American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch Male

My interest in this bird began back when I was still using film.  I remember sitting in the backseat of my car parked along a country roadside.  By the roadside was a pasture with Bull Thistles.  The birds were eating the seeds.  I believe that I was using Kodak EPH 1600 pushed one stop.  It was 2003.

Fast forward to 2011.  I am shooting at ISO 1600 on a monopod at Gorman Nature Center.  The birds are eating seeds from the Prairie Dock.

American Goldfinch Female

American Goldfinch Male

American Goldfinch Female

Part of the learning experience for me is learning the behaviors and comfort of the animals I photograph.  For a long time I felt that these birds were very elusive.  I just could not get close enough to get the shot.  They seemed very alert to my presence.  These shots are in the midst of a prairie like environment.  There are tall grasses and plants everywhere.  I have noticed that this is a workable environment if I can be aware of the bird's eye and body not being blocked by anything.  It does not seem to matter for other parts of the frame.  I move around until I can achieve this type of clear shot.  The birds seem to remain comfortable and go about their business of eating.  The tall grasses and plants act as a blind.  The bird and I are both happy.

http://www.larrysimages.com/

Blog



feed:  http://www.larryatlarrysimages.com.blogspot.com/atom.xml



Follow Larry's Images on Facebook. 

If you wish to unsubscribe, email to larry@larrysimages.com with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.