On January 30th, I spent my morning seeking refuge at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Mother Nature supplied the refuge I sought with grand, gorgeous views.

Morning glow on the Promontory Mountains from the refuge, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahMorning glow on the Promontory Mountains from the refuge – Nikon D810, handheld, f11, 1/400, ISO 1000, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 18mm, natural light

After I arrived at the auto tour loop, I stopped to take photos of the sunlight as it started to light up the Promontory Mountains to the west. I welcomed the quiet.

Morning refuge at Bear River MBR, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahMorning refuge at Bear River MBR – Nikon D810, handheld, f11, 1/400, ISO 1000, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 38mm, natural light

The light was beautiful, and because of that light, the marsh, river, and mountains all had a soft glow to them. The reflections on the calm water were, for me, a visual delight.

I decided that I wanted to create a few videos to accompany my still photos. Please excuse the shake; I was hand-holding my Nikon D810 when I took the videos.

I knew from social media that it probably wasn’t going to be very birdy at the refuge, and that was okay with me. Mostly, I was seeking the peace, quiet, and solitude that I find out on the marshes and wetlands at the refuge.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge glowing in morning light, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahBear River Migratory Bird Refuge glowing in morning light – Nikon D810, handheld, f11, 1/500, ISO 1000, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 65mm, natural light

I found all of that and more while driving the auto tour loop. For many reasons, including the loss of my mother, last year was hard on me. I am still processing some of what I went through. The refuge? It helps me.

In such an incredibly stunning and peaceful location, I feel grounded and at home. I am keenly aware that I am as much a part of nature as everything I could see, feel, and hear in front of me.

Seeking refuge at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour loop, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSeeking refuge at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour loop – Nikon D810, handheld, f11, 1/1250, ISO 1000, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 18mm, natural light

I couldn’t help but feel a touch of anxiety while I was at the refuge. There should be more snow on the Promontory Mountains and the marshes at the refuge. The open water on the Bear River? That should be ice.

It has been a strange, warm winter here in northern Utah. Yesterday I saw a high temp of 62°F at home, breaking a record of 56°F set in 1987.

For a bit though, I put my concerns aside and soaked in the beauty of this critically important oasis in a desert.

Gorgeous morning view of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in morning light, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahGorgeous morning view of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in morning light – Nikon D810, handheld, f11, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 90mm, natural light

Instead, I focused my attention and my camera on the wild beauty that surrounded me. The bumpy road made me giggle, the calls of the birds serenaded me, and the cool air invigorated me.

Spring-like view of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in January, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSpring-like view of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in January – Nikon D810, handheld, f11, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 18mm, natural light

When I reached the far northwest corner of the auto tour loop, I sat and watched the water flowing in the river. A harrier flew by, a gull called, and coots scooted out of my view. I felt peaceful; I had found the refuge I was seeking.

As I mentioned in this last video I am sharing today from that morning, 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.