31 Jul You May Need a Break | July 2020

By now, you may need a break.

So let’s visit our good friends, the birds.

House Finch, Male, showing a bit of an attitude

For the past few months, I’ve taken a break from going out to local parks.

Instead, I’ve taken photos of birds from our yard.

Note: If the branch in these photos looks like it’s the same branch, that’s because it is the same branch.

Mourning Dove, Landing

The above photo of a Mourning Dove is an outstanding bad photo.

It’s outstanding because it’s difficult to capture one of these birds while it drops in for a landing. And it’s bad because parts of the wings are clipped off. However, it does show the toes and tail feathers in remarkable detail.

Some people will appreciate that.

Now, I’m working on taking a photo of the entire bird.

Lesser Goldfinch, Male

This Lesser Goldfinch, male, looks like he just took a bath: Notice the wet feathers.

We have a platform feeder in the backyard. And like the movie, “Feed Them and They Will Come*,” these finches come in droves.

* Okay, the movie had a different name, but the concept is the same.

Lesser Goldfinch, Female

Here’s his mate, looking quite pretty in yellow. Of course, she told me that this is the only outfit she owns. And we know that’s because birds don’t have closets.

Band-tailed Pigeon

Sometimes you’re lucky.

Well, actually every photo that you take of a bird is a lucky photo. Because birds are wild, and thus live according to their schedule.

In this case, I was standing in front of the house when I saw this bird perch on a tree across the street. And then it dove, resulting in this photo.

Thank you, Band-tailed Pigeon.

All of this reminds us that there’s beauty outside, even if only in your yard. Or maybe across the street.

So I encourage you to take a break by finding ways to enjoy what is nearby. Go for walks. Sit outside. Or at least, look out the window.

Wish you the best and stay safe,

Steve Kaye

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Transition Tips

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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