05 Jul Song of Courage | July 2016

Song of Courage

White-crowned Sparrow

There’s a small bird out there who has a lot to say.

About the state of the world today.

Food has been hard to find. Another tree has been cut down. And a hawk has been seen nearby.

Yet this bird keeps singing.

Not to ignore the world. And not to appear naive.

But to be one of those who sing.

Perhaps this bird knows there’s no reward for staying silent.

And maybe this bird believes that those with a song are called to sing their song.

So this bird’s song is more than just a pretty sound.

It’s a statement of courage.

It’s an affirmation of hope.

And it’s a declaration of strength.

All to show that nothing can stop one small bird.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

See more about Courage at:

Profile in Courage

Ordinary Courage

Help Birds Tip

Photograph Birds Respectfully

Why: Birds must exist, if we want to take photos of them.

How: Be a bird friendly photographer.

Here’s what I do:

Learn bird behavior so you can be in the right place at the right time.

Once you find a spot, become part of Nature. Generally this involves waiting quietly.

Avoid using recorded bird songs. These disrupt natural behavior, sometimes with harmful consequences for birds.

Wear earth colors, such as green and brown. Avoid white because this frightens some birds.

Move gently. If you cause birds to flee, you’re going too fast or moving too close.

Use a telephoto lens, which lets you take photos at a distance.

Never change, move, or damage anything that birds need.

By the way, I’ve found that using these techniques makes it easier to take better, more natural photos.

PS: See more stories and photo tips at:

Why Focus Matters

Photo Backgrounds Matter

How to Photograph a Marsh Wren

Nice Tail

Always Something

A Story in Every Face

Birding Resources

Would you believe there’s a book about just sparrows?

Now you can tell one little brown bird from another. See: Sparrows of the United States and Canada

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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