Goldfinch

Gallery: AvianPosted February 12, 2017137 views6 comments

Every weekend that I have available to me for photography ends up being dreary and dark. This morning was no exception, and the pickings were pretty slim. Birds were skittish and I expected the feeders to be busier than normal due to the cold wet conditions. So I tried to get something out of nothing and this is the only shot that is reasonable. A few of the male goldfinches have retained some of the yellow, but this bird is a winter plumage female. K5 IIs 300 mm f4 (1/100 sec at f7.1, Iso 640) crop of around 25% off the image for comp, Topaz detail, levels, Shadow & Highlights with an adjustment layer.......................Jim

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on February 12, 2017 at 11:44 AM

I like this as presented. I have no problem with "drery and dark" and find it a nice change of pace from too sunny and bright Phoenix. The soft colors are good IMO, and the background gives a sense of place without distracting. Detail and exposure look good as well.

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

Comment posted by David Schoen on February 12, 2017 at 6:46 PM

I can surely feel your pain with respect to the weather conditions you have endured this winter. It has been no different in the Pacific Northwest with very few days of sun. I think you've done well with this image of the goldfinch. Detail is good as is the head turn. Nicely framed with an appropriate background that lets the bird stand out. Do you use a fill flash?

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on February 12, 2017 at 6:53 PM

Your composition really conveys the small size of this Goldfinch, Jim. Really nice detail in the bird. I don't think the lighting hurt you at all on this image. Great job.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on February 12, 2017 at 9:37 PM

I'm certainly familiar with dreary weather, but it can be a blessing when you want to emphasize details, and this sure does that. In addition, the subtlety of the background colors lets the beauty of her winter plumage "shine" without shiny light. Excellent composition, too.

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 12, 2017 at 10:45 PM

Excellent detail and pose, Jim. A very trim little lady. Nicely done.

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

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 16, 2017 at 9:48 PM

It's not the prettiest of backgrounds but the bird is nice and sharp here with a good pose devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments