Male American Goldfinch in breeding plumage, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahMale 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.