Today marks seven years of daily posts for me here at On The Wing Photography. Another year has gone by and another milestone has been reached.

Fluffy Vesper Sparrow near a ranch pond, Box Elder County, UtahFluffy Vesper Sparrow near a ranch pond – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

That is two thousand five hundred fifty-seven days of posting birds, wildlife, landscapes, flowers and other things I find in my travels. I did have a slight interruption last month when my site was down for two days due to circumstances beyond my control. I made up for those two days and I am back on track.

I have actually been posting here at On The Wing Photography since January 15, 2010. So far I have written 3,991 posts which have covered my journeys into the field and the amazing things that I find using my eyes, ears, skills and knowledge.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing drought here in Utah

I haven’t traveled as far from home as I did prior to the pandemic. Finding birds has become more difficult due at least in part to the extreme drought conditions we have had here in Utah. Climate change is also affecting the locations that I travel to when I am looking for subjects to photograph.

This past year I have continued to study the behaviors of the birds and other wildlife that I find and I’ve photographed some fascinating behaviors. My knowledge and my skills have grown with every experience I have in the field.

Last August I found one rarity in the field which was a Northern Waterthrush high in the Wasatch Mountains. Had I not been patient and willing to use my sit and wait approach I would never have seen or photographed that bird. This year I plan on sitting and waiting more often. I have found some great birds using that approach.

I don’t know what the next year will gift me with but I do know that being out in nature is where I feel the most at home. Stay tuned for more posts from me at On The Wing Photography!

Life is good.

Mia

P.S., I photographed this adult Vesper Sparrow two days ago near a ranch pond in Box Elder County.