Picture Of The Week 04-06-09

Tree Swallows
(Tachycineta bicolor)

Where: Chincoteague, VA • Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Notes: As spring continues to arrive, so do more of our warm season birds. These six inch long swallows winter farther north than any other American swallow species and they return to their breeding range long before other swallows do. In the winter months they congregate in large flocks and then break out into pairs as the nesting season arrives. Light direction is particularly important when photographing this bird in order to show off their iridescent emerald feathers. Capturing two birds in one image is additionally challenging to catch both in good position and to get that little twinkle in each bird's eye.

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

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/500 second • Aperture = f 11.6 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 375 mm • ISO = 200 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~20 Feet • Date Shot: 04-05-09

©2009 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.

PRINT: Tree Swallows (No. 1745)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: TRSW(IMG_1745)8X10 . . . $39.95

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