Finch Problem

What’s the problem?  I don’t know where to look and when.  There are too many finches.  Four species.  The feeders are loaded for the cold spell; and that works.  Niger works.  I have also recently been putting out a relatively pricey specialty finch food, which all the birds from MODOs to Downies seem to love and consume as though the economy were no barrier to the good life.

Today is the third in a row for Pine Siskins, only the second time ever for my feeder setup here in vibrant downtown West Tisbury, where vehicles are moving and people are not.  It’s chilly.  Perfect weather to attract hungry little birds from afar.  Today is also – Don’t faint, Lan – the first ever visit to my feeders by a Common Redpoll.  I can hardly breathe.

I really tried to get a small finch trifecta in my camera in one shot:  American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll (leaving House Finches out of the equation).  It’s a lofty, and greedy, purpose, but my photographer’s patience has limits.  And where are the Hoaries they promised?!

I often say that the photographs I want to take and publish are not like your “iconic Cardinal in the snow” shot.  That is still true, but in this blog format and within these dimensions I can cave to convention, or almost.  The overall cardinal count today in twenty degree weather and a continuing northeast snow  is fourteen or thereabouts.  The record number for them is seventeen at one time, this from a couple of weeks ago. 

Bird photographer’s tip o’ the week:  Almost all birds standing with their feet on the ground croutch down a little just before they take off, presumably to get the most spring into that first leap into the air.  If you see this and recognize it, you are in a better position and in better focus to get a flight shot.

Birds are cool!  Lanny     These images and more are available for purchase.  Contact me or View store.  

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