Picture Of The Week 06-23-08

Cliff Swallow
(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

Where: Highland County, VA • Near Blue Grass, VA Notes: This was a highly unusual opportunity to photograph an active Cliff Swallow nest because it was on the front porch of a farm house. It would ne more natural for these birds to suspend a nest like this from a cliff overhang or under a concrete bridge. The nest had been built on top of a previously used Phoebe nest. The rest of the nest was in typical Cliff Swallow fashion with its pottery-bottle like construction made from clay. I could see some residue of clay on their beaks as both adults flew into and out of the nest. This would lead me to suspect they were either maintaining, building or repairing the nest interior somehow.

Equipment: Canon EOS D20 • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • Manfroto Tripod • 3' Shutter Release Cable

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/250 second • Aperture = f 8.0 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 200 mm • ISO = 200 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~7 Feet • Date Shot: 07-25-08

©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.

PRINT: Cliff Swallow at Nest (No. 6723)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: CLSW(_MG_6723)8X10 . . . $39.95

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