31 Jul How to Receive Gifts | July 2025

How to Receive Gifts

Western Bluebird, Juvenile, with a Honey Bee

The above photo is a gift.

Certainly, I did not plan it. Or pose it. Or even cause it.

More so, all my photos are gifts.

That’s because birds are wild.

They ignore appointments (Such as: Let’s meet at 3 PM), requests (Such as: Please look at the camera), and human agendas (Such as: I need a good photo).

This realization changes my approach to photography.

That is: I do not take photos.

Instead: I receive photos.

Lark Sparrow

And that awareness defines my entire photo process.

Now photography becomes an adventure that begins with curiosity — wondering what might be there.

So I have to go out.

Then it’s supported by mindfulness — paying attention to movements, shapes, and sounds.

So I have to find something.

Next it’s completed by actions — reacting skillfully to receive photos.

So I have to earn the photos.

And finally, I can enjoy the reward of having received photos that show unexpected beauty.

For example, these three photos were unexpected. And yet, they came to me on two visits to Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea CA.

Thank you!

Bullock’s Oriole, Female, Taking a Bath

Perhaps you noticed this can apply to receiving any success.

First, we show up.

Then we find possibilities.

And next, we apply our skills.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Find More at:

June Photos

Super Powers

Earth Day Message from the Forest

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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