"What Are You Lookin' At?" by janetb

"What Are You Lookin' At?"

This youngster seems curious about why I’ve got my 300mm aimed at him! The late Summer nesting period of American Goldfinches coincides with downy seed producing plants (like thistle), which they use for nest-building. Now that the young are out and about with their parents, we get to enjoy an abundance of beautiful Goldfinches at the feeders. Their unique flight as they approach, somewhat like a bouncing yellow ball, and their cheery “potato-CHIP!” call make them a joy to have around!

I’ve added a frame to this image, and I do think it enhances the shot; however, I must admit I had a hard time doing it! Prior to 365, a little cropping, straightening, or brightening made up the majority of my editing. Now, I’m becoming a bit more adventurous. A frame is a small step, I know; but a step nonetheless!

My ever-present challenge is to learn to capture daily gifts more beautifully without getting so caught up in photography that I forget to give thanks for the gifts that I set out to photograph. I expect (well, hope) that the blending of the two will become easier with time and skill; so, onward!
Finches are so cute, but I've never seen one shaped like a fish as one of these is!
September 8th, 2015  
@cejaanderson Jane, I had to scroll up and look at my photo to see what you meant; and you're right...a fish-shaped Goldfinch! Your unique way of looking at things inspires me to open my eyes a bit more!
September 8th, 2015  
I love goldfinches. Nice shot Janet.
September 8th, 2015  
@lhart Thanks so much, Lynne! I had my tripod set up under cover of the tomato plants. Couldn't get quite as close as I had hoped, but the look on this one's face made me smile; so it became my post for today. Happy Goldfinch watching!
September 8th, 2015  
Great capture Janet
September 8th, 2015  
@bkbinthecity Thanks much for your feedback! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting on my Goldfinches. I so enjoy watching them at the feeders!
September 8th, 2015  
Lovely detail in the birds and pretty bokeh. I like your inclusion of the frame, I think it really sets the image off.
September 8th, 2015  
Wonderful shot.
September 8th, 2015  
Great shot.
September 8th, 2015  
Great capture
September 8th, 2015  
@paulaw Thanks for your feedback, Paula! I appreciate your opinion about the frame. Adding that frame was something I thought long and hard about. I do like it, and I'm becoming a bit more comfortable trying new things!
September 9th, 2015  
@thresheg Thanks so much for viewing my project, Graham. I really appreciate your comment and fav!
September 9th, 2015  
@elisasaeter Thanks, Elisabeth! You're so kind to stop by and comment on my Goldfinches.
September 9th, 2015  
@ziggy77 Thank you, Jo! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment! :-)
September 9th, 2015  
it does have the shape of a fish! nice capture.
September 9th, 2015  
Well captured Goldfinch, something that is not a simple task; they don't sit still for long. What a thoughtful commentary you've posted.
September 9th, 2015  
@lisamccloskey Thank you, Lisa! :-)
September 9th, 2015  
@lyndemc Thank you, Denise! We've been seeing so many of them, and they bring such cheer!
September 9th, 2015  
@mccarth1 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my project, Kerry. Much appreciated. Enjoy your Goldfinches!
September 11th, 2015  
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