It was one of those scorching hot days when even the air feels heavy, and my camera lens seemed to weigh a little more than usual in my hand. But despite the heat, I found myself smiling as I walked away from the Rosh Tzippor birding center. I had just spent the day witnessing nature’s quiet, enchanting moments—a kingfisher catching a small fish, a cormorant stretching its wings wide to dry in the sun, mallards gracefully swimming in the water, and red dragonflies darting like flickers of flame against the lush green grass.
The last of the summer squills bloomed nearby, white stalks stretching upwards, adding a delicate touch to the scene. I was content, my heart filled with the peaceful beauty of the day, and I was just about ready to pack away my camera. That's when I saw him.
He was young, but unmistakable—a jackal, quietly making his way towards the birding center. He paused as soon as our eyes met, his curiosity mirroring mine. My breath caught for a moment, and instinctively, I lifted my camera. Good thing I hadn’t put it away yet. The jackal stayed, standing in place as if he had decided to grant me this rare moment, allowing me the chance to capture his presence.
I felt the excitement in my chest. His golden-brown eyes were captivating, filled with a quiet power that belied his young age. As I watched this beautiful creature through my lens, he slowly moved closer, closing the distance between us until he was standing not far from me, still holding my gaze. It was as if we shared a mutual understanding for a fleeting moment, both curious, both cautious, but neither in a rush to leave.
After what felt like a timeless exchange, the jackal turned and went on his way, and I, feeling deeply satisfied by the unexpected encounter, continued on mine. Moments like these remind me of why I love exploring nature, camera in hand—because you never know when you’ll meet a creature like the jackal, whose brief presence can leave a lasting impression.
In the end, the heat, the weight of the camera, the effort—none of it mattered. The memory of that moment will stay with me forever.
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