“I asked a bird for advice. It said to just wing it.”
There was a group of finches hanging out at the feeder the other day. They all seemed to be having a good time, except for the middle one.
He was either uncomfortable with the company or was in a hurry to get to another feeder, because he never really settled in to eat, except for just a few bites.
As quickly as he arrived, he was taking off.
Oh well, nothing wrong with a little “dining and dashing.”
I don’t know if he was intentionally trying to hide from the other birds or not, but this little guy sure did give it a good try. So much so, I had a really hard time keeping the lens focused on him. You can tell because these photos aren’t as sharp as I would like.
This is one (1) of three (3) American Goldfinches we have visiting our yard this year.
Field Notes: F Stop 1/3200, AV 5.6, ISO 5000
Did you know the American Goldfinch is the state bird of Iowa, New Jersey and Washington?
Field Notes: F Stop 1/3200, AV 5.6, ISO 5000
They are also strict vegetarians in the bird world, eating an entirely vegetable diet albeit swallowing an occasional insect.
Field Notes: F Stop 1/3200, AV 5.6, ISO 5000
A breeding male Goldfinch can be identified by their bright yellow and black foreheads, black wings and white markings. They also breed later than most North American birds and wait to nest until June or July. This is the optimal time when milkweed, thistle, and other plants have produced their fibrous seeds, which goldfinches build into their nests and to feed their young.
Field Notes: F Stop 1/3200, AV 5.6, ISO 5000
I’m hoping to capture more of these little birds this summer. They always brighten my day.
Until next time,
~donna
Species Information Source: Cornell Lab – All About Birds
I’ve been feeling a void in taking pictures lately. I don’t know why, but somehow, I haven’t felt very inspired. My camera has sat in the cabinet for over a month and the only pictures I have taken have been with my cell phone. It’s “ok” but I knew I needed to push myself and pull out the “real” camera. So, what better way to challenge myself than to start a 30-Day Photography Challenge. Since July has 31 days, let’s just call it a 31-Day Photography Challenge. 😉
Here’s to Day 1, a Gray House Finch hanging out on the bird feeder.