David- yes, it is a finch. Checked out that Gouldian, eye candy!
Marc(hello) and Thanasis- I use Canon Rebel XT. In your countries, this might be called Canon 350D.
Lens- Canon's 100-400mmL with IS. Have not used Image Stabilizer since October. Might not be for me.
Natural light, handheld.
Joanne- that was a pile of snow that was salted. Birds came down and spent about a minute getting a sodium fix.
Kim- hello, thanks for the first post, and big thanks for the link on viewing pinnipeds.