Picture Of The Week 07-05-10

Female

Where: Richmond, VA • Glidewell Rd.

Notes: The birds in my neighborhood have had thirty plus years to adapt to the urban environment. Over the years, dozens of generations of birds have come and gone. With time, has come the tolerance of the people, cars, noise, pets and houses. When birds, such as this Eastern Bluebird make their way onto the grid, I begin to understand how adaptability is essential to survival for many species. Most animals struggle today because they are not able to adjust fast enough, as we steadily and rapidly change the face of the planet. Temperatures continue to rise, habitat is destroyed and the invasion of exotic plants and animals surmount their tolls on the world. Bluebirds are especially susceptible to population stress because of nesting site competition with avian invaders, such as the European Starling and House Sparrow. Starlings can be stopped at the bird box entrance hole with a small enough diameter doorway (1 1/2"). The Bluebird will fit, but the Starlings won't. The smaller House Sparrow will actually attack and kill a Bluebird in the box! I have experienced this twice in my own yard. These can be deterred by drilling a sunroof-like three inch hole in the roof of the bird box. Then cover the opening with a piece of wire screen. This makes the box less attractive to the invasive Sparrows, yet the Bluebirds will still use it. Some animals have made the transition to an urban landscape well, but most have vanished from the terrain all together. Some species have even found the lack of natural predators a cause for overpopulation. Nature is truly a balancing act. In the mean while, I will enjoy these wonderful birds as they attempt to raise another brood. I try to do what I can, by providing housing, food, water and habitat in my urban backyard.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • 1.4X Converter • Manfroto Tripod • 3' Shutter Release Cable

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/250 second • Aperture = f 7.1 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~12 Feet • Date Shot: 06-30-10

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