Cassins Finch?

Gallery: AvianPosted December 17, 2011197 views6 comments

We were out looking for elk at the beginning of the rut when I noticed something flying around on the ground near us. I had to look hard but finally spotted this adorable bird. He sure blends into the grass and rocks!

My dad lent me his camera while he kept looking for elk and I got this picture.

We had our bird books with us so I looked it up and I think it is a female cassins finch. If anyone knows for sure, I'd like to know if I'm right!

I like the colours in this picture and the way she's looking at me. I was happy I was able to get her in good focus with all the grass and stuff around her. I'm hoping to find more of this species next year!

Thanks for looking!

Nikon D7000
Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/4 IF-ED
ISO 400
1/500sec @ f/5
handheld from truck window
cropped to about 70%

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on December 17, 2011 at 11:48 PM

I'd call this a sparrow and not a finch. My guess from this difficult angle is either a pale Savannah Sparrow or a Vesper Sparrow.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Tim Sommers on December 18, 2011 at 6:12 AM

this is a very nice photo as far as what type of bird it is hard to tell from this photo but as long as you like the photo and had a great time with your dad that is what maters.

Registered on December 8, 2011, 14 Posts, 9 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 18, 2011 at 1:02 PM

Excellent pose, and I love the habitat, Marlise. A slightly lower angle, if you had the geography available, might have made the bird pop a bit more. Excellent job on the focus and exposure. I like the large dof that brings out the lichen covered rocks. I'm unsure of the species, but I'd bet on Richard being close.

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

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on December 18, 2011 at 2:36 PM

It's amazing how well it blends in with it's surroundings!

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 18, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Nice sharpness on the bird, esp for the situation. IMO the wonderful setting almost steals the show from the bird. That can be good or bad, depending on your intent I guess...

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on December 19, 2011 at 2:46 PM

Very nice detail on the larger version and I like seeing the ground habitat and colors, nice job in getting this, way to go.

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