Molting American Goldfinch perched on a Musk Thistle – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
One year ago today I went up into the Wasatch Mountains and for about three minutes I photographed a molting American Goldfinch feasting on Musk Thistle seeds. The goldfinch was in between breeding and nonbreeding plumage and certainly doesn’t look as spiffy as they normally do but this is part of their natural appearance during this time of the year and I wouldn’t pass up on taking photos of them just because they don’t look their best.
Besides, this goldfinch looked pretty cute with that fan shaped thistle down off to its side. The background of both these photos is out of focus grasses and more blooming thistles and I thought the pop of pinkish purple added a painterly feel to both of the backgrounds.
Molting American Goldfinch eating a Musk Thistle seed – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The American Goldfinch was so close to my Jeep that I wasn’t sure I would have enough depth of field but using f9 seemed to work well for both of these frames.
I was up in the mountains two days ago for a much needed bird and nature fix and although I saw goldfinches on the wing none of them came in close enough for me to photograph or for me to see if they have started to molt this year. Maybe on my next trip up into the Wasatch I will.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.
The thistle is a one-stop shopping center for food and building materials… and, a bit of adornment to spruce up the ‘in-between” costume!
Even in moult this is a beautiful bird. A beautiful bird I will not see for myself. Huge thanks.
Love the Vegas Showgirl look from the thistle in #1 and the tail position in #2. These are remarkably sharp especially for being so close — you definitely worked your magic! 😄
You always get your shot. Must come from the years of experience looking for all of the different birds you’ve photographed. The pictures are great and the narrative just fits the situation. On to the next adventure!
Very sharp photos! The first photo is quite unique with that down spray nest to him. Love the muted background…you can see the various thistle heads interspersed with the greenery. I’ve always enjoyed watching goldfinches pick the individual seeds out of the flower head, rolling it about with their beaks. They look as if they are savoring each individual seed.
Great shots, ‘he has gotta get his new clothes for the winter’!