Pine Siskin clinging to a small branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Pine Siskins are nomadic and irruptive birds that I am always thrilled to have in my viewfinder. This is a species I often hear before I see them and their calls help me to locate them when I am out in the field. Because Pine Siskins are nomadic by nature as a bird photographer that means when I see them I photograph them because I don’t know when I might come across them again.
Two days ago I was sitting in my Jeep using it as a mobile blind in the Wasatch Mountains enjoying the cooler temps of the high country. The bird activity picked up just after the sun rose over the mountains peaks and as I scanned the area for birds I spotted this Pine Siskin almost directly in front of me clinging to a small branch.
As soon as I could I locked focus on the siskin and took a burst of photos.
Pine Siskin high in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC,
The Pine Siskin didn’t stay on this perch long, I believe it used the perch to scan the area to see if it was safe before it landed on a nearby thistle and proceeded to tear into the seeds. I photographed the siskin eating the thistle seeds but there were some weird looking shadows on the rump and tail of the bird which meant that I didn’t find those photos as aesthetically pleasing as these two images.
The first time I photographed Pine Siskins in Utah I was camping in the high Uinta Mountains and came across a flock of 100 or more of these birds feeding on the seeds of Mule’s Ears. I had trouble that day because I wasn’t sure which of the siskins to focus on and they were constantly on the move from one flower to another. Two days ago with a single bird in my view I didn’t have a problem figuring out which bird to focus on at all.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Pine Siskin photos plus facts and information about this species.
They are so flighty and chatty, so it is nice when one stops right in front of you. Nice captures! I had them in my campsite the last couple of days. enjoyed their company.
Something new to me presented expertly! Thanks, Mia.
Very nice light and sideways bird composition. I saw many pine siskins in the mountains this morning!
What a subtle charmer – and thank you for the link to their call.
Great shots! Our location is not conducive to seeing Siskins, although several winters ago we did have a few at our feeders. However we do have memories of many at our feeders years ago! Love these nomads!
Many thanks for the post, stay safe!