Picture Of The Week 07-22-10

Where: Richmond, VA • Glidewell Rd.

Notes: Ever since I first photographed a Brown Thrasher's nest in my neighbor's side-ward a few years ago, this has become one of my favorite yardbirds. The hours of observation spent, gave me a familiarity with this species that I never would have gotten from occasional encounters while field-birding. When I designed the landscape at my residence, I was sure to include a space for a brush pile in the back corner of the lot behind some well placed shrubs. This gives me a place to dispose of fallen tree branches and pulled weeds, without filling up the county landfill. As the pile grows, it offers shelter and food to many such animals. As the leaves, weeds and branches decompose, it offers housing for insects and worms. They in turn, become food for the yardbirds. I believe this has a lot to do with the presence of this species in my yard. It has been a regular visitor ever since I started stacking yard debris along the back fencing. I love seeing this bird, almost daily, at its regular visits to the water feature.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 400mm f 5.6 Prime L Series Lens • Manfroto Tripod • Wireless Shutter Release Cable

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/200 second • Aperture = f 8 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: Manual • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 640 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~12 Feet • Date Shot: 04-15-10

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