A Purple Finch and Her Berries

This gallery contains 2 photos. These berries are worth the risk! One of two female Purple Finches who ventured out to the outer walking trails of the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary to quietly nibble at these delicious berries. My closest encounter with these birds (I’m 5-6 feet almost directly below this one)! Photographed on March 2.

she’s not the least bit concerned about the giant lens aimed straight up at her.
f/8, 1/1000, 150-500mm telephoto lens, 500mm, ISO 400

They were willing to brave the photographers almost directly underneath them, as well as larger [bird] predators (a female Northern Harrier circled the area frequently), not to mention the wind gusts today, just to eat. In light of the inclement weather, their preferred dining position looked like this:

birds assume the most interesting positions to eat berries (Purple Finches, most of all).
f/8, 1/1000, 150-500mm telephoto lens, 500mm, ISO 400

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