Picture Of The Week 09-03-07

Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)

Red-breasted Merganser (female)

Where: Virginia Beach, VA • Sandbridge Beach just North of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Notes: This shot was captured as I followed a pair of these large, thin billed diving ducks along the ocean surf. They continued to fish just behind the breakers as they headed farther up the beach with every dive. Hoping to be close to where they surfaced and while they were both underwater, I would run up the beach for a few yards. Then I'd wade into the water as far as I could stand, and then stand still. The air was chilly and the water even colder, but I waded in to get closer anyway. Occasionally they would pop up only twenty feet or so away. I had to aim, focus and shoot fast with only a few seconds before they would once again submerse. This species of Merganser prefers salt water more so than our other two species. The male (above) is boldly patterned with white and gray sides, black back, white neck, and green head. The female (left) is a soft gray with a buffy brown head and shaggy double crest.

Equipment: Canon EOS D20 • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/250 second • Aperture = f 5.6 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: AI Servo • Lens (Focal) Length = 365 • ISO = 100 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~25 Feet • Date Shot: 04-13-06

©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.

Red-breasted Merganser (No. 7308) - Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: REME(_MG_7308)8X10 . . . $39.95

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