Picture Of The Week 09-21-09

Black Skimmer
(Rynchops niger)

Where: Chincoteague, VA • Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Notes: This shorebird continues to be one of my favorites of them all. There is something about the unique adaptation of this species' style of capturing fish for food that is impressive. This bird was "skimming" along the causeway at Chincoteague's Swan Lake late that morning. It would often continue its hunt several yards well into the roadside ditch at the corner of the lake. It drug its long lower mandible in the water as it blazed just over the water's surface with its shallow wingbeat. Then, it would bank its wings, returning to the main lake for another pass. Its flight position as it turned displayed the beauty of its white trim, jet black covering and out-reaching wingspan.

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

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/2500 second • Aperture = f 7.1 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~35 Feet • Date Shot: 09-05-09

©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: Black Skimmer (No. 7337)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: BLSK(IMG_7337)8X10 . . . $39.95

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