Spring male American Goldfinch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday I photographed this male American Goldfinch and thought about how he is as bright as the dandelions that are blooming now in the mountains. A few weeks ago I photographed another male American Goldfinch high in the Wasatch Mountains but he wasn’t quite in his full breeding plumage like this male is. Yesterday I could hear American Goldfinches practically everywhere I went plus I saw the males chasing each other around in the thickets.
Common Dandelion close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I know that people who love their lawns don’t care for Common Dandelions. I love them and I’ve always related to to these bright and sunny flowers because I was an Army Brat and like the dandelions I grew and bloomed where I landed. I still do that.
The Common Dandelions are blooming beautiful in the high country and will soon set seed. American Goldfinches are just one bird species that eat the seeds of these abundant wildflowers.
Blooming Dandelions in East Canyon – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’ve seen Common Dandelions bloom all over the U.S. and overseas too. My mom used to make Dandelion wine from the flower heads.
North America does have native and introduced Common Dandelions, for more information please click here. I don’t know if these dandelions that I photographed are native or nonnative.
Clump of blooming Common Dandelions – Nikon D500, f11, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Truth be told I don’t really care what their status is. I simply love seeing their bright yellow flowers and adore knowing that they are blooming bird food.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my flower, shrub and tree photos.
I love dandelions, too! I was tickled to learn the etymology – originally “dent-de-lion” in French, or Lion’s Teeth, for the serrated leaves.
A beautifuul capture of one of my favorite birds and favorite flowers…both are bits of captured sunlight…
Beautiful! Is it my imagination or do yellow flowers seem to bloom first in the season?
The goldfinch is fabulous in his bright breeding plumage! I also am a fan of dandelions. I had a rough day yesterday, so I’m extra appreciative of your bright, sunny, yellow post today!
Snap Marty. We really are sisters across the seas. Appreciative sisters.