American Goldfinch on Thistle

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Photographed 2 weeks ago at Point Reyes National Seashore, CA. Thanks for looking. JR

Canon 40D, 500F4IS, 1/500, F8, ISO200, Manual Exposure, Gitzo w/ Mongoose 3.5a

[Grace Scalzo]

I'm as interested in the thistle as in the bird, especially the one that he's feeding from. Not sure about the empty space on the right. Nice image.

[Steve Canuel]

I like the light of this one. The empty space on the right works for me because I see it as a place that the bird discarded the seed head to blow away.

[Peter Wallack]

Is this individual starting to molt? Nice image. I wish we both knew more about what he was up to here or does he mouth being full show he is eating up that nicely formed plant. OH MY!!!

[Judd Patterson]

John, the seeds of this thistle really do add some interest...very cool! Too bad the bird has molted out of its bright breeding plumage (or is a juvenile from this year), but the lighting and background are both great.

[Connie Mier]

This is great with the thistles. Excellent composition.

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Thank you all for the kind feedback. Yes, the Goldfinch had just eaten the seed at the center of the "thistle bloom" that's flying to the right. That's part of the reason to leave the large empty area on the right as this "thistle bloom" was floating away. Thought it may work. JR

[Harshad Barve]

lovely species with nice details and sharpness
TFS