Forster's Tern, © Photo by Steve Kaye

Unexpected Results | June 2019


Have you ever obtained unexpected results?

This happens often in bird photography.

For example, last week I went to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (in Huntington Beach, CA) to take photos of terns.

And indeed I did, as shown in this photo of a Forster’s Tern.


Forster's Tern, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Unexpected Results

Forster’s Tern


But the unexpected results of this outing were also interesting, such as this photo of a Brown Pelican


Brown Pelican, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Unexpected Results

Brown Pelican, Flying Just Overhead


Or this photo of a Great Egret.


Great Egret, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Unexpected Results

Great Egret, Flying Sideways


And then there were Least Terns, which is an endangered species. Thus seeing them is rare.

Here’s the adult.


Least Tern, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Unexpected Results

Least Tern


And here’s a juvenile.


Least Tern, Juvenile, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Unexpected Results

Least Tern, Juvenile


Taking photos of Least Terns is difficult.

First, they’re small – about 8.5 to 9-in long (21 to 23-cm).

Second, they fly high above the water, perhaps 60 to 100-ft (20 to 30-m). So you seldom see one close enough for a good photo.

And third, they dart about erratically. So you have to react quickly to find and then hold one in the viewfinder long enough to focus on it.

Finally, I was able to take this photo of an Osprey being chased by a Least Tern.


Osprey Being Chased by a Least Tern, © Photo by Steve Kaye, in blog post: Unexpected Results

Osprey Being Harassed by a Least Tern


Of course, the small tern knows that it can fly faster than the big, heavy Osprey. And the Osprey knows it can survive a few pecks by the Least Tern. So they do just fine.

Then there’s one more unexpected result.

I meet wonderful people.

Often, I’ll let people look through my lens to see views they could never see with the unaided eye. And I tell them about birds.

Perhaps this is the best part of taking photos. I’m able to share Nature with people who appreciate learning and welcome hearing new ideas.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

By the way, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust works to acquire, restore and preserve the Bolsa Chica wetlands. They depend upon generosity to support their efforts. Please help them, if you can.


Find More at:

Profile in Courage

Choosing Success

Creativity in Bird Photography


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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9 Comments
  • Daphne Radenhurst
    Posted at 11:14h, 01 July

    Wonderful. Wonderful photos. Totally uplifting. I applaud your skills and your perseverance.

  • Teri Rider
    Posted at 13:21h, 01 July

    Wonderful photos and stories, Steve. I do know about the Bolsa Chica Reserve. We need more of these protected places, in my opinion.
    In fact, I am currently publishing a book about saving the Upper Newport Bay, which was originally set to be developed into luxury homes and businesses. It is a fascinating story. I’d love to tell you about the book, and you already most likely know about the Conservancy there.
    So many dedicated, people passionate about making the world better and safer for wildlife.
    Including, of course, you!

  • Catherine Kaye
    Posted at 14:18h, 01 July

    Wonderful blog!

  • Marv
    Posted at 17:17h, 01 July

    Steve, You are an expert in everything you attempt. Photography is another example.
    Thanks for sharing and prompting us to be more a ware of how beautiful is the wold in which we live.

  • Linda M Morel
    Posted at 21:06h, 05 July

    Kudos, Steve, for finding and sharing these magnificent creatures! So much beauty available for those with eyes to see. Thank you for these uplifting photos!

  • Kathryn
    Posted at 11:39h, 07 July

    Spectacular captures Steve! What a joy to see these images. Thank you for introducing the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. Off to look at their website now while my aged mother naps nearby to the chirps and tweets of the birds she built her gardens to attract.

  • Lorian Collins
    Posted at 20:28h, 07 July

    Steve,

    These are amazing. Thanks for sharing your gifts and contributing to the beauty in our world through your nature photography. I am richly blessed by you and your work!
    With appreciation,
    Lorian

  • Nancy L. Hoffmann
    Posted at 13:20h, 11 July

    Gorgeous photography!

  • Kathryn Grace
    Posted at 09:37h, 13 August

    I could almost catch a whiff of the fresh air, Steve. Thank you once again for sharing your wisdom and your ever delighting photographs.

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