Bird Photo Competition 3 2014 : Entry Number 152

Many bird photos can be lacking in color and the inclusion of a bright image element such as this coneflower would overwhelm the majority of avian subjects. However, the brilliant yellow plumage of this (cutely posed) American Goldfinch holds its own against the equal amounts of orange and pink in the frame. A rich green backdrop completes an unusually vivid bird image.

Thank you so much for selecting my photo! My name is Jessica Kirste and I am a 36 year old photographer from New Jersey, USA. After a visit to the zoo I noticed the many coneflowers in the landscaping when I was getting ready to leave. Being somewhat hidden by the flowers I noticed this goldfinch on the flower that hung off to the side. A few quick shots till he realized I was there and then he was gone! Sometimes you just get lucky! This was shot using a Canon 7D with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. I process my photos using Adobe Camera Raw and Nik Viveza. Thanks again and congrats to all the other photos who won marks of excellence! I consider bird competitions to be one of the toughest so this is a honor.