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
Drake Hooded Merganser Memory
Once upon a chilly December evening, I had a blast photographing a stunning drake Hooded Merganser in gorgeous light at an urban pond close to home.
My Solitaire Common Name Change Recommendation
In 2024, the common name for Townsend's Solitaire might change, along with many other bird names. My recommendation would be to rename it the Juniper Solitaire.
Box Elder Seeds And Water Birch Leaves
I'm sharing two photos this morning: one of Box Elder Maple seeds and another of Water Birch leaves that I took last autumn while on walks close to home.
One Cute Coot Scoot
A few days ago, I was able to photograph one cute coot scooting past me at my local pond on a bright sunny Utah morning. The action tickled my funny bone.
Autumn Snipe Photos And Common Name Changes
The last time I visited Bear River MBR, I took quite a few photos of Wilson's Snipes. I also wondered what the new name for this snipe species will soon be.
November Sunrise Over The Wasatch Mountains
Yesterday morning, I could tell there was going to be some vibrant color in the sunrise over the Wasatch Mountains, so I drove down to my local pond to take photos.
Singing Song Sparrow On A Post
The last time I visited Farmington Bay WMA, I was enchanted by the song of a singing Song Sparrow perched on a wooden post in soft morning light.
Canada Goose Splash Landing
Today, I am sharing a simple photo of a Canada Goose splash landing at one of my local ponds. This image was taken on a sunny afternoon almost one year ago.
Young Pied-billed Grebe In Late November
I was going through photos that I took last year when I found this image of a young Pied-billed Grebe, taken at my local pond at the tail end of November.
Common Raven Pair At Bear River MBR
On at least my last three trips up to Bear River MBR, I have found a Common Raven pair in the same general area of the north side of the auto tour route.
Eared And Horned Grebe Nonbreeding Plumage Comparison
This morning, I wanted to share an Eared and Horned Grebe nonbreeding plumage comparison. Why? Because, at this time of year, I can see both species.
Time To See And Hear Tundra Swans
Now is a great time to see and hear Tundra Swans from the marshes at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I saw several large flocks of them yesterday from there.
American Coot Stink Eye And Diving Images
Today I am sharing some recent American Coot images where the coot is giving me the stink eye and diving. The images were taken at a pond close to home.
Great Blue Heron Photos In Winter
If you want to take Great Blue Heron photos in winter, on snow and ice, then head to Bear River MBR in Utah after the marsh freezes and the snow starts to fall.
Fall White-faced Ibis Images
On my last trip to Bear River MBR, I was able to take images of this White-faced Ibis preening, leaning, and walking in the wetlands next to the auto tour loop.
House Sparrow On The Rocks
One of the last birds I photographed on my recent trip to Bear River MBR was this male House Sparrow, perched on a lichen-covered rock south of the Bear River.
Male Red-winged Blackbird And A Saltcedar
I saw this male Red-winged Blackbird perched in a Saltcedar on my last trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and felt I had to stop to photograph him.
American Pipit In Frosted Grasses
Last Monday, when I photographed this American Pipit at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in frosted grasses, I had several thoughts whirling around in my mind.
Great Blue Heron In A Natural Alcove
One of my favorite photos from my trip to Bear River MBR last Monday was of this Great Blue Heron in a natural alcove along the bank of the Bear River.
Western Meadowlark Amusement
Photographing this Western Meadowlark on Monday on my way back to I-15 from Bear River MBR was so much fun for me that it probably ought to be illegal.
Dozens of American Birds To Be Renamed To Remove English Names
It was announced by the American Ornithological Society today that the organization is committed to changing all English-language names of birds within its geographic jurisdiction that are named directly after people.
Interesting Pied-billed Grebe Faux Crash-Dive Behavior
I had a great time observing and photographing a Pied-billed Grebe exhibiting Crash-dive behavior at Bear River MBR from the auto tour loop on Monday.
Halloween 2023 – The Web We Weave
Tonight, across the country, ghouls, goblins, super heroes, cartoon characters, vampires, werewolves, mummies, ghosts, and witches will be ringing door bells asking for treats.
Wilson’s Snipe Portraits From Bear River MBR
Yesterday morning, I was beyond thrilled to take several Wilson's Snipe portraits in frosty grasses while I was on the auto tour loop at Bear River MBR.
Urban Mourning Dove Photos
I'm sharing a few urban Mourning Dove photos this morning that I took close to home yesterday. It was in the upper 20s when I photographed this flock of doves.
Fall Killdeer at Bear River MBR
Since moving to Utah, I have seen and photographed Killdeer in every month of the year. It was no surprise that I found several at Bear River MBR last Monday.
Three American Coots Side By Side
What's better than having one coot in my viewfinder? I'd say having three American Coots side by side in my viewfinder at one time!
Fall American White Pelican Images At Bear River MBR
On this fall morning, I'm sharing three American White Pelican images from Bear River MBR taken earlier this week and a bonus flock photo from last year.
Autumn American Pipit Photos
Last Monday I took my first autumn American Pipit photos of 2023 while I was on the auto tour loop at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I was so happy.
Roadside Common Raven – Why I Adore These Birds
While I was driving the auto tour route at Bear River MBR two days ago, I was tickled to photograph a roadside Common Raven in lovely, bright morning light.