Nature Photographer and Music Producer
This is a public blog maintained by Jonathan Swanson. It will feature his music and photography.
My neighbors call it “magical,” and I think they’re right. In a small urban space I’ve created a thriving, wildlife-friendly garden that’s as beautiful as it is productive. With organic
Continue readingSmall Space, Big Harvest: A Magical Garden That Feeds People and Pollinators
Capture the essence of Portland, Oregon with this 2025 calendar featuring stunning photographs by Jonathan Swanson. Hang it in your office or home to add a touch of Pacific Northwest
Continue readingNew Portland Scenes 2026 Calendar is now available to order.
I love birds in my backyard: chickadees, finches, and a Downy woodpecker that brightens my mornings. Lately I’ve also noticed my neighbor’s cat prowling around the feeders and caught it
I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Science Fair on September 13–14, 2025, where I ran an arcade-style, multiple-choice bird quiz designed
Continue readingBringing Birds to Life at OMSI — My Volunteer Project (Sept 13–14, 2025)
As the first light of dawn broke over the tranquil waters of Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Portland, Oregon, a serene beauty unfolded that captured the essence of winter wildlife.
Continue reading A Morning Encounter: The Great Egret at Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Today was a break in the clouds and I decided to venture out to Oaks Bottom. I was surprised to see a large number of Great Blue Herons. It was
Hello, fellow nature enthusiasts and music lovers! I’m excited to share my latest video that takes you on a captivating journey into the world of raptors in Portland. This unique
We are happy to announce that OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) has accepted our submission in showcasing several new paintings by Grant Keltner. These painting incorporate Arduino LED
Continue readingBird Quizes will be exhibited at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
The rainbow, a natural spectacle, has long stood as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the promise of tranquility following a storm. Its representation within the world of music is
In an era dominated by digital screens and urban landscapes, the intrinsic value of nature in enhancing human well-being has never been more pertinent. The therapeutic virtues of nature, long
Continue readingTitle: The Therapeutic Virtues of Nature: An Imperative for Regular Engagement
Here is a video explaining how to improve brain health by improving your Glymphatic System. This is the system is active during sleep and helps to drain toxins and waste
In the labyrinth of artistic pursuit, inspirational quotes serve as both guiding stars and misleading beacons. These aphorisms, often shared with well-intentions, can paradoxically become sources of disillusionment for artists
Continue readingTitle: The Dichotomy of Inspirational Quotes for Artists: A Critical Examination
Introduction: Self-worth, the intrinsic value we place on ourselves, is a critical aspect of personal well-being and growth. While external validation may temporarily boost our self-esteem, true self-worth comes from
Continue readingThe Power of Anonymous Random Acts of Kindness in Enhancing Self-Worth
Introduction: Luck, commonly defined as a fortuitous event or circumstance, has long intrigued individuals across cultures and generations. While it is commonly believed that luck is beyond our control, recent
Continue readingExploring Strategies to Increase Luck: A Multidimensional Approach
In the pursuit of success and happiness, individuals often attribute their achievements to personal qualities such as hard work, intelligence, or ambition. However, it is important to recognize the significant
Continue readingThe Role of Luck and the Fallacy of Financial Superiority
In today’s interconnected world, building and maintaining a strong professional network is crucial for career success. A robust network can open doors to new opportunities, provide support and mentorship, and
Continue readingStrategies for Expanding and Strengthening Your Professional Network
Competition is an inherent aspect of human existence, permeating various domains of our lives. From academic pursuits to sporting events, and even in the corporate world, the drive to outperform
Here is a story that I wrote and I was inspired to create this short inspirational video. Let your light shine bright!