Picture Of The Week 04-12-10

Where: Richmond, VA • Bryan Park

Notes: Watching one or two birds for long periods of time has brought a renewed appreciation to bird watching for me. Like the joy of watching this fledgling owl taking some of its first precarious wing-spread hops from one branch to another is something I would have missed in my previous mode of "see and move on" style of observation. A practice flight of only a few feet could end up on the ground sixty feet below or leave an owlet hanging upside down wondering what to do next (left). Often the adult owl is nearby, keeping an eye on her adventuresome chicks. Once in a while when the babies were still, I would turn my attention to the other creatures and environment surrounding us. Taking a chair, a few drinks, some snacks and a friend is a great way to do just such a thing when circumstances allow. This was a grand way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon with my partner, some friends and a couple of Great Horned Owls.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 400mm f 5.6 Prime L Series Lens • 1.4X Converter • Manfroto Tripod

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/200 second • Aperture = f 5.6 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 560 mm (400 mm w/ 1.4X converter) • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~70 Feet • Date Shot: 04-11-10

©2010 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.