The setting is my orchard MS and the lens was the Sigma 70-200mm. the camera was about 8 ft away, thats got you guessing. Out of interest before we had the bird feeders we never had ever seen a Goldfinch let alone the approx 26 different varieties of birds. So its no bird feeders
and no birds or bird feeders and plenty of birds.

Bazza

Nice capture, apart from ISO as you have already mentioned i like it, although would have liked a little bit more movement so it gives you a sense of feeding frenzy that goes on at feeders.

The blurred out branch in the background looks like a huge bird about to come and crash the feeder party!!

Sam the whole idea was to "freeze" the birds in flight which shows off the wing span shape and colour, it is far far easier to get a blur of wing movement but that means a slower shutter speed resulting in everything getting blurred even the birds body. On thing Nikon does well is the high shutter speed of 1/8000sec which is double most other cameras.

Bazza

Ummm I don't think so. Canon all have 1/8000 except 100D & 450D (1/4000)

Nikon all have 1/8000 except D90 & D80 & D40.

So as far as Canon are concerned your statement is incorrect.

OOOOPs **&&$$ I've started a Nikon v Canon war now

Steve

No... the easier way to photograph birds is to chuck the camera on a high shutter speed and high ISO and freeze them in flight... the harder thing to do is to have a bit of movement blur on the wings and keep the birds body in focus.

I said it was what i would have liked to see... it is a personal opinion. I just like to see motion in shots.

I would like to see birds in a more natural setting. I know the feeding station is the obvious snapping point - but perhaps some 'natural' perches close to the feeding area or some food scattered on the floor may provide those more natural opportunities.

IMO, birds on a feeder station is an easy option and removes the character of the bird in it's natural environment.

On a plus, I like the fact you have captured some action and a squabble going on. These snaps would benefit from a little PP too to lift the shadows and add some contrast, finally a little sharpening.