Yesterday I traveled with my photography mentor Cindy Dyer to McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in nearby Poolesville, Maryland to check out the large fields of sunflowers that are planted there each year. We just missed the peak blooming period and many of the sunflowers were drooping and seemed a little wilted. Cindy, who has visited this area multiple times, noted that the sunflowers were not as tall or as dense as in previous years.
Several American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) that I observed in the fields, however, were definitely not disappointed—they were gorging themselves on sunflower seeds. The goldfinches were pretty skittish, but occasionally were distracted enough when feeding that I was able to get some shots, despite the fact that I was shooting with my 180mm macro lens.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It’s always a treat to see goldfinches in their bright colors. They come here in the winter, but they’re rather drab at that point in their yearly cycle. Every now and then we see one beginning to change, but not often. Your photos made me smile.
That canary yellow is awesome at this time of the year. I used to drive a car that was almost that color. It’s such a sunny, cheerful color that always makes me smile too.
Our sunflowers are in full bloom at the moment, however, we have not had any rain for a few weeks and they are starting to suffer. This year the hybrid that they have sown is attracting more bees. I have not watched out for the birds on the drying stalks ever. We do glean the missed heads for our garden birds though after the harvest. Amelia
Wonderful, Mike. Love the Goldfinches.
What a perfect combo. Great photos.
Thanks so much. The bright colors of the birds and the sunflowers make for cheery images.
Beautiful, yellow is my favorite color
Thanks, Robert.
You’re welcome, Mike 🙂