Purple Finch in Slumber

Splendid image!

Thank you so much Mau!

Very cute! Super shot!

Thank you for your comments Pat!

A really beautiful shot with very nice details and colours, Phil!

With best regards,

Ruud.

Wonderful to hear from you Ruud!

A few weeks ago I drove up into the Carmel Valley, above Carmel

California to look for birds. I was really excited to come across this

Purple Finch feeding in the distance, and took several quick shots

before I was sure he would flitter away. Then I took a few more, and

a few more. Finally I had enough, so I moved on. When I got back

home to view the photos larger, I saw the reason he was so

cooperative. For my first three shots he had his eyes open. For the

rest of the time, his eyes were closed, apparently sleeping in the

midst of his meal. Also on closer inspection, I noticed from his

features he looked like he was well up in years. Well, us bird

photographers really try hard for the well-lit, in focus, open eye. This

time I didn’t get it.

A lovely capture and wonderful story........... Yes, us "oldies" do like our nano-naps, irrespective of what we are doing at the time (smiles).

Love the background here, isolates the Finch well. Your colour, lighting and definition is spot on and under the circumstances (age related) I forgive you for the lack of eye highlight.

A fine presentation my friend......... well done.

Regards

I think it is a great capture just the way it is, birds do need to sleep sometimes! I love the DOF and the brilliant colour of the Finch stands out so well. Nice work!

As noted by Grayham, a great deal of empathy can be summoned up by some of us.  A good meal, some sunshine, ruffle up our feathers and take a nap ;-)... Excellent... Mike

Dear Phil,

Really nice picture wih lovely background. It really makes you wonder what made this bird choose such an exposed platform for resting. Look at those sharp thorns. There is no room for mistakes!

Best regards Per.

Hi Grayham

Really enjoyed your tongue and cheek comments :-)  I have to agree with your nap theory.  Thanks again for the nice words!

Hi Gail

So nice to hear from you!  Thank you so much.

Hi Mike

Got a good laugh out of your comments as well.  Appreciate your remarks very much!

Hi Per

Yes, the perch looks a bit prickly.  I would agree he needs to show a bit more concern for his safety :-)  Thank you very much!

Beautiful background, great colors, unique situation.  Well done!

Best regards,

Dennis

Thank you very much Dennis!

A bird in prayer! Lovely!

Thank you Tony!

A great image well composed, very good the light , the colours and background, ciao Giangiorgio

 Grazie mille Giangiorgio!

The pastel rendition blends well with the wonderful bird you have captured excellently, Phil. Beautiful!

Thank you for your comments Lester!

I haven't read the other comments, so at the risk of being repetitious here I go. 

I really like the space you have allowed on the side the bird would be looking (if it were awake) The soft pastel tones of the background make for an excellent backdrop. There is also the contrasting sharpness of the spikey thorn compared to the fluffy looking plumage of the bird. (Though you mention he was "well up in years" I wonder if its a young bird the juveniles often look fluffed up like this) In addition to the technical merits, this has the "awwww" cuteness factor which I believe would make it a commercial success. (my wife would love this one) You are consistantly posting very high quality bird images, no easy feat!  I haven't got round to commenting on the latest ones, but I will as soon as I get time.

Sincere Compliments!

Alf

Hi Phil,

Very nice shot, Little cute sleepy bird in front of nice and soft background...

Thank for the detailed comments Alf!  You really took the time to look this one over.  Much appreciated!

Thank you very much Sinh!

Phil, other than it looks as though the bird is savoring the moment, a majority of my impressions have already been mentioned by others. I just want to add that this is an example of a fine, well balanced image. Love the background bokeh texture and tone as well. Kudos-R