House Finch

Gallery: AvianPosted April 5, 2009802 views27 comments

House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ, USA
Date: April 2, 2009
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 320, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/90th, F/10
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 80% of frame

I've never thought of House Finch as a cavity nester, so when I saw this bird at a Saguaro I had to spend some time watching. The strange shape of the cavity made it easy to see it really has a nest inside the cavity.

This image satisfies me on many levels: a strong graphic (from the shape of the opening and the black intereior), the intriguing behavior, the wonderful textures of the Saguaro, the understated colors of the female finch.

To get maximum impact before commenting please view the larger version. Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

27 comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on April 5, 2009 at 7:51 PM

Now that's a shot! For me it has so many things going for it that I'd wear out my keyboard listing them all. If this were mine I'd say "satisfying" would be an understatement. As an ex zoology teacher the first thing I thought when I saw it was that this belongs in zoology and biology textbooks, among other places. For sure, one of my very favorite images of yours Rich and that's saying a lot!

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Ward on April 5, 2009 at 8:27 PM

Richard,
This is a great image. I love the composition. The bird poised above the nest, the cutouts in the cactus, the black backgrounds, and the great line of thorns on each side. On my monitor it appears just a tad overexposed. Perhaps a bit more depth in the green colors would focus the eye even more on this great little finch. Wonderful photo...

Registered on February 26, 2009, 304 Posts, 1365 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 5, 2009 at 9:20 PM

Richard, When I first viewed this, it reminded me of watching a nature documentary on something underground where they intersect the ground with glass so you can see inside the hole. Also the fact you managed to capture the finch while she was sitting in perfect position and head turn. Very very nice job!!!

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

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 5, 2009 at 9:36 PM

The exposure looks good on my calibrated monitor. Rich, when are you having this printed on some nice fine art paper and framed? I can't add anything. Just a wonderful image.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on April 5, 2009 at 9:49 PM

What a shot! Really cool nest and it's neat how the needles frame the bird. Sharon

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 5, 2009 at 9:51 PM

Excellent, Richard. A really outstanding composition. The textures and colors are particularly appealing to me.

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

Comment posted by David Sparks on April 5, 2009 at 9:52 PM

I'm speechless.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on April 5, 2009 at 10:37 PM

Fantastic shot Richard - the cavity/cactus holds as much interest as the bird.

cheers Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by David Williams on April 5, 2009 at 10:53 PM

Interesting......two story house with air conditioning. I see why you are satisfied with it.....I think you can be a little stronger about that. Cool shot, Richard.

Registered on March 8, 2005, 315 Posts, 2291 Comments

Comment posted by Cliff Forrest on April 5, 2009 at 11:08 PM

Hi Rich,
I love this picture!!! I was thinking that jut a little more green and black might look good, but the photo is wonderful they way it is. It makes me appreciate, again, a bird I sometimes take for granted.

Thanks,
Cliff

Registered on March 3, 2009, 51 Posts, 78 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on April 6, 2009 at 8:52 AM

Very interesting image. Outstanding composition and excellent behaviour shot.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on April 6, 2009 at 9:58 AM

Very cool habitat shot. I think your description of what satisfies you about this image is right on for what works for me in this image. Very well executed. The larger image certainly provides much more detail to view in this one.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Kirk Greene on April 6, 2009 at 12:01 PM

Very cool find witht he opening for the bird and another showing the nest. The image has a lot of character.

Registered on May 12, 2004, 191 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Harbour on April 6, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Great photo, Richard. I agree with your own assessment. I really like the shape of the opening, the view of the nest, the bird's pose and the captured behavior.

Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Christopher Tubbs on April 6, 2009 at 3:01 PM

This is simply a special shot, artistically and technically, Richard!

Registered on September 17, 2007, 25 Posts, 353 Comments

Comment posted by Greg Cope on April 6, 2009 at 5:06 PM

This is so fantastic! Talk about habitat! There's not much more to say than bravo!

Registered on January 22, 2007, 212 Posts, 2737 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on April 6, 2009 at 5:29 PM

There is simply everything to like about this image, I love it for all the reasons you stated. What a great opportunity!

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by jamie pringle on April 6, 2009 at 6:59 PM

Talk about framing. It looks like a pumpkin cut out, one for the bird profile and the other for the nest. An amazing find and a fine photograph

Registered on August 10, 2005, 323 Posts, 1216 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on April 7, 2009 at 1:35 AM

Neat shot, Rich. I had one nesting in an old boot nailed to the wall long ago....

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on April 14, 2009 at 12:14 AM

Richard:
Congrats on the WP. Awesome shot, well-deserved honor.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Rosemarie Arbur on April 14, 2009 at 12:57 AM

Excellent in every way, Richard! The larger version gives enough space so that the detail in the finch, the texture of the cactus, and the composition achieve equal emphasis.

Registered on March 19, 2008, 189 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Dubois on April 14, 2009 at 11:43 AM

A very unique image Richard. Congrats on the well-deserved recognition.

Registered on February 22, 2005, 129 Posts, 4739 Comments

Comment posted by Karon Welter on April 14, 2009 at 11:56 AM

Wow, this is the greatest pic! Awesome shot! So unusual, with the many colors and textures. I love this one!

Registered on November 10, 2008, 67 Posts, 543 Comments

Comment posted by Barry R. Byrd on April 15, 2009 at 8:33 PM

Well done Richard, love the symmetry and comp on this one

Registered on December 20, 2005, 136 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on April 28, 2009 at 8:42 AM

Richard

This image is a study in light, form, texture and detail. It not only has the thumbprint of your personal style, it is extremely interesting to be able to see the nest in the cavity opening below.

Outstanding in every way. A well deserved EP.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Ronnie Gaubert on June 11, 2010 at 8:42 PM

Hi Richard,
I just happened to click on your galleries and saw this one. This is one of those 1 in a million shots. I am amazed this bird built a next that was exposed in such a manner. You couldn't have cut that cactus yourself any better than what nature has done.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 810 Posts, 3495 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on February 29, 2012 at 7:45 PM

A room with a view!!
Excellent - light, pose, cactus, bit of nest visible and your usual attention to detail.
Just looking at old images)
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments