Male Lesser Goldfinch Images

I was thrilled to take several male Lesser Goldfinch images on my last trip to Farmington Bay WMA. It was a bright, sunny day, and I was enjoying it and myself.

Male Lesser Goldfinch perched on a greasewood – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 640, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I have taken far more images of American Goldfinches than I have of this species. When I have Lesser Goldfinches in my viewfinder, I am always delighted.

Lesser Goldfinches are primarily found in the western U.S., Mexico, Central, and South America. They are smaller than American Goldfinches, thus their common name. I think ‘Western Goldfinch’ may have been a more suitable name. It is my opinion that the word ‘lesser’ carries as many negative connotations as birds with ‘common’ in their names.

Male Lesser Goldfinches are colorful even in their nonbreeding plumage as my images show.

Lesser Goldfinch male on a greasewood – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Lesser Goldfinches are gregarious birds that often form large flocks at feeding sites and watering holes. There were quite a few Lesser Goldfinches in and around the clump of Greasewoods where I photographed both of these males. There were so many that I had a hard time selecting which of them to focus on.

Taking images of the goldfinches on a cool morning at Farmington Bay WMA was fun. It was only a few minutes later when a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in and scattered all of the smaller birds.

It was a great morning at the WMA with plenty of birds to focus on, blue skies, sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and the peace and quiet I adore.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Lesser Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.