08/06/2025
The other night we were driving around and feeling really discouraged that we weren't seeing any birds in an area where we normally see a wide variety of raptors.
The open fields are being developed into a large community of homes, and it's been rough to see the birds I love losing that habitat. While we were talking about this, Seth made a joke and said he's lost all hope, BUT he would get it back again if we found an owl.
We were about 20 minutes from sunset at that point, but I figured we'd check one more spot... And look hoo we found! Not only did we see this beauty, we saw it's friend plus two little families of raccoons and a skunk. ❤️
Seth said he meant a Short Eared Owl, so these "didn't count" 😂 but honestly, I actually feel this way really often when I go shoot.
The world is rough right now. Everywhere you look there is something awful going on. But moments like these when we get to share a moment with a beautiful animal are amazing reminders for me that there is good out there to find and experience.
Here in Utah, a lot of the areas I have been going to see raptors since 2022 are being developed and we are traveling further and further to find areas to see them... But I'm still really grateful for the times I got to enjoy those spaces. I'm happy to know there is something in the world that I genuinely care this much about.
I think moments like these are going to be more and more rare. And as sad as it is, it only makes me care more. It makes me share more. It drives me to have as many of these moments as much as I can, to try to educate others, to volunteer, and to try to get more people involved with conservation efforts.
So if you are feeling hopeless today, please go out and find something wild while it's there. Show it to a friend who doesn't know the different between a Swainsons Hawk and a RTH. Show it to me! 🤗 And don't forget to keep sharing how special these animals are. Stewardship starts with a spark.