Faded juvenile Burrowing Owl on a big post, Box Elder County, Utah

As I sit here this morning wrapped in a blanket to ward off the morning chill I welcome 2022 and realize that it is time to put the New Year into focus. As usual I wasn’t awake when the New Year came in yet I thought about it as I fell asleep. The new year is akin to a blank sheet of paper but as it begins it starts to fill in with words, images, actions, and day to day life. We wonder what it will be like, what we will see and live through, and how we will go about handling what live gives us. Each day is a gift.

When I woke on this first day of the new year I started thinking about the changes I want and need to make in 2022 on a personal level and as a bird photographer.

Juvenile Burrowing Owl on a big post, Box Elder County, UtahJuvenile Burrowing Owl on a big post

I also know that the more I think and ruminate about those changes the more they will come sharply into focus.

This year I plan on exploring new places to find birds. I might also spend more time focused on photographing non-avian subjects because that keeps me on my toes and strengthens my skills as a photographer. That never hurts and only helps me to learn more than I already know.

Living though 2021 taught me a lot. I am grateful for the lessons I learned in the past year whether they came from good times or bad.

While I don’t know what the first bird is yet that I will see in 2022, I know this… I will appreciate it no matter what it is. That is who I am. I will also be grateful for each and every bird that I find, point out, and photograph.

Life is good.

Happy New Year everyone!

I wish you the best for each and every day.

Mia

Click here to see the birds in my photo galleries.