Yesterday morning, I photographed my first American Goldfinch here in Arkansas. The beautiful goldfinch unexpectedly landed over the feeder and surprised me.
American Goldfinch in nonbreeding plumage in Arkansas – Canon R7, f9, 1/400, ISO 2500, +0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
My camera and lens were already focused on the feeder, so all I had to do was quickly raise the lens and take photos of the finch. Luckily for me, the goldfinch stuck around for a while, giving me plenty of time to take a nice series of images of this bird.
This American Goldfinch is in their nonbreeding plumage.
Did you know that American Goldfinches stand out from other goldfinch species because they molt their body feathers twice a year? They molt once in late winter and again in late summer.
American Goldfinch on a fall morning in Arkansas – Canon R7, f9, 1/400, ISO 2500, +0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
In their nonbreeding plumage, these goldfinches can look a little different—different enough that new birders might even think they are a different species altogether.
I haven’t seen an American Goldfinch all summer long, I suspect they might move towards the mountains here to breed, but I am not completely sure about that. Checking on that will be in order for me.
I’m learning so much about the birds here in Arkansas and in Oklahoma and loving every minute of it.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Goldfinch photos plus facts and information about this species.
Extraordinary shots. The Goldfinches markings play well against the muted background. Thanks Mia.
Very nice, glad one stopped by. They are plentiful here as you know, I have so many they empty the nyger seed daily.
Soooo many delightful firsts.