Eurasian bullfinch

The Eurasian bullfinch (pyrrhula pyrrhula) is a brightly colored finch with a bulky body and head. Its beak is rather heavy for a small bird. This male, which was in a group of five or six birds, was quite far away, so I had to crop the image heavily. The finches were eating buds from the trees, which in the past made them unpopular among fruit growers, because they favor certain fruit trees and had a negative effect on fruit harvests. It is not the sharpest of photos, but I like the image and it's pretty hard to get a clear shot of one of these shy birds. As you can see, the bird had noticed my presence already. Your comments are very welcome.

Vincent, among other things, this image demonstrates the efficacy of camouflage. Aside from the orange breast feathers, the rest of the bird's body is monochrome, enabling it to blend in with the branches. Even more interestingly, the curvature of its beak yields the appearance that a branch is furnishing the means to rest. Need I compliment you on your skill with a camera and your feel for nature? (Hardly.) - - M best always, michael

Hi Michael,

 

thank you so much for another friendly and interesting comment. Your remark about the plumage of this bird is even more relevant if you would see the female of this species, that totally blends in with the environment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_bullfinch) and is therefore easy to miss. Thank you for your compliment, well appreciated! Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent, a nice portrait of this little bird with beautiful plumage. In Italy it is called Ciuffolotto and it can be observed in the Alpine areas and the Apennines, it is missing in the major islands such as Sardinia, it is a pity not to be able to observe it, but I thank you for introducing it to us, also with a nice cognitive note, ciao Giangiorgio

Hi Giangiorgio,

 

thank you for your friendly and interesting comments! The ciuffolotto I photographed waited some time to show itself and was aware of my presence, even though I was at least 40 meters away. These are shy birds. Kind regards, Vincent

Lovely bird and shot, Vincent! It seems this bullfinch is looking at you closely. Wonderful volumetric branches pattern adds charm. Beautifully done, Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana

Hi Tatiana,

 

thank you so much for your friendly comments and support, well appreciated! This finch kept its eye on me all the time, while continuously eating away. Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent, this is a very nice capture of a beautiful little bird, and it is no small feat to obtain good focus amongst all of the tree foliage. Well done! Todd

Hi Todd,

 

thank you for your friendly comments! You're right obtaining focus isn't easy in a situation like this one, but it just wasn't what I had hoped for. Next time better luck, I hope. Kind regards, Vincent