As I often do, I went out to Bay Area Park early this morning. I got to thinking about why so many people take pictures of birds. I personally don't like them all that much. My son Richard and his wife Christiane are dyed in the wool birders. They use binoculars not cameras.

I suppose one reason is that they are targets of opportunity. They are everywhere. There is almost always a bird around somewhere. Some are not too interesting; as a matter of fact most of them are not too interesting, especially to me. Of course there are others who specialize in bird photography. You have seen them. They have lenses that are worth more than their cars. They will sit for hours to get a shot of some rare bird. I have to admire them for their efforts, but you ain't gonna see me waiting out some stupid bird to make its appearance.

On a day like today, which had great sun, I found photographing this heron interesting. It could have been a tufted titmouse for all I care, but good sun and an adequately long lens made for a decent exposure. I like to get a good one every once in a while. Some days all I get is crap, but taking the photos and looking at them later is lots of fun.

So, to those photographers who like to photograph birds, I salute you. May you get better with every trip out with your camera.

Remember, for most of us, photography is a hobby. Hobbies need to be fun!