Yesterday morning while it was still dark I bundled up and drove up to soak in the wild beauty of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I am so glad that I went.
Me and my shadow on the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 18-200mm at 18 mm, natural light
The fog that I saw while I traveled north on I-15 disappeared before the sun rose over the Wasatch Mountains. By the time I reached the auto tour loop at the refuge the sky was clear and bright over the wetlands and marshes. Earlier as dawn broke, the Promontory Mountains were colored a soft, pastel pink from rays of the rising sun.
I could feel my body relax even though the temp was only 3°F and my mind slowed down. I truly didn’t realize how much I needed to go to the refuge for the peace and quiet until I actually got there.
After I danced in the snow with joy, I took this photo of my shadow on the auto tour loop which made me look about 50 feet tall.
Wild beauty of Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 18-200mm at 18 mm, natural light
There weren’t as many birds as I would have liked to have seen and photographed but practically any day at the refuge is a great day. When I am surrounded by these gorgeous marshes and wetlands, I almost always have a smile on my face.
I loved seeing the snow on the marshes and both the Wasatch and Promontory Mountain ranges. The bright sky reflected on the open water made the open water look a rich, deep blue. That blue water and the sound it made soothed me.
Frozen beauty at Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, f11, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 18-200mm at 18 mm, natural light
My eyes were treated to all of the wild beauty of the frozen marshes and wetlands of Bear River MBR yesterday under the winter sun. For me, the trip up to the refuge was a gentle reminder that I am just as wild and as much a part of nature as everything I saw. Home. I was home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my scenic photos from Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge plus facts and information about the refuge.
Magnificent shots! I can practically feel winter’s chill way down here in San Diego. Thanks Mia.
Absolutely gorgeous! I, too, spent time on the I-15 this past week, albeit quite a bit south of you. Was visiting a friend who lives in an area of Las Vegas that’s relatively close to the mountains. I got to see snowy mountains at both ends of my travels! There was even snow falling in parts of Vegas — not enough to qualify for a flurry, but those were definitely snow flakes and it was cold enough for frozen nose hairs! I’ve missed that cold, frosty weather that I used to love when I lived in Illinois.
How very, very beautiful. I am glad you went as well, for you and for us.
Strikingly beautiful landscapes (and “shadow-scape”). What an expansive view! We are expected to go down to -5F this evening with high winds and chill factor down to -25F, an entirely new experience which I am not joyfully anticipating. Still too fresh an emigrant from south Florida.