In its Natural Environment

I so often take photographs of goldfinches using our bird feeders in the garden, it was a pleasure to see one collecting seeds in its natural environment, amongst the rape seed plants in a local field.

The day started sunny and bright, so I walked down to the local nature reserve with the 200-500mm lens.  I managed to make a couple of images I liked (see extras); something I've been struggling with in recent times.  I'm sure it is the quality of light that inspires me and although the light wasn't that special for the main image, I still chose it as it was something different for me.

When I got home I was sitting in the conservatory when there was a 'thump' at the window.  The cat immediately sprang to life, jumping up onto the window sill.  I had a good idea what it might be and sure enough a fledgling goldfinch was lying on the patio, clearly shocked by the suddenness of its flight ending.

I couldn't leave it there, if only because the patio was frequented by a number of local cats, so I went out and picked it up (see extra) and placed it out of the way in the hope it might recover.  Sadly it expired soon after.