Lesser Redpoll

 

The Lesser Redpoll is a small finch which is recognised by the red patch on the front of the crown, although juveniles might not have the red patch.  They have a yellowish conical bill with a black bib.  In the breeding seasons, the male may have a pinkish flush to his breast.  

This photo was taken through my kitchen window.  The late spring leaves on the acer provide a colourful backdrop.  I was lucky the bird landed and remained on the perch I had tied to a feeding station.  Unfortunately, I was limited in the composition because a blue caravan nest box on my shed was to the right of where the bird landed.  I used my typical 'bird perched in garden' settings of 1/1000 shutter with aperture of f5.6 with auto ISO (500) using my 100-400mm lens at 400mm.