Picture Of The Week 03-12-07

Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)

Where: Smyrna, DE • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Notes: It is not often that my first thought is to sit motionless and wait for some critter to come along to photograph. I am more likely to consider tromping across a marsh or thicket with camera in hand after a picture, than to sit stationary somewhere. While I often walk for miles scouting for opportunities, this photograph is evidence that being still and waiting can sometimes bring its own rewards. While patiently waiting at the lakes edge for nearby ducks to swim by that morning, this male "Red-wing" landed only a few feet away on a nearby perch and began to sing. It did not notice me sitting nearby and motionless. Excited by its close presence, I wanted to turn and swing up my camera and long lens for a shot! But I knew from experience that I had to move very, very slowly and watch the birds response to my motion, if I was to get a shot. I managed to do so without spooking this eight inch tall beauty. The male of this species can hide the brilliant red shoulders patches or show them off in a dazzling display by flaring them out as this one was doing.

Equipment: Canon EOS D20 • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • 1.4X converter • Manfroto Tripod

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/400 second • Aperture = f 11.0 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Lens (Focal) Length = 560 mm (400 mm w/ 1.4X converter) • ISO = 200 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~15 Feet • Date Shot: 06-28-06

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

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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.

Red-winged Blackbird (No. 8647) - Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: REBL(_MG_8647)8X10 . . . $39.95

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