As I stepped out of the car at a parking lot on the west side of Lake Hefner I spotted a pair of House Finches feeding on tall grass. The sun was due to set in an hour and behind me; and distance of subject to background was enough to reduce interference to a minimum. I took several photos aiming to find the pair in a suitable complimentary pose, but found only one of them to be cooperative during several bursts at 20/sec. Their history of being a domestic bird imported to the east coast in the 1800s and escaping is interesting in that they made their way to Oklahoma!
Post-processing involved some minimal tonal adjustments and on the crop I went tight but preserved some information on the bird's choice of feeding or "menu".
My settings were f/9.0,1/2000th sec, ISO 800 at 500mm with an RF 100-500 lens.
8 comments posted
Tom Buckard
(Groups 21 & 42 & 71)
Piers, this is an excellent example of a Red Crossbill. The crop is well balanced, and the background is clean and non-distracting. The composition is excellent, and all the technical aspects are outstanding. A beautifully executed image. Posted: 10/08/2026 11:25:28
Piers Blackett
Thanks for your comments. I has considered it to be a Red Crossbill but did not see any crossing of the bill as shown on ebird explore. Attached is a more anterior view at the same shoot. Posted: 10/08/2026 20:40:58
Tom Buckard
(Groups 21 & 42 & 71)
All part of the finch family I think. Great catch Piers. Posted: 10/08/2026 22:04:15
Martin Newland
Wow!
Your investment in the RF 100 -500mm lens has been paid back in spades. At 500mm focal length, the feathers of the bird are tack sharp. Brilliant.
Piers, you have caught this shot beautifully. Well done and I am sure it will do well if you show it as a competition photo in any Nature competition.
Regardless, print it, frame it and put it on the wall!
Posted: 10/10/2026 02:16:37
Karen Botvin
Wow, Piers, great detail and focus that's tack sharp right where it needs to be...and complete with the catch light in the Birds Eye. As Martin has said, a real winner! Posted: 10/11/2026 19:10:03
Jim Wulpi
Piers, you've created an outstanding image of this Crossbill. Seeing your original image, I knew the background would be a wonderful blur with the foreground tack sharp. it's a WOW
New lens I gather? It's a winner. Posted: 10/21/2026 17:10:47
Stanley Cheong
A Excellent nature photograply, A finch perches lightly on a grass stem to feed on grass seeds. Soft warm light brings out its brilliant red head and breast. With your careful cropping, the blurred background draws all attention to the bird's lively expression.
Haha, I'm applying for PSA Recognition for next year's international salon. One of the sections is ND. You're welcome to submit your wonderful images when entries open!
Posted: 10/22/2026 13:30:09
Piers Blackett
Thanks Stanley. I will watch for PSA's annonuncements. Posted: 10/22/2026 20:02:47
