Female American Goldfinch perched on a thistle – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Right after I photographed a juvenile Lazuli Bunting two days ago a female American Goldfinch landed in a patch of thistles in front of me. I was only able to take nine photos of this charming bird before she flew away.
I’ve been seeing and hearing more of these goldfinches this past week up in the mountains. Now that some of the thistles have finished blooming and have started going to seed the goldfinches will have down to line their nests with. This female had a strand of thistle down stuck to the top of her head.
American Goldfinch female perching on a thistle – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The American Goldfinch female didn’t feed or call while I had her in my viewfinder but when she lifted off she called. I enjoyed having this female finch in my viewfinder even though her appearance was rather brief.
American Goldfinches are year round residents in northern Utah and I feel fortunate to be able to see and hear them in every season.
I have noticed that the Musk Thistles that I am seeing and photographing are free of aphids this summer. Typically the stems of these nonnative thistles would be covered with aphids which these finches and other song birds feed on. Last year I saw fewer aphids than I had in years past. So far this year I haven’t been seeing aphids on plants or on the willow trees they seem to like. I wonder if the aphids will make an appearance later in the summer.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.
Just amazing. I don’t know how you do it. The detail, color and composition in your pics so consistently perfecto. Thanks Mia
Goldfinch and thistle.
Beauty overload!
Wonderful photographs!
She looks so demure among the thistles. 💕
Yet more beauty. Thank you.
These are stunning!
Nice intimate shots of the female goldfinch. They are just starting to nest here in Connecticut, with lots of singing. I have not seen any thistles in the neighborhood. Will put out dog hair from grooming the Tibetan Mastiffs.