
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
First Winter Hooded Merganser At An Urban Pond
A few days ago I had the opportunity to photograph this first winter Hooded Merganser at an urban pond that isn't far from where I live after a heavy snow.
My Birding By Ear Affliction
My birding by ear affliction isn't that I can't hear birds; it is that I can't not hear them. Even when I am on the phone with my friends.
Immature American Herring Gull Testing The Ice
It was January 6, 2021, when I photographed this immature American Herring Gull testing the ice at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Dapper Mallard Drake In Snow
After I photographed the handsome Gadwall drake that I shared yesterday I couldn't resist taking images of this alert and dapper Mallard drake in the snow.
Gadwall Drake Resting In Snow
This morning I'm sharing photos of a Gadwall drake resting in snow plus a bonus photo of the leucistic American Coot taken yesterday in afternoon light.
Leucistic American Coot In Salt Lake County
After shoveling more snow I wanted to go to my local pond to see what was there. My jaw dropped when I found a foraging leucistic American Coot.
American Robin – My First Bird Of The Year 2023
My first bird of 2023 was an American Robin, actually it was a flock of about 50 of them flying over my head as I got ready to shovel snow.
Hello 2023!
Hello 2023! I hope that 2023 will be wonderful for each and everyone of us. Right now it isn't clear what 2023 will bring.
My 2022 Year In Review
On this last day of the year it is time for my annual 2022 Year in Review post. In some ways 2022 has been great for me and in others not so good.
Great Blue Heron On Ice At Farmington Bay WMA
I had some fun photographing a Great Blue Heron on ice along with its shadow yesterday morning on a pond at Farmington Bay WMA.
Wildflowers I Photographed In 2022
This morning I wanted to share some of the wildflowers I photographed in 2022. Birds are my primary subjects yet I simply can't resist focusing on wildflowers.
Some Mammals I Loved In 2022
This morning I am sharing some photos of the mammals I loved finding, seeing, photographing and having in my viewfinder in 2022.
Patterns In Ice And Human Nature?
These swirly patterns in ice caught my eye because of the light and golden reflections from the vegetation on the shoreline of a neighborhood pond.
Made It Through Christmas And I Am Just Ducky
Well, I made it through the Christmas part of the holidays this year in one piece and I am feeling just ducky.
Christmas Day American Kestrel
I photographed this Christmas Day American Kestrel in 2020 at Farmington Bay WMA. That Christmas Day was bright and sunny, today isn't going to be at all.
Wishing You A Bright And Peaceful Yule
Today, no matter where you are, no matter what you celebrate at this time of the year, I wish you a bright and peaceful Yule.
Immature Ferruginous Hawk In December
I was overjoyed to see an immature light morph Ferruginous Hawk in my viewfinder four years ago in December while I was out in Utah's West Desert.
Cloudy And Gray Winter Solstice
My Winter Solstice was cloudy and gray. I wandered down to my local pond to take in my first day of winter views of the Wasatch Mountains plus a few birds.
Happy Winter Solstice 2022
Happy Winter Solstice! May the Winter Solstice bring to you the promise of endless brand new days.
Mallard Hen On Silky Water
While at one of my local ponds two days ago, the only birds I photographed were ducks. This Mallard hen floating on silky water caught my eyes.
First Winter Hooded Merganser
Two days ago at one of my local ponds I was able to take only a few photos of a Hooded Merganser before it disappeared from my line of sight.
Female House Finch Eating Crabapples
I was able to get outside in the bitter cold for about an hour yesterday and found myself focused on a female House Finch eating crabapples close to home.
Female Bold Jumper Spider
I've had an uninvited guest in my bathroom since December 6th when I first found a female Bold Jumper spider on the wall. They are also called Bold Jumping Spiders.
Immature Male Common Goldeneye And Catfish
On this day two years ago, I photographed this immature male Common Goldeneye with a catfish at the pond in my neighborhood. It was a chilly, wintry afternoon.
Immature Rough-legged Hawk, Staring Prey And Feaking
This morning I am sharing photos of an immature Rough-legged Hawk, its staring prey, of the bird feaking and a bonus image that shows the tongue of the hawk.
Birds On Ice In Northern Utah
This morning I'm sharing photos of five bird species that I find on ice during the coldest months of the year in marsh and urban locations.
December Snow Storm Plus An American Coot
Yesterday, after I cleared the snow off of my Jeep for the first time, I drove down to my neighborhood pond in a December snow storm to enjoy the snow.
Glowing Sunset In The Heart Of A Spruce Tree
For a brief period of time in December when conditions are right I can see the glowing sunset in the heart of my neighbor's spruce tree each year.
Queenfisher – 2023 ABA Bird of the Year
The 2023 ABA Bird of the Year was revealed yesterday evening. The bird of the year is the Queenfisher, also known as the female Belted Kingfisher.
Female American Kestrel – Urban Birds
I was thrilled to have this female American Kestrel in my neighborhood and viewfinder after an overnight snow fell two days ago.