Written by Raye, a Ph.D. student and the wife of a military pilot, Things That Fly explores the many crossroads of science, graduate school, ambition, and an often-unpredictable personal life. It follows the winding path toward a career in ornithology, along with the highs and lows of pursuing that dream as a military spouse.

The blog pushes back against stereotypes about military spouses, explores the realities of a long-distance marriage, and reflects on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped Raye’s journey.

At its heart, Things That Fly is about dogged persistence: finding ways to keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. It is an account of learning how to make room for both a passion for conservation and a life shaped by service.

Raye offers a glimpse into a life shaped by birds, science, the military, and all of the unexpected turns in between. It is a personal account to the life she is building, all done in love of things that fly.