Today marks ten years, which is 3,653 days, of sharing the authentic stories behind my images every single day without missing a beat.
Young Short-eared Owl on desert ranchlands, Box Elder County, Utah
Every single day since May 2, 2015, I’ve written and shared something here. Some days it’s been joyful, a few days have been heavy.
Some posts have been long and winding, some were just a quick note and a photo. But my streak held.
I started writing back in 2010, and by 2012 I was posting almost daily. I’d had a solid three-year streak going—until May 1, 2015, when I missed a post.
Not because I forgot. I was out in the wilderness of Montana, photographing, and didn’t have a strong enough signal to publish.
Common Raven chicks relaxing in their nest, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, Montana
That was the only break. The very next day, May 2, 2015, I started again. And I haven’t missed a day since.
Over the past decade I’ve written about everything from conservation and behavior to tree blossoms and beetles.
While birds are my passion, I’ve also shared moments with moose, moths, wildflowers, wasps, and whatever else I saw through my viewfinder.
From hummingbirds the size of thimbles to raptors and American White Pelicans, if it had feathers and flew, or if it didn’t, I was likely out there, trying to see, learn, and share something about it.
And through all of it, every word, every photo, every single day, my mom was my biggest supporter. She read my posts, cheered me on, encouraged me to keep going even on the hard days.
I lost her in July of 2023, and there hasn’t been a day since when I haven’t thought about how much she would have loved a particular post, smiled at a photo, or asked me for information about my subjects.
My ten year streak is dedicated to my mom.
Mountain Bluebells in May, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, Utah
Ten years is a long time to show up for anything, especially something that doesn’t come with a paycheck or a deadline.
But nature always has something to offer. And writing here has become part of my rhythm, like my morning cup of coffee, breathing, or bird song at dawn.
That said, this will be the last post in my daily streak. I’m moving my site to a new server and I just plain need a break. It feels like the right moment to ease up a bit.
My site is huge, it will take a day or two to get it moved.
I’m okay, no worries there! I’ll still be posting, just not every day. Maybe a few times a week, maybe more, maybe less.
We’ll see. I just wanted you all to know what’s going on, and to say thank you, for reading, for caring, for being supportive, and for coming along on this ride.
Life is good.
Mia
Congratulations Mia! That is quite an accomplishment!
Incredible, even stunning, Smithsonian quality, pics every day for ten years? That’s amazing! You have given us knowledge; an appreciation of natures beauty and an appetite for more…every morning. You have brought the natural world into our homes and into our hearts. You are brilliant at what you do. I understand your need for a break. You deserve it. But the call of the wild is too deeply ingrained in your soul and I’m willing to bet you’ll be back at it before too long. Meanwhile…rest; recharge your batteries and come home to us. Thanks Mia. You are my hero.
Mia, that’s quite a streak, and I totally understand your need for a break. You should be proud of yourself. I’m sure your mom is, too. How we both wish we could have our mom’s back. I never thought it would be this hard to go on without her. Big hugs for you. You are so brave.
Thank you, Mia, that’s a ten-year milestone to be proud of. I’ve enjoyed your photos and writings so much. Good luck with your new venture, I’ll be waiting to see it.
Mia: Thank you for the posts. The streak containing your outstanding photos and informative comments is a remarkable achievement and has been a source of pleasure and knowledge for me and your other readers.
Congratulations. I hope that the move to your new site goes smoothly and look forward to your posts. Always.
I will miss your images, but I understand your decision.
Thank you so much for the beauty and emotions you have shared with us over the years.
May your path be serene and joyful.
Thank you for your knowledge and dedication, I have enjoyed your blog, information with stunning photos and to top it off your friendship too. I hope the move goes well with the transfer of data. Enjoys your days with nature and keep you mom in your memories, she will always be with you. We will stay tuned for post when you do them. I hope your data move is quicker than Eric’s. He had a design and gaming site on YouTube since he was 14, the site recently was flagged and closed for inappropriate sexual material. He was shocked, it doesn’t contain sexual content. It’s mostly his game and mapping design process. He appealed and was denied. He had to go in through a back door to retrieve all his data, the down load took several days. He has is stored on his server for now.
Mia, I applaud your taking care of yourself after so many years of taking care of all of us every morning. Sharing your beautiful and heartfelt images has been an integral and inspiring start to my day. I am looking forward to the occasional post. And thank you for all the joy you’ve brought over the years.
thank you, for your deep connection to our incredible natural world. I found you as an artist, looking for pictures of birds to draw and paint. Your images give me practice in seeing, with eye and with heart and then letting the hand carry that quiddity to paper.
I also share with my classes. I teach Nature Journaling in Portland OR…
gratitude, Jude
I’ve only been reading your daily posts for about 2 years now, but I have so enjoyed them and learned so much from you. I will miss your daily posts but I will also look forward to
your posts in the futrue no matter how you post them I will be there to read them. Thank you !!
Congratulations and thank you! The comments above mine say it all. Looking forward to whatever you choose to share with us next, and wishing you all the very best. Really envy the relationship you had with your mom, and know how proud she was/would be of you.
I have enjoyed your postings for several years. Your photography has been an inspiration. Thank you very much. I was originally attracted to your site because we have the same surname, but over time began to think we were kind of on a parallel journey. I lived in Tampa in the 70s and loved the area especially Fort De Soto. My work involved numerous trip to Utah and I had lots of free time to roam around the Salt Lake area. And finally I was born in North Eastern Oklahoma near where you are currently residing. Good luck an I’ll login each morning hoping to see a new posting.
Thank you for your dedication and for sharing your amazing photographs and experiences. This blog has brightened my morning now for a couple of years. I have learned so much through your eyes.
I’m so proud of you! Thank you for your dedication to inspire and educate us with your photos and adventures. I look forward to your new chapters!
Mia,
About a year ago I found your site as a result of a query I posted. On The Wing Photography was the first to pop up and gave me the answer I was looking for. Thank you so much for caring and sharing.
It has been a very long road and I have enjoyed all of your posts. I don’t know when I signed up on your daily feeds. I do know I learned about your postings from Ron. And have been with you since – reading them all first thing each morning. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be a loyal follower. I know it is time to take a well deserved break from your daily routine. I will continue to look forward to your not so daily posts in the future. Thank you for these many years of fantastic posts. 💚
Mia—It is just astounding that you’ve accomplished this streak!! You have been a reliable part of my morning routine for years now. Enjoy having a little flexibility, we will all be here to revel in your posts when they arrive❤️
May your life be as full and amazing as the knowledge and wisdom you have shared with others like me. I am so profoundly thankful for the journey you have shared. I celebrate you.
Congratulations on your HUGE 10-year milestone, Mia! And all the best as you enter a new, well-deserved phase of writing and publishing. I’ll continue to watch for and enjoy your posts.
I haven’t been reading for all 10 years but I have learned so much, enjoyed so much. Thank you. I will miss your daily reports but as long as you keep posting I will keep reading.