The rains moved away overnight, leaving moderately clear skies. The light, though not strong, was much improved from yesterday. Good enough indeed to lure me out to the Downs. The kestrels were quiet (unusually so), and I only saw one skim by. A few gulls circled overhead, and various of the corvid family were staking out their territory. I saw a lone wren lurking in the thickets.
And I saw gold. Or to be precise goldfinches. A small flock was busy feeding on seed heads, dashing between the low trees that punctuate this part of the South Downs. They were more often than not hidden by the branches (now largely clear of leaves), but once in a while they would perch on the higher branches or move into less crowded areas to feed.
Click on any of the above to enlarge them. There are also a few more shots in the November Birds album.
Back home, a familiar face paid a short visit this evening.
Camera note: all the goldfinch shots were taken with the Canon 40D and EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, supported by the Manfrotto 685B Neotec monopod and 234RC tilt head. I used the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens and Canon 430EX flash unit for the fox photo.
12 Comments
I love that first photo, looks like they are going to get blown right off by the wind.
How big are the goldfinch? They remind me of our grosbeaks, a large finch. Our American goldfinch are much smaller, and look so much different than yours.
They are beautiful birds and their colours are in great contrast with surrounding area. Especially now, when dominant colours are grey, brown and yellow 🙂
great photos. I know from (bitter) experience these birds are a pain to photograph! And nice fox as ever 🙂
San, it was quite windy! Our goldifnches are quite small (smaller than a sparrow). They're deceptive because of the colour. When I get close they seem even smaller than I think they'll be.
Darko, yes they add a welcome touch of interest to the wintery light. They look great against snow. :smurf:
Neil, they're always enjoyable to watch and it was nice to have a small flock to photograph. It makes the job easier when there are a number about. 🙂
They're such beautiful birds, but that first photo is special – looks like one bird against the windstorm! 🙂
Adele, thanks! I took quite a few (:whistle:) of that first one. I don't recall it being that windy, but I loved the setting.
These bird photos are so wonderful!
Thanks Jill!
Very beautiful birds and a great job photographing them.
Thanks Lois!