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
Common Raven Back View
This isn't my typical idea of a Common Raven photo because the raven's face can't be seen. But I like this photo of the raven about to land on the frozen marsh.
Flock Of American Avocets At Farmington Bay
On my last trip to Farmington Bay WMA, I was delighted to have a resting flock of American Avocets in my viewfinder. Seeing these shorebirds delights me.
Drake Common Goldeneyes In Winter
When I took this photo of two drake Common Goldeneyes at Bear River MBR almost two years ago, I was laughing as I hit my shutter button. I couldn't help myself.
Winter White-crowned Sparrow Portrait
I haven't seen as many sparrows this winter as I typically do, so I was tickled to take a few White-crowned Sparrow portraits at Farmington Bay WMA on Friday.
My First Of Year Sandhill Crane
While I was at Farmington Bay WMA two days ago, I heard and saw my first Sandhill Crane of the year. The calling crane was in flight, way off in the distance.
Song Sparrow Serenade – Happy Birthday Chris!
I was serenaded by this Song Sparrow yesterday on the rut-filled road at Farmington Bay WMA. It might seem odd, but this bird reminded me of my youngest son.
Urban Red-winged Blackbird Male Singing
I dug way back into my files this morning to share this urban Red-winged Blackbird male singing. The date was February 23, 2014, the location was my local pond.
What Happened To Winter In The Salt Lake Valley?
It is almost the end of February and I'm wondering what happened to winter this year in the Salt Lake Valley. Has winter gone on walkabout? Where is the snow?
Tundra Swan – Trumpeter Swan Comparison
I hope this comparison helps anyone who might be struggling with Trumpeter Swan and Tundra Swan identification in the field or when they are looking at their own photos.
Black-billed Magpie With Nesting Materials
It was my first full spring in Utah, nearly 14 years ago, when my keen eyes were used to find my first Black-billed Magpie nest on Antelope Island State Park.
My Video With A Surprise Great Blue Heron
On my last trip up to Bear River MBR, I stopped to take a video on the auto tour loop, and a Great Blue Heron surprised me by flying into view over the river.
Pied-billed Grebe – Breeding And Nonbreeding Plumage Comparison
Last week, I took a photo of a Pied-billed Grebe in breeding plumage at my local pond. Today, I decided to do a comparison with one in nonbreeding plumage.
Young Bald Eagle On The Road
This Bald Eagle photo isn't my best image of this species, and that is alright with me. I took the photo five days ago on the auto tour loop at Bear River MBR.
Wispy Clouds And The Wasatch Mountains
After photographing two unexpected female Merlins two days ago, beautiful wispy clouds dancing in front of the Wasatch Mountains caught my attention.
Surprise Merlin Photos – Two Merlins In A Pear Tree
I was at one of my local ponds yesterday morning when a gorgeous adult female Merlin flew in and landed on a tree not far from where I stood behind my tripod.
Show Your Love – Don’t Let Balloons Go
Last Sunday I went to some local spots to look for birds. As I was driving, I saw four mylar balloons stuck in some shrubs near the Jordan River. My heart sank.
Canada Geese On The Bear River
Yesterday morning, at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, I took a short video of Canada Geese in the road while I was on the north side of the auto tour loop.
Male Great-tailed Grackle On A February Morning
This male Great-tailed Grackle caught my eye two days ago at one of my local ponds because he was displaying on a red-roofed cupola against a bright blue sky.
Urban American Coot Close Up Photos
Because it was a bright, sunny day yesterday morning, I went down to my local ponds. I photographed an American Coot munching on frosty grass near one of them.
Young Red-tailed Hawk Up Close
The day I photographed this young Red-tailed Hawk, I took 135 images of the immature raptor in just a little over a minute at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
More Greater White-fronted Goose Images
This morning, I wanted to share more of my Greater White-fronted Goose images I took six days ago. I haven't gone through all of my photos of this goose yet.
American Bison Whispering Secrets
This morning I'm sharing a photo of an American Bison that appeared to be whispering secrets to another bison that I photographed on Antelope Island State Park.
Tundra Swans And Precious Memories
Tundra Swans and memories are on my mind this morning. Six years ago, I sat in my Jeep watching hundreds of Tundra Swans at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Bald Eagle On A Pole
Two years ago today, I spotted this gorgeous adult Bald Eagle perched on a pole from about a half-mile away on a bright, sunny morning up in far northern Utah.
Gaggle Of Canada Geese At Bear River MBR
When I was up at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge at the end of January, I stopped on the auto tour loop to take photos of a small gaggle of Canada Geese.
Ten Greater White-fronted Goose Photos
I was out running errands yesterday when I found a Greater White-fronted Goose. I drove home to grab my gear so I could photograph this 'specklebelly' goose.
Great Blue Heron And Reflection On The Bear River
Today, I'm sharing a simple Great Blue Heron photo I took late last month at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I liked the heron's reflection on the Bear River.
World Wetlands Day And Utah’s Abysmal Protections Of Them
Today is World Wetlands Day, and we need to protect and preserve our wetlands. Wetlands provide a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits.
Seeking Refuge At Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
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.
Bald Eagle On A Leaning Post Plus Trees With The Earth Shadow And Belt Of Venus
While I was up at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday, I photographed a Bald Eagle on a leaning post, plus trees with the Earth Shadow and Belt of Venus.