Sunday, January 25, 2009

A Yellow Hint of Spring

I looked out the window yesterday morning and found evidence of progress toward spring. This male American goldfinch was feasting on sunflower seeds at my feeder and showing off brighter colors. The black on his wings and tail was richer and darker and he was sporting some bright yellow mixed in with his winter olive. Cornell lab says the American goldfinch changes from winter plumage to its bright golden breeding plumage through a complete molt of its feathers. It is the only finch in its family to have two complete molts, one in fall and another in spring.Even when my photos are blurred because of the window, I can't complain. The window makes a nice blind that allows me to get closer than I otherwise could. In this series of images I could see the goldfinch rolling the seed around in his mouth until it cracked open. He then flipped the shell out of his mouth. In one photo there was a shell flying through mid air behind him as though he had flipped it over his back. A goldfinch study. I will be watching for my subject's black cap to arrive right along with spring!

Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #22 at Birdfreak.com bringing awareness to the conservation of our world's birds.

21 comments:

  1. It is good to watch up close without disturbing them.

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  2. Interesting changes in plumage colors that you pointed out. Beautiful Goldfinch study!

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  3. I think I need to move my feeders closer to my house. oh and clean my windows. Sure is a great way to do studies Vickie and your goldfinch is great.

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  4. Welcome, Neil. It has been a great way to see their behavior.

    Hi Diane! It was a fun observation. I'm looking forward to spring.

    Thanks, Toni! Its been fun to have the feeders close.

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  5. Your subject looks wonderful and the 'window effect' makes it unique... and your art- fabulous!

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  6. Good eye! I'll have to take another look at mine. They did seem to stand out more this weekend.

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  7. Our goldfinches up here are just getting the faintest glow of yellow on their throats. I'll be watching for the black caps too! Strange, but until you mentioned that, I never noticed they were gone.

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  8. Beautiful Goldfinch art
    The Mockingbird pics below are beautiful too.

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  9. I have to say...I enjoy your art more than the photos...and you have great photos!
    I just love to see your interpretation of the birds!

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  10. Just today, here in Pennsylvania, my wife mentioned that she saw the first 'gold' on our goldfinches. I didn't doubt that she'd seen it but I told her I thought that normally the changed didn't occur until a bit later in the year. But I guess not!

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  11. Very nice Vickie, love the study!Gold finches here arent turning yet. Hopefully soon. I'm ready for spring!

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  12. I always adore Goldfinches. It is nice that you are able to capture the habits of these lovely birds.

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  13. Lovely photos and you are so talented with you art! I just admire and wish!

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  14. Everytime I see your beautiful bird sketches I think "gosh this would look great in my bird-themed guest room in the cabin!"

    :)

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  15. I so love your bird photos and paintings! My goofy dream birds must look so primitive compared to your careful studies. Looking at all your little customers to your feeder and water make me really want to start feeding the birds here again. I quit because of mice that were attracted by the fallen seed. But I miss the flocks of finches that would show up a few times a day.

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  16. Nice to see that change beginning. Goldfinches are so bright and cheery. Can't wait until they are in "full bloom".

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  17. Great shots, LOVE the art piece!

    Good birding to you!

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  18. I love the Goldfinch study Vickie. I will begin looking for the change. We've had such warm weather here, then snow, then warm again, I think anything goes.

    It appears to me that the Oak Titmouses are thinking of mating very soon and I saw a pair or Red-tailed Hawks just the other day beginning a mating ritual.

    Thanks for sharing your great photos and your incredible artwork!

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  19. Our Goldies are getting brighter by the day. And that's a perfect painting, Vickie!

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  20. Very beautiful bird. Nice photo. :)))

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