The winter of 2012/2013 does seem to have been really good for Siskins and what better place to try to get some images than at Feathers Birdcare in Salehurst, Sussex. They have reported large flocks hitting the feeders hard and this seemed a good opportunity to attempt some shots of these lovely little finches.
Mist and cloud wasn’t exactly what I had in mind weatherwise and as these little birds don’t exactly sit still very often it would be a test to get some sharp shots. The tip of the day seemed to be to wait until the bravest birds came down to feed which then triggered a mini avian avalanche as the floodgates opened for the rest to follow. Similar to Goldfinches, these birds seem quite argumentative and with places at the feeder closely guarded other birds were queueing up on nearby perches waiting for their chance to feed and this was the best opportunity for photographs.
Female Siskin – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm f4, 1/250s, f4.5 @ISO400, VR ON
Male Siskin (Carduelis spinus) – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm F4, 1/250, f4.5 @ ISO400, VR ON
Female Siskin – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm F4, 1/250s, f4.5 @ISO400, VR ON
Aggressive Siskin
Beautiful male Siskin – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm f4, 1/250s, f4.5 @ISO400, VR ON
In addition to the Siskins there were of course all the normal birds you would expect to see. It was however one unusual visitor that caught my attention. Rooks were feeding in the field behind and decided they would take a look at the feeders. Everyone knows that these birds are very resourceful so I wasn’t surprised to see one “doing a fruitbat” hanging upside down on a feeder and managing to get a beak full of sunflower hearts for it’s troubles. A lovely looking bird and worth a few images. You would be forgiven for thinking these birds are pretty much black in colour. The following images would hopefully make you reconsider.
Rook portrait – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm f4, 1/250s, f4 @ISO400, VR ON
Rook portrait – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm f4, 1/250s, f4 @ISO400, VR ON
Rook portrait – Nikon D300 with Nikon 500mm f4, 1/250s, f4 @ISO400, VR ON