Pine Siskin in a Willow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I don’t have many photos of siskins in my portfolio and every year I hope to add more so when I was able to photograph a Pine Siskin foraging in a willow 5 days ago I was thrilled. I had seen movement out of my peripheral vision and turned to see a siskin moving about in the willows near a seep. It was hard to keep my focus locked onto the bird because it was moving through the willow rather fast but I accomplished my goal of getting sharp photos of it with this image and a few more.
Pine Siskins aren’t flashy or brightly colored birds but I think they are beautiful and I love to listen to their calls. Usually I hear this species before I see them but this siskin was silent as it foraged.
What I like about this image: I like that the siskin, leaves and the willow branch it is on are all sharp and that the other willows in the background were far enough away and out of focus that they created a pleasing background.
I hope that I will see some immature Pine Siskins this year and be able to take images of them because so far the images I have taken of immature siskins have not turned out as nicely as I would have liked them to due to lighting issues or obstructions in front of the birds that were very distracting. For now, I am pleased with the images I took of this siskin.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Pine Siskin photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great Capture I’ve seen them , but no eye-catcher picture by me GRD
Well, as testimony to my ignorance of most things birdie, I confess that until this post I had never heard of a Pine Siskin. That said, your beautiful photo and excellent narrative are fascinating. Thanks Mia.
I admire your skill at quick bird ID. I have trouble when they’re standing still right in front of me.
Delighted to get a two-fer today, but sorry that technology Charlie Foxtrots are behind it.
Two posts from you in one day! Luxury.
Many thanks.
I get them every year at my feeders some years when we have an irruption they can empty my feeders in an hour!
Sorry about the electronics issue. It is frustrating.
I don’t think I have ever seen a Pine Siskin and yet I know they are around here. I probably have but upon seeing brown I have dismissed it as an LBJ. I should look more closely.
Great Capture I’ve seen them , but no eye-catcher picture by me GRD