Cooper's Hawk, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye

Only One Good Answer | April 2016

Only One Good Answer | April 2016


Cooper's Hawk, (c) Photo by Steve Kaye, in Post: Only One Good Answer

Cooper’s Hawk


Sometimes there’s only one good answer.

Here’s an example.

As I’m leaving a park, someone will notice my camera and say, “Take any good photos?”

Certainly, some days are better than other days.

For example, one day this was my best photo.

It’s okay: The eye is sharp. There’s some feather detail on the face. And you can tell it’s a Cooper’s Hawk.

Otherwise, the colors are soft and overall sharpness is poor. The photo would look better if light had been shining on the bird. But neither the bird nor the sun were willing to move.

So I’d rate it with one, maybe two stars (from my five star system).

Since I check my photos frequently (usually after every sequence) I know what I have. And on this day, I knew this was the best photo I had.

So what do I say when someone asks, “Take any good photos?”?

“Yes!”

Now why is “Yes!” the only one good answer?

Because any photo is better than no photo. And sometimes a really bad photo can be useful. It might serve as an example in one of my talks or (even) a blog post.

It’s also part of being kind to the person who asked. (Who wants to hear a negative reply to a friendly question?)

And it’s part of being kind to myself. (Because I’m always taking the best photos I can.)

Much success,

Steve Kaye

See better photos of Birds up Close.


Find more at:

From Nothing to Something

Wonderful Success Story

Celebrate Ordinary

Freedom to Play

Know the Neighborhood


Birding Resources

This photo was taken at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, in Claremont, CA


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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5 Comments
  • Kathryn Grace
    Posted at 13:03h, 05 April

    What a happy reminder, Steve. One of the things I so enjoy about your blog, apart from the stunning photos, is the kindness that shows through in your work and writing. Another is your attention to our stewardship of the environment and the ease with which you remind us to take care.

  • Steve Kaye
    Posted at 13:57h, 05 April

    Comments like this one are the reason I write these blogs. Thank you for your support.

  • Penny Schafer
    Posted at 15:36h, 07 April

    I think it is a beautiful photo, sometimes that kind of thing is in the eye of the beholder. Love your positive attitude too… you should bottle that stuff, the world could use more of it!

  • Eileen Brownell
    Posted at 16:21h, 07 April

    It sure would give it 3-4 in my system. Good photo. Thanks for the gentle reminder about negativity. Good job!!!

  • Russell Dunlop
    Posted at 21:57h, 08 April

    Nice shot of the hawk, Steve. One of identical appearance has been around this place in Tustin. The deep purple in the eyes gives them a cruel beauty. And keep on taking those shots that nobody else is getting, you make us all richer for it.

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