Autumn Pine Siskin and rose hips – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Pine Siskins are year round residents in Utah but that doesn’t mean I get to see them as often as I would like because they are nomadic by nature. I often hear siskins before I see flocks of them swoop in to forage in front of me so when I hear them calling on the wing I start to look for them.
Two days ago I heard Pine Siskins calling in flight along with American Goldfinches and I was happy when a few of the siskins landed in some rose bushes. While a few of the Pine Siskins were too far away to photograph this one landed on top of a rose bush that was close to me in good light with ripe, red rose hips in the frame. Pine Siskins aren’t flashy looking birds but I enjoy photographing all birds, even the plainer ones.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Pine Siskin photos plus facts and information about this species.
While Pine Siskins are numerous it is estimated that their numbers have declined by 80% since the 1970’s.* Habitat loss, depredation, salmonella transmission at bird feeders and vehicle strikes are suspected to be among the most common causes for their decline.
It is nice that this little bird presented itself showing off it’s colors on the wing. the sharpness of the wing brings out the white stripes perfectly. Even plain birds have a beauty all their own.
Thank you for deeming them important enough to give them equal time.
Not flashy, but with a subtle beauty of its own.
Thank you.
Great shot, here’s hoping we will see them this winter.