01 Jul 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

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

Brown Pelican, Flying Just Overhead

Or this photo of a Great Egret.

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

And here’s a juvenile.

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 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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