Picture Of The Week 02-13-12

Where: Brevard County, FL • Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Notes: The spoonbill is a strange but amazing bird. At first sighting, I was taken by the beauty of these pink, heron-sized birds. Early that morning we spotted a small flock of these at a distance across the lake from our position on Merritt Island's wildlife loop. This was a life bird for me. Later, about mid-day, we stopped and set up chairs for a quick "out-of-the-cooler" lunch. Within view was a single Redish Egret and a "Rosy" sleeping on one leg with its head resting on its back. Just about the time we got a first bite of sandwich, the spoonbill became alert and started chasing minnows around right in front of us! The spoon-shaped bill allows them to sift easily through mud. They feed on crustaceans, aquatic insects, frogs, newts and very small fish ignored by larger waders. The Redish Egret joined in the chase. We plopped down our meal and grabbed the cameras.

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

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/8000 second • Aperture = f 5.6 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~35 Feet • Date Shot: 12-28-11 Size: Full Exif

©2011 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.