

Beautifully said. Love is a state of present flow. Wonderful reminders. To lose time... it is such a delight. We do not punish children for ignorance (well... some people do) but we so often punish ourselves for it in adulthood. curiousity and ignorance run hand in hand as playmates and are lit up by love into understanding. Thank you friend <3

[Harleyg]

I'm here, to try and find out how to make a living doing this. Naturalist, restoration, forestry. something like that.