Lesser Goldfinch

Gallery: AvianPosted August 14, 2011116 views15 comments

Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria)

Place: Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date/Time: August 12, 2011, 7:17 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 400, 1/1000th, f/5.6, -1/3rd ev
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 62% of frame

Even though we are still in the triple digit temps here in Phoenix I just had to get out and do some birding. It was already 90 degrees at dawn when I got to the Water Ranch. I managed to leave my fanny pack at home, so no flash with me to help with the AZ sunlight.

It had been 10 weeks since I’d been at the Water Ranch. Very little water in the ponds, and few birds for photos. But it was nice to get out and work the cobwebs out of the camera.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Larger version provided.

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on August 14, 2011 at 3:03 PM

Very nice, Richard. I love the comp: colorful natural bg, bird beautifully posed to the rhs and interesting perch. Nice and sharp with plenty of detail too. My first reaction was that perhaps the little bird was lost in the vegetation at the rhs. However, in the large version I find the bird stands out very well. I can see a shadow on the back that I expect you could have used your fill flash for. However, it's quite light and not a detriment to the shot.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on August 14, 2011 at 3:18 PM

Hi Richard.
The bg looks a little busy but the bird stands out very well it's lovely and sharp in the large image i like it a lot.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on August 14, 2011 at 4:24 PM

Richard, Sharpness and exposure spot on as usual. I like how you have shown the environment with the patches of yellow which complement the Goldfinch. This is an image I would strive for.

Skip Harris

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on August 14, 2011 at 6:15 PM

Your larger image is so nice and full of color and interest. Super details on the bird. Glad you could get out...! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on August 14, 2011 at 6:33 PM

Wonderful little bird on a unique perch. Very nice indeed!

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on August 14, 2011 at 8:37 PM

I really like the setting of this image. The colors of the background really accentuate the bird.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on August 14, 2011 at 11:14 PM

Cool habitat, nice details and a good pose.

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 14, 2011 at 11:40 PM

Beautiful, Richard. I like the perch-it really helps communicate the size of the bird.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on August 14, 2011 at 11:47 PM

that's 10 weeks that I would not have emerged much for either, Rich, glad you got out and things should start slowly getting better down there soon. I like your comp here a lot and think the setting in general is interesting with good color. nice pose form the bird too.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on August 15, 2011 at 1:06 AM

I really like the perch and I really like that the background has yellow in it like the bird.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on August 15, 2011 at 2:08 AM

I really like the bird's pose Rich, I find it quite captivating... thoughtful, and serene. Good that you were able to get out.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on August 15, 2011 at 9:07 AM

Very nice. I like the activity in the background. The colors are a nice compliment to the bird, who is nicely demarcated from the surrounding foliage.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on August 15, 2011 at 11:59 AM

Excellent techs as usual Richard. I like how he seems to be hanging on with the sunflower drooping.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on August 17, 2011 at 6:30 PM

Just now saw this one, wonderful detail on the finch and I like the seeing the bush and branches as makes for an interesting blend of background colors, nice job braving the heat factor, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on August 31, 2011 at 7:49 PM

Details look good in the LP, very natural looking colors and you caught a great pose Rich..
With September around the corner, I'll bet you're looking forward to some cooler fall temps. I sure am

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments