Picture Of The Week 08-16-10

Where: Richmond, VA • Wetland Section of James River Park System

Notes: Earlier this year, this Barred Owl sat at the entrance to a cavity in a Sycamore Tree not far from the banks of the James River at Richmond. Glancing down, perhaps it heard a rodent on the ground from its hollow perch or saw movement on the forest floor below. This Medium sized owl measures around eighteen inches in length and has a just under a four foot wing-span. They are known for their occasional daytime activity and rhythmic calls. This owl's diet consists mainly of rodents, but will occasionally take a bird or even a fish, if opportunity presents itself. This species prefers dense woods from Canada, to the eastern United States, and southward into Central America; its range has even begun to spread to the western United States in the past few years. Recent studies show suburban neighborhoods can be ideal habitat for barred owls, scientists found that populations increased faster in suburban settings than in old growth forests. But this advance in their population is usually off-set by collisions with automobiles.

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

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/320 second • Aperture = f 6.3 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~35 Feet • Date Shot: 03-30-10

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