Very nice shots. I have found playing with my camera lately it does allow me to apppreciate the details of nature a little more. Do I not see pay attention to these details normally because of the distractions? I would say so. Taking the time to focus on one subject in greater detail, while putting blinders on to the rest of the world for even just a few seconds is sort of calming.
I also think that we aren't looking for them, as we are on other errands. It is like a resolution thing - we don't zoom in enough as we fly past.