Picture Of The Week 04-02-12

Where: Christmas, FL • Orlando Wetlands Park

Notes: This image was captured as the afternoon light cooled and softened at the end of our second day of visiting Orlando Wetlands Park. We had decided to sit quietly along the dike road and wait for the birds to either fly by or come out of hiding around us. Out over the vast marshland, this Ibis flew by us, then eventually turned and headed towards a small patch of open water just a few hundred feet down the road. A couple of Blue-winged Teal and a Common Moorhen were already in the marshy corner where this two foot long wader landed. Approaching the group without disturbing them, was easier than I expected. Perhaps they were use to humans walking along the pathways? What ever the case, I was sure glad this "Glossy" had landed in such favorable light. The sheen off of its iridescent wing coverts and secondary feathers was amazing. The lush green background and rippling water also add a nice contrast to this overall maroon colored bird.

Equipment: Canon EOS 20D • Canon 400mm f-5.6 Prime USM L Series Lens • Hand Held

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/200 second • Aperture = f 7.1 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 200 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~25 Feet • Date Shot: 03-14-12

©2012 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.