Picture Of The Week 07-13-09

Cattle Egret
(Bubulcus ibis)

Where: Chincoteague, VA • Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Notes: I am always excited to photograph a new species and equally driven when I have the opportunity to capture improved images that ones previously taken. This spring plumage bird was strutting along the grassy edges of the thicket looking for grasshoppers and seemed undisturbed by my vehicle passing by. This species has the unique distinction from other North American egrets and heron by favoring open grasslands, fields and lawns. It associates with livestock, which is where it gets its name from. Its prey is primarily insects disturbed by the animal's grazing activity. Its peach colored head and belly patched are distinctive of its breeding plumage.

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

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/8000 second • Aperture = f 7.1 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 260 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~20 Feet • Date Shot: 04-04-09

©2009 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.

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PRINT: Cattle Egret (No. 1487)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: CAEG(IMG_1487)8X10 . . . $39.95

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