Now that is a weird look from a Rough-legged Hawk, Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, UtahNow that is a weird look from a Rough-legged Hawk – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited, no jokes told

Preserving, nurturing and expressing my sense of humor has helped me get through some pretty tough times in my life. Laughter is a stress reliever, it releases a bunch of feel good endorphins, lowers blood pressure, soothes tensions, it helps to connect you with other people and makes it easier to cope with difficult situations.

My sons have said that I have a weird sense of humor and they may well be right but it is my sense of humor and I own it gleefully.

We all need laughter in our lives, especially when times are rough. Laugh a little or laugh a lot, it is good for you.

On a serious note: If someone is making passive aggressive jokes at your expense, especially when they do it because of their own insecurities or lack of knowledge, cut them out of your life. As fast as you can.

That isn’t funny. You aren’t “too sensitive”, they are the ones who are insensitive.

While I am out photographing birds there are times when the birds do something I find hilarious and the laughter just bubbles out of me. Burrowing Owl chicks can make some of the funniest bird faces around and I have had trouble holding my lens still while photographing them because I have been laughing too hard. Other birds can slip on ice and slide across it in the most comical way. I’ve viewed videos of crows sliding down snowy hillsides with the exuberance of young children. You really don’t have to look hard into the bird world to find humor and laughter.

With that said, I think this Rough-legged Hawk has read one too many hysterical Tweets lately. I know I have.

Life is good and funny.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.