There’s something special about waking up at sunrise, packing the truck, and chasing light and feathers along a quiet river bend in Wyoming. We camped at Warren Bridge for just one night—but in that short time, I witnessed more than I could have planned for.
It turned into a trip filled with birds, unexpected visitors, and the quiet kind of joy that only comes when you slow down and let nature speak.
A Riverbend Full of Life
We were lucky to find an open spot right on a bend of the Green River, with views of the Wind River Range and Sawtooth Mountains behind us. What drew me most, though, was the habitat on the opposite bank—piles of driftwood and natural debris that looked like a haven for birds.
And it was.
Within an hour of setting up camp, I had my camera in hand and eyes on a small group of ducks using the logs as resting spots. They weren’t just passing through—they were home there. I watched them nap, preen, and occasionally stretch their wings into the early light.
American Wigeons and the Colors of Calm
Most of the day, I kept company with a pair of American Wigeons. The male’s colors were incredible in the morning glow—greens, browns, and a touch of white that seemed to shimmer when he moved.
They stuck to their side of the river, drifting in and out of the current. I followed from a respectful distance, kneeling by the water’s edge or tracking them with my lens from behind the trees. When they finally swam out of sight, I was already replaying the images in my mind.
This kind of calm, slow observation is what I treasure most about wildlife photography in Wyoming. You don't have to chase the moment—it comes to you if you’re quiet enough.
A Willet and His Rock
Later in the day, I caught movement near a smooth rock in the middle of the river. A willet landed gracefully, shook out his feathers, and settled onto the stone. He looked like he belonged there—as if the rock was his rock.
I watched him return to it again the next morning, this time laying down, using it as a resting place between flights. It’s rare to see behavior like that two days in a row, especially in the same exact spot. That moment—the quiet, the trust, the rhythm of the river flowing past—felt like a gift.
A New Species for My List
Just before sunrise on our last morning, the river valley woke up with birdsong. I stepped out of the tent and spotted something unfamiliar. A pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds, male and female, moving through the brush. I’d never photographed them before.
It’s always exciting when you get to add a new species to your list—especially when it happens so unexpectedly. The light was still soft, the world still waking up. Everything felt still and sacred.
Watching While They Rest
Some of my favorite shots from the trip aren’t dramatic or action-packed—they’re tender. A duck napping on a log. A willet tucking its beak beneath its wing. There’s something deeply peaceful about observing wildlife in their quiet moments, when they feel safe enough to rest.
It’s in those pauses that I’m reminded: We’re guests here. And when we take the time to listen, watch, and respect, we’re often invited into their world—even just for a little while.
Want to See More of Wyoming’s Wild Beauty?
This particular trip isn’t featured in my summer collection—but if you love the feeling of being surrounded by birds, rivers, and the stillness of wild places, you’ll love what I’ve created.
🖼️ Explore my latest summer collection at The Overland Diaries—it’s filled with art and prints inspired by Wyoming’s wildlife and landscapes, available for a limited time.
Thank you for joining me on this little escape. I hope these words and images bring a bit of Wyoming peace into your day.
🎥 Want to see the full adventure unfold?
You can watch the entire camping trip—wildlife moments, our children (dogs!) exploring, and behind-the-scenes joy—on our YouTube channel. Come experience it with us.