Picture Of The Week 10-27-08

Snow Bunting
(Plectrophenax nivalis)

Where: Kiptopeke, VA • Kiptopeke State Park Notes: After years of birding, the excitement of seeing a "Life Bird" (a species I'd never seen before) does not come often. One of the unforeseen benefits of taking up nature photography for me has been the renewed feeling of discovery that use to come each new sighting. Now I experience a similar unexpected fondness when photographing a new species for the first time, or whenever I improve upon a previous encounter's results. This holds true whether the bird is common or not. This rediscovering of each species gives me a new fondness for our land and all the animals. This Snow Bunting was a rare visitor to Virginia's eastern shore at the southern most point of its wintering range. This six inch member of the Bunting family nests in the high tundra of the far north. This is its non-breeding plumage. This bird was discovered feeding on seed from the grasses surrounding the Kiptopeke State Park's marina area.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • Hand Held

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/400 second • Aperture = f 7.1 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 375 mm • ISO = 800 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~10 Feet • Date Shot: 10-25-08

©2008 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: Snow Bunting (No. 5395)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: SNBU(_MG_5395)8X10 . . . $39.95

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