Naturally Courtney

Hi, I’m Courtney—creator of Naturally Courtney, birdwatcher, squirrel fan, flower lover, and joyful observer of the little wonders all around us.

My connection to nature didn’t begin with hiking boots or binoculars. I actually grew up in the suburbs and didn’t spend much time outdoors. I wasn’t what you'd call an “outdoorsy” kid—but I always noticed beautiful things. My mom tells me one of my first words was “blackbird,” thanks to a lively little visitor outside the window when I was a baby. Even then, I was drawn to the beauty and enchantment of the natural world.

As I got older, I was still the kind of person who would pause to admire a butterfly or smile at a ladybug—but I also used to be nervous walking past birds during high school lunch breaks and avoided the bold squirrels darting around my college campus. So yes, the version of me who now loves spending time with birds and squirrels might come as a surprise—but it’s also deeply true. I’m known among friends for stopping mid-walk to watch a squirrel’s antics (yes, really!)—and I’ll happily do the same for a bird.

I used to cross the street to avoid squirrels. Now I'm in the grass with them taking their portraits. I'd say that's growth.

I fell in love with birdwatching after I met my husband, a lifelong bird enthusiast. Through him, I began to see the charm, the detail, and the quiet delight of these feathered creatures. As I started paying attention, something inside me clicked into place. The joy was always there—I just needed the nudge to nurture it.

From backyard feeders to field birding, my love of birds grew—and along the way, so did my appreciation for squirrels, who often share the same space. I began to notice how clever, funny, and endearing they are. I also rediscovered my lifelong love of butterflies and started learning more about flowers, plants, and gardening. Growing some of my own food has become a favorite hobby, not because I’m an expert, but because it brings me joy.

I snapped this photo of a cardinal perched on my fence. Backyard moments like this are what made me fall in love with birdwatching.

Nature, in all its forms, gives me peace, inspiration, and a sense of wonder I carry with me every day. It reminds me to slow down and look closer.

I started Naturally Courtney to share that feeling with others. In a fast-moving world, I believe there's something deeply healing about stopping to notice a bird, a flower, or a squirrel doing something silly. These small moments connect us to joy, and I hope my content invites you to find that joy too—whether it's right outside your window or in a place you’ve never looked before.

Wishing you joy,
Courtney | Naturally Courtney 🌸