American Goldfinch On Thistle Photograph by Morris Finkelstein

American Goldfinch On Thistle

by Morris Finkelstein

Canvas Print

$75

Framed Print

$84

Art Print

$28

Poster

$28

Metal Print

$81

Acrylic Print

$89

Wood Print

$61

Throw Pillow

$31

Tote Bag

$30

Greeting Card

$5.95

iPhone Case

$31

Title

American Goldfinch On Thistle

Artist

Morris Finkelstein

Medium

Photograph - 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.

Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) is an herb in the Asteraceae family that is native to areas of Europe and Asia, and introduced to other continents, where is considered as a noxious weed. The red-purple, or pink, flower heads are made up of hundreds of flowers, and often droop because of their weight. Each plant may produce 120,000 seeds, which are dispersed by the wind, and may be viable in the soil for 10 years. The flower heads are a source of nectar for butterflies and bumble bees. This species, classified invasive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was first recorded in the United States in 1852.

This colorful adult male American Goldfinch perched on Musk Thistle was photographed at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, in St. Charles County, Missouri on 6-16-2021. I used a Nikon D850 camera body and a Nikkor 600mm f/4.0E FL ED VR2 telephoto lens to capture this image. Settings: 1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 1000. 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:
Midwest America Photography, 9-23-2021
The Outdoor Photographer, 9-27-2021
Five Star Artist, 10-7-2021
The 200 Club, 10-13-2021
Avian Photography, 10-16-2021
Visions Of Spring - Glances Of Summer, 10-20-2021
Macro Marvels, 6-11-2022
1000 Views, 7-27-2022
1000 Views Special Feature, 7-29-2022
Camera Art, 7-29-2022
Camera Art Special Feature, 8-15-2022
Birds In Focus, 9-1-2022
Midwest America Photography Special Feature, 3-12-2023
Fine Art America Flowers Photography, 1-6-2024

Second Place In FAA Contest
"Spring Logo For The Midwest America Photography Group"
3-10-2023; Admin David T Wilkinson

KEYWORDS: american goldfinch on thistle, american goldfinch, carduelis tristis, goldfinch, finch, songbird, bird, avian, male, breeding, wild, wildlife, nature, natural, outdoors, wings, feathers, plumage, colorful, yellow, black, brown, beautiful, small, foraging, feeding, looking, watching, standing, perched, perching, musk thistle, carduus nutans, thistle, asteraceae, wildflower, spring, midwest, midwestern, august a busch memorial conservation area, st. charles county, missouri, morris finkelstein, st. louis, missouri, photograph, digital, horizontal, close up, portrait, nikon d850, photography