Pic of the Day

American Goldfinch, Spinus tristis:  Horse Cove, near Gurley, Alabama

     This American Goldfinch, perched in a sweet gum sapling, was shot this afternoon at my home.  Goldfinches are fully molted into breeding now and should begin nesting when the thistle begins to bloom.  They are continuously zipping to and from my feeders all day along with a flock of Pine Siskins, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a slew of residents.  Soon, both the siskins and grosbeaks will be moving on north.  I hope to see them at Magee Marsh in about a week or so.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/100 second @ f/8

Pic of the Day

America Goldfinch, Spinus tristis:  Horse Cove near Gurley, Alabama

     The American Goldfinches here in North Alabama are just reaching full breeding plumage and are absolutely beautiful.  I shot this image last year, but I had at least seventy-five at my feeders today along with a hundred or so Pine Siskins.  I believe most of my winter finches have left and the ones at my feeders now are summer residents.  They will disperse as soon as breeding begins.  The Pine Siskins should be moving north very soon, but today my yard was alive with birds.  I’m am really enjoying spring, hope you are also.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/320 second @ f/7.1

Pic of the Day

American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis:
Horsecove; Gurley, Alabama

     I have been waiting for weeks for the goldfinches to complete their molt into breeding plumage.  Just a few days ago they were still showing some molted plumage, but today they all appeared decked out in their breeding best.  This bird alighted on a branch I provided just in front of my blind for a few seconds, which allowed me to get this beautiful portrait before it hopped to a sunflower feeder.  I just love spring!

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4,  1/250 second @ f7.1

Pic of the Day

American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis; Horse Cove, Alabama

     Back in March the American Goldfinches that wintered here in Horse Cove headed north on their spring migration.  They were just molting into their breeding plumage when they left, so I missed their turn from olive green to yellow.  Over the last week numerous goldfinches have shown up at my feeder in their brilliant yellow plumage and they are just beautiful.  I caught this fellow as he landed on a branch before flying to one of my sunflower seed feeders.  The light, the bird and the plumage were just perfect.   Just the way I like it!

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/50 second @ f5, ISO 800