The Photographer Quarterly: Maintaining a Sense of Wonder- the Birds of 2018

Reviewing photos from the past year is a fun walk through the seasons and events of the past year. I find that bird photography for me has been a great way to nurture a sense of wonder of God's creation and an opportunity to continue to remain open to learn new things. In photography as in life Julie and I talk of "Kaizen", the Japanese word for constant improvement.

Photography is a humbling pursuit. There are always better photographers, better compositions, more perfect light and better equipment. The fun is in not being obsessed with perfection and to recognize that you can enjoy your hobby without having it produce money or fame. Productivity and competition in our work-life unfortunately has spilled into our leisure pursuits. We feel compelled to run races further, publish articles, win competitions or sell our work to prove its value. I did get a charge out of winning a first place two years in a row in the local Monticello Bird Photography contest, however if your work lights that creative spark of wonder in you...embrace and enjoy it! Make that childhood sense of wonder and discovery a lifelong pursuit. I'll always remember my Mom sitting down at our piano playing and singing away. The piano was never in tune, a few sour notes here and there and never a public performance....however pure JOY.

This past year's pictures have been gleaned from the backyard "photo booth " areas around our beautiful Virginia countryside and a lovely Spring visit to Montana. In addition last Spring Julie and I had the pleasure of taking two of our Grandchildren on a James river eagle tour. The discovery tour produced several great Eagle and Osprey pictures (see previous blog post). This year I've continued to dive into information on bird science through readings and lectures about these feathered creatures. I even fell upon a passionate gathering of "Purple Martin" enthusiasts. The more I learn the greater appreciation I have developed for all our avian friends, yet with more knowledge, questions get raised. How do these pea size brains in a hummingbird prepare them to fly to Central America each year? How do flocking birds maintain such symmetry when flying in groups? What keeps a woodpecker from getting a head-ache? With that last question I digress, here are some favorite photos from 2018.