The Goldfinch

Glorious blue skies today, and great light. These are the kind of conditions I like. It wasn't too cold either. I didn't venture too far today, but was delighted to stumble across a goldfinch preening itself. I don't think I've ever seen one in our garden, but they are a fairly common sight out on the edge of the fields. These shots were all taken from a good distance away, and it was moderately high in the tree. But at least I could get a clear line of sight. The first shot is uncropped.

There are a few more shots in the February Birds album.

Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS plus Kenko Teleplus 1.4x Pro 300 DG teleconverter (equivalent to a 560mm lens), manually focused with image stabilization switched off. I used a Manfrotto 685B Neotec monopod.

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This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. SittingFox

    4 Feb 2008

    Fine job of capturing that wonderful scarlet mask! The colour has come out very well indeed :up:

    All our finches are pretty, and my ideas on which is the most beautiful change frequently, but the goldfinch must be a strong contender 😉

  2. Words

    4 Feb 2008

    Thanks Adele. Good light makes such a difference. They're probably my favourite of the finches, but I've yet to see a bullfinch, so that could change.

  3. BitzyMe

    5 Feb 2008

    Wonderful shots! Lovely colors on that finch. Perfect lighting. I long for those kind of days.

  4. gdare

    5 Feb 2008

    Nice contrast between red and the surrounding colours :up:

  5. cakkleberrylane

    5 Feb 2008

    What spectacular colors! It's great to see such vibrant color in nature!

  6. Words

    6 Feb 2008

    It was a real treat getting those shots, but the good weather hasn't lasted. It was back to grey skies and rain today.

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