Finding Kinship in the Wilds
Marina Richie
Marina Richie is an award-winning nature writer living in Bend, Oregon. Growing up in a National Park Service family with a bird-loving father influenced her passion for protecting wildlife and wild places.
Her new book Feathered Forest with Chelsea Green Publishing comes out Fall 2026. Stay tuned for a pre-order link
© Ken Miracle
Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher
2024 John Burroughs Medal
2022 National Outdoor Book Award
2022 Foreword Indies Award.
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“Rambling among ancient forests and tuning to birds as research for my new book
opened my senses to wonder in a three-dimensional world of wild trees.”
Nature Author, Poet, and Speaker
Author of Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher
Winner of the 2024 John Burroughs Medal
Marina Richie is the author of the award-winning Halcyon Journey, In Search of the Belted Kingfisher, published by Oregon State University Press. She also wrote two children’s books for Farcountry Press, Bird Feats of Montana and Bug Feats of Montana. Her poems and prose accompany artist Robin Coen’s watercolors in Refugia of the Blue Mountains.
Her prose and poetry appear in literary and popular magazines, online publications, Substack, and in book collections. She has penned a bi-monthly nature-themed blog on her website since 2015. She gives keynote talks, podcast interviews, teaches nature writing, and serves on the board of the Greater Hells Canyon Council.
Recent Posts
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Refugia of the blue mountains
Upcoming Event: Wednesday, November 19, 6 to 7 pm, Worthy Brewing, bend oregon –with marina richie &…
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halloween Fortitude
If I were closing my eyes and reaching into a bag of candy to feel for a favorite, like a chocolate peanut butter cup, I think I’d also wish for —Fortitude. In that spirit, I’ll share my piece and then wander outside into our yard on a cool, gray day and turn to the two Steller’s Jays–bold, blue, and unafraid to speak up LOUD.
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Philosophy | trees | Wilderness | writing
sauntering with thoreau in central oregon
I choose the trail-less way of curiosity over destination, the Henry David Thoreau way.
Books
Halcyon Journey, In Search of the Belted Kingfisher
This first book to feature North America’s belted kingfisher is a lyrical story of observation, revelation, and curiosity in the presence of flowing waters.
Far-flung adventures to other continents in search of kingfisher kin deepen the author’s relationship with Montana birds. In winter, she explores tribal stories of the kingfisher as messenger and helper.
By water’s edge, she reconciles the loss of her naturalist father and taps into her own powers, inspired by the bird of the headfirst plunge and rattling call.
Bird Feats of Montana
Discover the Big Sky’s fastest, largest, smartest, and boldest birds in Bird Feats of Montana, Including Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The book features 114 brilliant color photographs by renowned wildlife photographer Donald M. Jones and 12 exquisitely detailed illustrations by James Lindquist.
Written for children ages 8 to 12, this playful and informative book covers 40 of the state’s birds.
Bug Feats of Montana
Are you ready to meet the fastest flyers, the loudest buzzers, and the sneakiest ambushers in Montana? Meet forty of Montana’s most mind-boggling bugs and their incredible feats:
A giant bug that attacks fish and frogs, injecting its digestive juices then sucks out the liquefied organs!
A bug that has antifreeze in its blood, allowing it to live on the snow in winter!
A bug that lives inside a home made of spit!
Robert Rath’s beautiful color illustrations bring these amazing creatures to life.
halcyon journey Reviews
“We come to know birds and ourselves in new light through this passionate and inspiring exploration. Wonder emerges from meticulous and loving observation of the bright lives of kingfishers.”
David George Haskell
Author
“In exquisite prose, Marina Richie takes the reader on a meditative and dynamic dive into her search for the kingfisher. Some stories wake us up in time to make a difference. Halcyon Journey is one of those stories. It is also a wondrous story that will transport you.”
Debra Magpie Earling
Author
“In a world that is rapidly losing its birds, we need reminders of how glorious they really are – their songs, their colors, their eagerness for life. Halcyon Journey is a lively, joyous celebration of kingfishers and rivers, by a writer whose love for birds sings on the page.”
Kathleen Dean Moore
Author
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