Picture Of The Week 07-12-10

Where: Richmond, VA • Brook Road

Notes: When I first saw this bird perched in the tall pine behind the shopping center, I assumed it was one of the adults that occasionally sits in that very same tree (SEE: www.iphotobirds.com/WeeklyPhotos2010/05-31-10.html). But much to my surprise this bird turned out to be an immature Red-tail. This excited me because it most likely meant that it was a successful fledgling from the nearby nest. It sat fairly still for a little while, but eventually turned and faced my direction. It called a few times as if it were seeking the attention of one of it's parents. With no answer to its call, it turned its attention to movement on the ground, perhaps a lizard in the grass below. Suddenly it leaped from the tree, half opened its wings, and dove to the ground just in front of me. It grasped and poked at the ground, but I never could confirm that it actually caught anything. This seemed to be more of a youthful practice instead of an actual hunting attempt.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 800mm FD Prime L Series Lens • Manfroto Tripod • FD to EOS Converter

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/1600 second • Aperture = f 8 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: Manual • Lens (Focal) Length = 800 mm • ISO = 250 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~75 Feet • Date Shot: 07-15-10

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