Picture Of The Week 08-23-10

Where: Chesterfield County, VA • Henricus Conservation Area

Notes: At almost two feet long, and with a wingspan of about five feet, the Osprey is one of the largest birds of prey in North America, but is slightly smaller than the Bald Eagle. It eats almost exclusively fish, which accounts for about ninty-nine percent of its diet. They are often seen hovering over the water in preperation for a dive as they hunt their aquatic prey. Their long fishing-hook like talons are well adapted for grasping a fish. Ospreys are found on all continents, except Antarctica, making them one of the most wide-ranged bird species in the world. In Virginia, nearly all the breeding population migrates south for the winter, returning in the spring to nest near the waterfront in dead trees or on manmade structures, like channel markers and utility poles.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 400mm Prime f5.6 L Series Lens • Hand Held

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/3200 second • Aperture = f 8 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: AI Servo • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~35 Feet • Date Shot: 06-04-10

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