Challenging Goldcrest

I'd spotted this Goldcrest (the UKs smallest bird) in the garden a few times over the last few days so today I set about trying to photograph it.

I found it a challenge to say the least as the light was very poor. I normally call it a day with the 40D when anything over ISO800 is needed to keep me over 1/400.

At times today I was resigned to max aperture and ISO1600 to even maintain 1/100.

Lots of swearing and lots of duffers but a I've kept a couple from when the bird stayed still enough for me to work within my limits.

Must have taken some doing capturing such a small bird. I thought the Jenny Wren was supposed to be the smallest UK bird

Bazza

Fantastic shots Phil, well done.

As an aside isn't the Firecrest marginally smaller?

Thanks folks.

As for the size - As a kid I always thought the Wren was the smallest but that was probably just becuase somebody told me that. Whilst the Firecrest and Goldcrest are only very slightly shorter than a Wren, they're only half the weight and more slender.

What I can tell you is that a Goldcrest isn't much bigger than the top of my thumb. It weighs 5g (same as 10p) and it's eggs are the size of a pea. LOL

Phil

Very nice .

I have learned something today and never seen one of these before , its a wonder the little chap can fly , even in the slightest breeze it must struggle .

Thanks

These are really really nice Phil!

What a stunning little bird

Beautiful captures of a lovely chunky little bird, I have never seen one before, they are quite fascinating to look at.

cheers Marion

Hi Phil I take my hat off to you mate these are great well done

These are delightful Phil, such a wonderful little bird.

what a stunning shots Phil and lovely bird..well done