Picture Of The Week 10-08-07

Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)

Photographed at Byrd Park, Richmond, VA.

Where: Outer Banks, NC • Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Notes: Having been an avid birdwatcher since the early 1970's, I have learned to identify a lot of different species, both by sight and sound. This becomes confusing after such a long time because the scientific community has found it necessary (?) to change the common names of some species. For instance I know this is a Flicker, but is it a Common, Yellow-shafted or Northern? The answer is yes! If you ask me. But, it is currently the Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted form). This is due to discoveries that some birds we thought were different species, actually turn out to be color variations of one species. The Northern Flicker also comes in a Red-shafted form found in different regions. It is hard to relearn the "old school" names I have known so long, but I try. This photograph was actually taken as this bird flew over the surf on the beach. I was very surprised to see this, but since I was concentrating on Gull and Tern flight shots at the time, I was lucky enough to already have my camera set to capture this event in such an odd location.

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

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/2500 second • Aperture = f 5.6 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: Ai Servo • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~25 Feet • Date Shot: 09-29-07

©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.

Northern Flicker (No. 4459) - Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: NOFL(_MG_4459)8X10 . . . $39.95

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