Do you know that the Goldcrest is the tiniest bird in Europe? Some of you know and I've seen their photos, I also had posts before with images of this super cool birdie. It is very challenging to focus on ever hopping small ball of feathers. Just to give you an idea about its size - between 8,5 and 9,5 cm and weight of 7 g maximum. Now you got the idea and having in mind that Goldcrest loves the conifers, hiding between the branches is making the task of photographing not so easy.
Suprisingly I have a very pleasant encounter not with one, not with two, but with a whole lot of Goldcrests on a tree I least expected to see them. On top of that the day was sunny and the branches low, so I could only stretch my hand and touch the bird.
Usually the Goldcrests arrive in autumn and can be seen troughout the winter. But just single birds or a couple. Probably this lot has just passed and stopped for a big munch before moving on, because the next day they all were gone.
The bird belongs to kinglet family and got its name from the gold crest on top of the head. Males got orange and females yellow stripe.
What did they find on that tree that made them stay so long and let me snap so many photos? My guess is the aphids on the leaves.
If you look carefully, you will see in the next picture that the bird got something in the beak, but hard to tell what exactly.
I couldn't ask for more - the birds posed so nicely.
I am not sure I would have this chance again and I kept on and on shooting.
Look at this beautiful crest.
More Goldcrests were on the pine trees as well. It was exciting day for sure. Got plenty of photos and hope you enjoyed the ones I chose to share today. The Goldcrest is really a beauty.
Wish you a wonderful weekend and happy birding!
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