Red-tailed Hawk and Red-winged Blackbird, Male, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye

Profile in Courage | May 2017

Profile in Courage by a Small Bird


Red-tailed Hawk and Red-winged Blackbird, Male, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post Profile in Courage

Red-tailed Hawk Being Chased by a Red-winged Blackbird, Male


Courage is commendable.

And yet, it’s often portrayed as an exceptional quality of special heroes in extreme situations.

Actually, anyone can be courageous.

In fact, your success depends upon acting with courage when you encounter everyday obstacles.

Then courage becomes a matter of: 1) Acknowledging fear, and 2) Continuing through the fear.

Of course, you need to act with smart courage.

Consider this photo of a Red-winged Blackbird chasing a Red-tailed Hawk.

This hawk is a large, powerful predator. And yet, this small blackbird is chasing it.

So what’s the story?

First, the blackbird will peck and pull feathers. And no one wants to be pecked or lose feathers. Because it hurts.

And second the blackbird can be more agile in the air.

So the hawk must fly faster. Or it must leave the habitat that the blackbird is protecting.

Sometimes you might be like the blackbird. Yes, you’re small. But you have qualities, skills, or resources that give you unique advantages.

The key is to know what you can do and then use your advantages with courage.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Find More at:

Why This Bird Sings

Progress Report

Beyond Ordinary


Help Birds Tip

Attend a bird walk conducted by your local Audubon chapter.

These walks provide wonderful opportunities to learn about birds in your area – how they live, what they eat, where they appear.

And here’s a bonus idea: After you go on the walk, please share what you learned on your Facebook page. Then others can benefit from your experience.

Find an Audubon Chapter Near you: Audubon


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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2 Comments
  • Susan
    Posted at 16:09h, 16 May

    I love your postings and gentle inspiring messages! With your amazing photographs! Thank you for sharing!

  • Lynette M. Smith
    Posted at 18:27h, 16 May

    Red-tailed hawk and red-winged blackbird–kinda makes a person see red, doesn’t it? Seriously, great photography and great message. “Find your inner bird.”

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