The Pacific Northwest is a patchwork of coastlines, alpine ridges, old-growth forests, and wide-open sage. This gallery brings together birds that anchor me in those places—some expected, some rare enough to make the world tilt for a moment.

From the low glide of a Harlequin Duck riding coastal surf to the powerful stillness of a Gyrfalcon surveying the land, each of these encounters felt unforgettable. There are cranes calling across the farmland, albatross wheeling beyond the breakers, and tanagers lit like flame in the forest canopy.

These birds are more than sightings—they’re proof that the PNW holds wild magic in every corner.

“Birds, with their songs, teach us to listen deeply. The language of birds is the language of belonging.”
— Robin Wall Kimmerer