Wildlife Collection

The Watcher

Young Raccoon – Île Saint-Bernard

We had only just begun our walk along a forest trail when Evelyn glanced back over her shoulder and happened to spot something—halfway up the trunk of an old tree, a young raccoon. It was grooming itself intently, pausing occasionally to watch hikers pass below, unnoticed by most. I had enough time to stop, set up a tripod, carefully compose the shot, and capture the moment.

Peering out from the hollow of the timeworn tree, the young raccoon (Procyon lotor) becomes a quiet observer—curious, alert, and remarkably present. Captured on Île Saint-Bernard, the animal meets the viewer’s gaze directly—eyes bright and intelligent—its small face framed by the rough textures of bark that mirror the wildness of its world.

Bathed in soft, golden light, the image highlights the contrast between the raccoon’s supple fur and the fractured wood, creating a tactile interplay of softness and age. Its delicate whiskers, nimble claws, and watchful expression embody both innocence and the adaptive spirit of wildlife.

This portrait invites us to pause, to look more closely, and to consider the lives unfolding quietly alongside ours. It’s a quiet tribute to attention, to resilience, and to the unexpected poetry of the everyday wild.