Focusing On American Goldfinches Feeding On Dandelion Seeds

American Goldfinch male perched on a fence – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The day I photographed the Green-tailed Towhee singing up in the mountain canyon I also had an opportunity to take a nice series of photos of what appeared to be a mated pair of American Goldfinches. The finches were feasting on dandelion seeds and it was fun to watch them picking out the individual seeds. I was able to photograph them both on the ground and on the nearby fence.

Male American Goldfinch eating dandelion seeds – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Someone had cut the dandelions in the field but they skipped the area next to the fence line which is where the birds were plucking seeds from the spent dandelion flowers. The male goldfinch was so bright that his feathers rivaled the bright yellow dandelion flowers he was next to. I think he was even brighter yellow than they were.

Female American Goldfinch eating dandelion seeds – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I focused a lot on the female because she seemed to stay more out in the open than the male did plus she faced me more often than he did. Both of these birds paid little attention to me as they went through and ate seed after seed.

Female American Goldfinch in dandelions – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The beautiful American Goldfinches hung around for about fifteen minutes as Mom and I watched and photographed them then without any warning flew off into the willows near the creek. About that time I heard the Green-tailed Towhee singing and went up the hill to locate him. I’m happy I found these birds that are the color of sunshine.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.