Male American Goldfinch in breeding plumage – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Imagine a bird whose bright yellow feathers rival the rays of the sun then add a black forehead, ebony eyes, black and white wings and you have a male American Goldfinch in breeding plumage. Feathered sunshine.
I photographed this male American Goldfinch in breeding plumage last June in an alpine canyon as it perched on a wild fruit tree in the morning light. I like that the bird is small in the frame, how the leaves of the tree convey a sense of scale, that the finch is looking towards me and how the leaves frame the bird.
It is a basic image but one that I find appealing because of its elegant simplicity. I guess I might be easy to please at times.
Life is good.
Mia
I’ve sorted out the issues with my server and my site is running smoothly this morning. Hurray for the small things!
Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.
One of my favorites–beautiful image for this rainy weekend.
This photo has the elegance of a Japanese print.
Great narrative to accompany such a beautiful pic. Thanks Mia.
Sunshine on the wing…love it—and the information…thank you! (Had my hair cut by an 98yr old woman who squints because she can’t see very well and won’t wear glasses…still have my ears, hair is MUCH shorter—especially in some places!!! I needed to see that bird….
Majestic little birds. Beautiful photos, Mia.