Picture Of The Week 01-26-09

Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)

Female

Where: Chincoteague, VA • Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Notes: I am told, "You am right where you are supposed to be, no matter where you are." Encounters like this one assure me how true this is. As my partner Lori and I crossed the bridge into Chincoteague NWR we noticed this bird feeding in the salt water channel right off the side of the road. We circled the round-a-bout and doubled back. She dropped me off on the bridge's walkway, but I couldn't see this diving duck anywhere. Suddenly just in front of me popped up this beautiful male Merganser. Fortunately, I had sufficient light to capture this creature sharply even as it swam up current. I had chosen a slightly higher f-stop to allow more of the picture to be in focus. When photographing around water the auto-focus is often confused by the high contrast in surface reflections, so I compensate when the light allows me to.

Equipment: Canon EOS 20D • 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 = 275 mm • ISO = 100 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~20 Feet • Date Shot: 03-09-08

©2009 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: Red-breasted Merganser (No. 2648)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: RBME(_MG_2648)8X10 . . . $39.95

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