Picture Of The Week 03-05-07

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Northern Shoveler
(Anas clypeata)


Mallard (for comparison)

Where: Smyrna, DE • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Notes: This dabbling duck closely resembles a Mallard in size and coloration, except for its distinctive three and a half inch long bill with its wide "shovel" shaped tip. This foot and a half long duck uses its specially shaped bill that has over one hundred fine projections along the edges, called lamellae, it uses to strain food from the water. This is another image made possible by anticipating the birds future activity through observation. I had noticed a few times their tendency to want to feed in certain areas along the closest lake edge in the early morning hours. Several of these locations were narrow canals or areas where strips of vegetation formed alleyways near the shore, thus making a natural funnel to keep the birds in fairly close. Then I chose a position where distance and light direction were best and patiently hoped for an opportunity. After a while a couple of drakes (males) made their way over as I had hoped and began straining the water along the inner edge of the natural barrier and I was able to take several shots. The trick at that point was to catch the bird with its unique bils out of the water.

Equipment: Canon EOS D20 • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • 2X converter • Manfroto Tripod

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/250 second • Aperture = f 16 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Lens (Focal) Length = 750 mm (375 mm w/ 2X converter) • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~45 Feet • Date Shot: 12-28-06

©2007 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.

To Order Prints

This photograph is available on archival premium luster photopaper. Quality prints come signed by the artist, matted (white) with backing board and clear protective polypak. Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund. A portion of the proceeds goes to support avian habitat conservation efforts.

Larger sizes can be custom ordered and printed using a high resolution seven color ink process on matte finished photo stock: 12" x 18", 16" x 20", 18" x 24" and 20" x 24' See ADDITIONAL PRINT SIZES for more information.

Northern Shoveler (No. 8811) - Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: NOSH(_MG_8811)8X10 . . . $39.95

Northern Shoveler (No. 8811) - Size: 11" x 14" • Signed Print with 16" x 20" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: NOSH(_MG_8811)11X14 . . . $59.95

Northern Shoveler (No. 8811) - Size: 5" x 7" • 12 Note Cards boxed with 14 Envelopes • S&H Included
Item: NOSH(_MG_8811)5X7NC . . . $29.95

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