My Story Timeline
I write about the true stories behind my images and share them on my site. One day, I might write about birds; the next, about an insect; and the following day, I might focus on a specific location. Each of these stories revolves around nature, my connection to it, or my concerns about preserving our natural world. This journal primarily serves as a collection of factual accounts from my journeys in the field.
While my primary passion is for birds, since everything in nature is interconnected, I photograph everything and write about it all. My life has always been intertwined with nature, and I hope it always will be.
Best wishes,
Mia
Low Light Male Short-eared Owl in Idaho
The male Short-eared Owl in Clark County, Idaho was a beauty even in the poor light.
Centennial Valley Eastern Kingbird
Mountain Bluebirds and this Centennial Valley Eastern Kingbird were the first two bird species I photographed on this trip to Montana and Idaho.
Tree Swallow near Modoc Creek, Idaho
I liked this image of a Tree Swallow near Modoc Creek because of the eye contact, head turn, colors and the pattern of the conifer needles in the background.
Adult Swainson’s Hawk in Golden Light
This image of a Swainson's Hawk in golden light was taken not long after the sun rose and I love how the light seems to make the hawk glow.
Chip, Chip, Chipping Sparrow
I photographed this little Chipping Sparrow yesterday evening at the Upper Lake campground at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
Nature Is Calling
Nature is calling and I am answering her call. I am happy to be off on another new amazing adventure.
Short-eared Owl Preening Session
I was able to see and photograph a long Short-eared Owl preening session where I could see the owl's ear canal, uropygial gland and some extremely interesting and twisted poses.
Female Short-eared Owl Stretching One Wing
I really liked this frame of the female Short-eared Owl stretching on a leaning fence post because of the eye contact, the view of her talons, fanned out tail and extended wing.
An Intriguing and Very Tame Northern Harrier
While I have been photographing Short-eared Owls in northern Utah I have come across this intriguing and very tame Northern Harrier over and over in the same location.
Fledgling Short-eared Owl in Tumbleweeds
How could I resist taking images of a fledgling Short-eared Owl in tumbleweeds? I just couldn't.
Low Light Female Short-eared Owl Blur
I know that blurs aren't everyone's cup of tea but I have grown quite fond of this beautiful, shaking, Short-eared Owl blur.
Warning – Swainson’s Hawks Ahead
One thing I know for certain is that when the weather clears I know I am going to head back up there. And I will probably think about the title of this post... Warning - Swainson's Hawks Ahead.
Northern Utah Short-eared Owl Chicks
It felt amazing to be alone with these northern Utah Short-eared Owl chicks for a few brief moments yesterday.
Nest Building Say’s Phoebe
I photographed a nest building Say's Phoebe trying to separate a clump of grass and mud, or perhaps bison manure, by holding it in its bill and beating it on the ground.
Rainy Day Red-tailed Hawk in Idaho
I photographed this rainy day Red-tailed Hawk in Clark County, Idaho last year as it perched on an old pole with glass insulators on it
Two Snowy Egrets at Bear River MBR
When I photographed these two Snowy Egrets at Bear River MBR last August they were already through raising their young for the season.
Portrait of a Great Horned Owl Chick in a Hay Barn
This portrait of a Great Horned Owl chick in a hay barn might not have been taken in the most aesthetically pleasing location but I don't think the owlet gives a hoot about the rusty iron beams and corrugated metal walls.
Western Kingbird With A Hint Of Black Mustard
Yesterday morning while in Box Elder County I was delighted to photograph a Western Kingbird with a Hint of Black Mustard in the background as it perched on a fence near the road.
Side lit Short-eared Owl Male
I liked this image of the side lit Short-eared Owl more than I thought I could.
Swainson’s Hawk Landing on the Rocks in Box Elder County
Five days ago I photographed this male Swainson's Hawk landing with his talons reaching out for the lichen covered rocks he was going to perch on.
The Subdued Beauty of Mourning Doves
The subdued beauty of Mourning Doves is often overlooked especially if there are more colorful birds around but for me their beauty is undeniable.
Burrowing and Short-eared Owls in May – Satisfying my Owl Obsession
I am thoroughly enjoying photographing Burrowing and Short-eared Owls in May and satisfying my owl obsession.
An Exceptionally Obliging Turkey Vulture In Box Elder County
I found an exceptionally obliging Turkey Vulture in Box Elder County warming up in the morning sun.
Short-eared Owls – Nomadic and Enchanting
This year I've seen far more Short-eared Owls in Utah than I have since I moved here in 2009 and I've been enjoying photographing these nomadic and enchanting owls for over a month.
Juvenile Burrowing Owl Balancing Act
I photographed this juvenile Burrowing Owl balancing act last year in northern Utah not long after the sun came up
Harlequin Faced Lark Sparrows
The harlequin faced Lark Sparrows are unique, easily identified and quite striking for sparrows which are known for being "little brown jobs".
Wet Chukar On Top Of A Lichen Covered Boulder
The first bird I photographed yesterday morning was a wet Chukar on top of a lichen covered boulder about the time the sun rose above the clouds and mountains to the east.
Gulf Shore Great Egret With A Loose Head Feather
This might be the only image I have in my portfolio that shows a Great Egret with a loose head feather waving above its head at a jaunty angle.
Back-brooding Western Grebes
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a great location to consistently see back-brooding Western Grebes during the breeding season and it can be done easily from the auto tour loop.
Male Black-necked Stilt foraging at Bear River MBR
I took a series of images of this male Black-necked Stilt foraging in some very shallow water that showed the red of his eyes and those long, long legs.