Sunday, March 31, 2013

Mellow Yellow

Our Easter weekend was very nice. On Saturday we were invited to my godfather's house for a cookout with my cousins. I took my 100-400mm lens thinking I would capture some wildlife since his house backs up to a pond, but my eye seemed drawn repeatedly toward my second cousins who range in age from 17 to 4. They're great kids, full of joy and life. The photos turned out better than I expected, so there's hope for me on the portrait photography front yet. I'd love to show you what I captured; however, I don't want to make them public without asking their parents first.

The photos below were taken in my yard the morning of the cookout. I couldn't believe my good fortune to get FIVE American Goldfinch at the feeders, all in breeding colors. I had seen one over a week ago and not since, so I thought he had already migrated. They say when their colors come in, they're about two days from leaving.
Bow your heads....

Let us pray.
There's always that one in the back pew who won't obey. :/









Double D is headed to Dallas early in the morning to hopefully make some money. I hope everyone has a wonderful springlike week!

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37 comments:

hootnonny said...

There are a couple who look like they are ashamed of themselves! Hope DD has a successful trip and you have a restful week!

Hilary said...

Wow.. so beautiful. You sure did capture some lovely shots, Gail. Goldfinches are a favourite.

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful shots of the Goldfinches, Gail! Have a happy week!

Cynthia Schelzig said...

Such fabulous work you show on your blog and these beauties just add to it all. What a gorgeous bird,,,unfortunately we don't have these in Germany.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful shots! Good luck & safe travels to DD.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I may have said this on here before but it bears repeating - I love goldfinches! When I was a little boy, I used to see them all the time but these days I rarely ever see them. of course I love in a different area now so I'm sure that's why. Hope you had a nice Easter!!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Apparently, I've never seen them in their "breeding colors" because I've never seen them so bedraggled looking. The males are usually so brlliantly colored that it almost hurts your eyes to look at them. Great captures and great captions, as always. Best wishes to DD on his money-making venture.

TexWisGirl said...

i hope Big D is kind to Double D. ;)

love these little gold beauties! they are nice and bright! ours usually leave before they get any real color.

Dianne said...

these are wonderful shots!
I love 'let us pray'

Karen said...

Oh, great captures Gail!

rainfield61 said...

These birds are singing the song of spring.

Deanna said...

Aha, if they are days from leaving you, then that means they are on their way here. I enjoy watching these beautiful birds all summer. Great captures and I hope money comes rolling in for Double D.

Stephanie said...

Oh Gail, they are beautiful! Look at that yellow, so vibrant and pretty :)

Hugs to you,
Stephanie

Lisa Gordon said...

Wonderful photographs, Gail, and I'm so glad you had a good Easter.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful captures. They are looking rather mottled right now,but it is a good sign,spring is here and summer is on the way.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Such beautiful golden color spots -- I hope they're flying back to Oregon and will be there this summer when we are (if not them, then some of their cousins).

Unknown said...

Your post has me smiling. Such wonderful photos my friend.

Sounds like you had a happy Easter. Can't wait to see your photos.

Hugs~

Anonymous said...

What beautiful shots of the Goldfinches!

Nancy said...

So glad you had a wonderful Easter and fun with your family....
These captures of these precious birds are amazing...They do look as though they are praying and one was looking right into your camera.....



Ann said...

lovely photographs!!!
such pretty birds!!
sounds like you had a simply wonderful Easter Day!!!

Shug said...

I think that it such a sweet title that you gave to the "Let us Pray" photo. so cute!! It's been a gorgeous day here, so hopefully Double D will be able to enjoy his time in Dallas. Rain is suppose to be coming in tomorrow.
Enjoy your week

Unknown said...

Beautiful shots, Gail! I love the "let us pray"!

Barbara said...

These are great captures! They are so bright and cheerful, and you cracked me up with that second photo. I hope we get to see your portrait photos! I won't be surprised they're great - you already take great portraits of these birds!

Evelyn S. said...

Darn! I wish I could figure out how to place my feeders so I can photograph the birds! I do love these little yellow fellas....year-round.

Brian King said...

Wonderful photos! Love the color and the catch light! Ours are starting to brighten up, but they're not quite this colorful.

renae said...

Oh Gail, does that mean you won't be posting all week? Dang I missed you. That's what I get for a vaca I guess. Hope you have a great time. Travel safely. I am heading to bed. Hey, I did a post titled "mellow yellow" lately didn't I? hahahahahahaha

mick said...

Great photos of the Goldfinches. They are beautiful birds.

Stewart M said...

Very nice pictures - must be great to have these as yardbirds.

I dont post too many pictures of my own kids for much the same reason as you - I think they need to be able to say "yes" or "no" to such huge publicity! (bit of self deprecation there!)

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

EG CameraGirl said...

Goldfinches are sooo pretty when they are wearing their breeding feathers. We have goldfinches year round so it has never occurred to me that some migrate. I love what I learn on blogs!

Jaime Clark said...

Such pretty birds and your pictures do them justice - each is beautifully composed.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love their colors! They are so pretty and you have captured them quite well as always! Glad you had a marvelous Easter weekend. Sending big hugs your way.

colleen said...

Beautiful. They match my daffodil shots. http://www.looseleafnotes.com/2013/04/the-thrill-of-daffodil-the-poetry-of-tea/

Laura said...

what a delightful series!

Donna said...

Lovely goldfinches...snowing again here to add to all the snow we have had.

Starla said...

What gorgeous colors these little birds flaunt!! You captured them wonderfully!

Tina said...

Sounds like you had a great time at the cook out.
Great shots of the goldfinches.
Hope Double D was successful in his Dallas endeavour :)

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous and graceful bird shots.