Townsend's Warbler, Male, © Photo by Steve Kaye,

Bird Photography | March 2017

Photography Lesson


Townsend's Warbler, Male, © Photo by Steve Kaye,

Townsend’s Warbler, Male


This photo demonstrates that there is more to bird photography than owning a camera.

Why?

Because birds are wild creatures. So none of them wake up planning to pose on an exposed branch with a nice background.

Thus much depends upon luck. And luck depends upon paying attention. And paying attention is useful only if we act on opportunities when we find them.

For example, I went out recently to take photos of hummingbirds. But on the way to a large Aloe in bloom, I noticed birds were moving about in a tree near a small stream.

So I stopped there. Then I spent over an hour taking almost 500 photos of different birds as they hopped from branch to branch.

Suddenly, briefly, this Townsend’s Warbler landed on a branch at the edge of the tree.

And fortunately I was able to act quickly enough to take this photo.

Notice that none of these steps have anything to do with the make or model of a camera.

In fact, this photo found me.

And that’s how luck works: Sometimes the best parts of life find you.

All you have to do is show up.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

PS: See a photo of a hummingbird in the Aloe (which was what I wanted to find) in: Grateful for Gifts


Find More at:

No Content, Just Photos

Rest for the Holidays

Manifesto for the Birds


Help Birds Tip

Go for a walk. Or sit in your yard. And invite someone to join you.

Because spending time outside leads to better health, greater happiness, and deeper serenity.

And then, maybe more people will appreciate the importance of taking care of Nature, which will help birds.


Birding Resources

Want to know more about birds at risk? See my article: Endangered Birds


Did You Know?

The most effective way to help birds is to buy land.

Here are three organizations that excel at doing this.

1) American Bird Conservancy

2) The Nature Conservancy

3) The Trust for Public Land

Please visit their web sites to learn about the work they do.

Here’s an excellent book: The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation


You can help – Please share this blog with others.
Inspiring Respect for Nature, one bird at a time.

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9 Comments
  • TERI Rider
    Posted at 15:07h, 08 March

    Steve, I so enjoy reading your blog. They are full of wisdom about birds, and life! So glad I found you! Or rather, that I showed up and we met 🙂

  • Daphne Radenhurst
    Posted at 03:06h, 09 March

    What a perfect, exquisite photograph. It made me shiver. Do so agree with the previous writer.

  • Susan Bulger
    Posted at 07:33h, 09 March

    Congratulations on this exceptionally clear photo of these uncommon, elusive birds.

  • Bob Franz
    Posted at 07:19h, 12 March

    I’m glad that the warbler showed up = but happier that you showed up.

  • Deborah Tracy
    Posted at 21:15h, 12 March

    I hope that I am subscribing as you requested

  • Flora M. Brown
    Posted at 18:48h, 13 March

    Steve,

    I feel so fortunate that you showed up at the March PWOC meeting where I got to learn about your wonderful work. How unique to have paired superb photography with inspirational living.! Thank you for spreading your beautiful wisdom and demonstrating the marvelous benefits of showing up.

  • Sneed Collard
    Posted at 09:54h, 19 March

    Wow! What a shot, Steve! Thanks for sharing this!

  • Kathryn Grace
    Posted at 10:24h, 19 March

    Step outside. Show up. Be ready when the moment delivers a gift. Always your posts lift my spirits, remind me to breathe deeply, and delight the eye. Thank you once again, Steve.

  • Cindy Walpole
    Posted at 16:35h, 18 April

    Thanks, Steve. As always, your site is full of nature’s wisdom. Really enjoy it.

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