American Goldfinch On Chicory

The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is small but common bird seen throughout most of the United States. It measures about 5.0 inches in length... more

by Morris Finkelstein

Title

American Goldfinch On Chicory

Artist

Morris Finkelstein

Medium

Photograph

Description

The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is small but common bird seen throughout most of the United States. It measures about 5.0 inches in length and about 0.46 ounces in weight. Its habitat includes weedy fields, farmlands, woodland edges, hedgerows, and parks. It typically feeds on weed seeds and tree buds, either on the ground or in tall grasses. It is usually seen in pairs or small groups. Its bold wing bars, white rump and white underwing coverts are distinctive.

This colorful breeding adult male American Goldfinch perched on a Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus) and eating Chicory seeds was photographed at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, in St. Charles County, Missouri on 8-5-2020. I used a Nikon D850 camera body and a Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens to capture this image. Settings: 1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 450. Chicory is a perennial wild plant that produces bright blue flowers mostly, and rarely white or pink flowers. This plant is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area was acquired by the State of Missouri from the federal government in the late 1940's. This 7000 acre area was used during World War 2 for production and storage of TNT and DNT, and during the 1960's for the processing of Uranium ore. Subsequently, the large property was thoroughly decontaminated, and then used as a wildlife conservation area.

I am honored that my photograph was featured in the Fine Art America groups:
Animal Mania, 8-7-2020
Four Seasons, 8-7-2020
Visions Of Spring - Glances Of Summer, 8-8-2020
Wildlife One-A-Day, 8-8-2020
Art District, 8-11-2020
Images That Excite You, 8-12-2020
FAA Portraits, 8-13-2020
FAA Portraits - Birds, 8-14-2020
Mind-Blowing Photography, 8-18-2020
10 Plus, 8-19-2020
USA Photographers Only, 8-22-2020
Five Star Artist, 9-10-2020
Midwest America Photography, 9-10-2020
A Birding Group - Wings, 9-26-2020
The 200 Club, 9-27-2020
Birds In Focus, 10-11-2020
Just Perfect, 1-3-2021
Macro Marvels, 3-26-2024

First Place In FAA Contest
"Flower And Bird"
11-29-2022; Admin. Ming Yeung

First Place In FAA Contest:
"Summer Logo - Midwest America Photography Group"
6-13-2021; Admin. David T. Wilkinson

Second Place In FAA Contest
"It's All Yellow"
2-12-2021; Admin. Siene Browne

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Uploaded

August 6th, 2020