Today I am celebrating six years of daily posts without missing a day here at On The Wing Photography. That is two thousand one hundred and ninety-two days of nonstop publication.
Adult Mountain Plover male
Last year when I announced that I had written five years of daily posts we were a couple of months into the Covid-19 pandemic with seemingly no end in sight. Due to poor leadership on the state and federal level we lost hundreds of thousands of lives to the coronavirus across the country. Life felt uncertain. It was uncertain.
Today thanks to scientists in the U.S. and around the world we have over 100 million people vaccinated in this country and life feels a bit more certain and stable. I know that when I hit my fully vaccinated date of April 12th I felt relieved and safer to continue doing what I love doing the most. That means heading out to find and photograph birds but now I’m not so concerned about the “what ifs” like I was last year.
When I wrote about having posted every day for five years I mentioned that I wondered if it was time for a change for me. Throughout the past twelve months I continued writing my daily posts and I have decided that I will stay the course and write as I have since the inception of my blog here at On The Wing Photography. I don’t feel a desire to change how and what I share here for now. If I am going to make changes those changes will happen to other parts of my life’s journey.
The beginning
From my first post I wanted to tell the authentic stories behind my images. In addition to that I also wanted them to be honest and informative. There are hundreds of bird and bird photography blogs where I can find the same information shared over and over again. I wanted my site to be unique and my experiences in the field certainly are.
Adult male Nashville Warbler on a willow branch
Since 2010 I have written about what I know about the subjects I photograph, given credit for what I found out while researching my subjects and have acknowledged the people who have helped me when I wasn’t 100% sure of an identification. Why? For me that is a matter of personal integrity plus I don’t want to appear to be more of an expert than I actually am or take credit for something that I didn’t find or do.
For all of my 3,625 published posts I have been guided by and have used those thoughts and principles.
Mentoring
Writing my daily blog posts is also a way of mentoring. I can’t tell you how many times I have been thanked for helping a person with bird, animal, or plant identification or by explaining a behavior that I saw in the field that answered an unasked question by someone reading my blog.
In the field I am often asked “what is that?” and I get emails and messages asking for identifications too. Mentoring is my way of giving.
River Hawthorn branch with berries
I have also mentored young birders for the past five years but mentioning that somehow sounds like it is about “me” wanting or needing praise or approval when it is all about the the young birders. I believe that they are the future of birding, bird photography, and through them, bird conservation.
Finding my subjects by knowing my subjects
I get asked “How do you know that” frequently. It is because I have been a student of nature for as long as I can remember.
My thirst for knowledge about the natural world has made my collection of books about birds, plants, insects, and animals fill my bookshelves. My phone is filled with apps about the same subjects.
My thirst doesn’t stop there though. I make it a habit to learn the songs of birds, to know their preferred habitats, their behaviors, what they eat, and what they look like in all kinds of light. I also learn to identify them even when they are buried behind leaves.
Vesper Sparrow hiding in a hawthorn, Wasatch Mountains, East Canyon, Morgan County, Utah
That knowledge extends to plants, insects, and animals because everything in nature is connected. By knowing my subjects I can find my subjects. As I have written before it isn’t all about having keen eyesight. It helps, for sure, but it isn’t everything. Paying attention is ultimately just as important.
I love what I do.
Thank you all for sharing my journey. I sincerely appreciate all of your comments and support.
Life is good.
Mia
Congratulations, Mia! A wonderful milestone, and so much gorgeous and informative content for the rest of us.
You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.
Ansel Adams
You give us that with every post. Thanks Mia.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and for continuing to share your insights with us. I enjoy the honesty of your art, and look forward to seeing many more posts!
Hi sweetie! I love all your bird’s photos! The Nashville Warbler is so special! Beautiful shot! I remember the other birds you shared when made a visit to spend mothers day with you in 2018! Have a great day!
Fantastic Mia!
I’ve enjoyed following you for years.
Your posts always brighten my day,
and a learn so much from them.
Your photography and shared knowledge is exceptional!
Sincerest thanks ~
Mary
Thanks Mia love looking at your photos and all the information you write keep it up all the best from Australia
Your posts make my day. As an amateur birder, photographer and naturalist, I eagerly absorb your knowledge and talent in those areas. Plus, I think you’re an inspiring woman/human being. So please keep on sharing your life… and thanks.
Thank you. Today and every day.
I’m no good at math or time, so don’t really know how long I’ve been following your blogs, but have enjoyed every minute of it…THANK YOU….and kearned so much…👍👏🤞
That is huge amount of effort, thank you for putting forth the hard work. I know I have benefited both educational and visually through stunning photos. You are my go to for plants and birds when I am stumped or unsure of ID. Thank you Mia!
Seven years—amazing dedication Mia. Thanks for all the info about our area and the many wonderful images.
Keep up the good work,Mia. I don’t comment often, but I look at your postings everyday and would certainly miss them if they weren’t there. John
Congratulations on 6 great years, Mia! I lok at your blog every day and always learn something.
I’m so glad I found your blog! I’m newish here, and love seeing your posts every day! Thank you!
Thanks for bringing inspiration and knowledge about Mother Earth’s creatures.
Thank you for your wonderful photos, information, insights, hints, etc. I am so glad that you will continue as I look forward every day to your blog & I have learned so much, not only about birds but photography too.
Six years of daily posts! Congratulations on so much hard work and for creating such a beautiful, inspiring, and information-filled blog. Thank you for your gift to us all.
Thank you so much! It was a happy day when I discovered your blog. My husband and I are new birders and we’ve learned much from your postings.
Thank you for your knowlege and your intense concern for the life on this planet.
Thank YOU Mia for sharing your fascinating, informative daily posts. As another photographer who has always been attuned to our natural world, I truly appreciate your integrity and commitment to accuracy, as well as your deep respect for your subjects and the environment. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to share your passion with others and always look forward to your daily posts.
I’m learning so much about the birds in the West by subscribing to your blog. So glad you will continue!
thank you for the great joy you have brought your viewers and for the careful away you you handle all your wildlife photography. !!