Thursday, May 26, 2016

Pic of the Day

Trumpeter Swan, Cygnus buccinator:  Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio 
(taken during "The Biggest Week in American")
     When I arrived at Magee Marsh the temperature was in the 40's and cold.   There were a few warblers along the boardwalk, but the sky was overcast and the light dim; photography was quite difficult.
     After a few hours on the boardwalk I drove next door to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to check out the Trumpeter Swans.  Many people are surprised to discover that Trumpeter Swans nest at Ottawa.  Trumpeters are native to Ohio but were considered extripated by 1900.  In 1996 trumpeters were brought back to the state and are now considered a threatened species.  I always find a couple of pair near the refuge entrance along Ohio, State Road 2.  On the particular day I shot this image, I was fortunate to find a pair right beside the wildlife drive.  This particular bird had it long neck wrapped around its body with its bill tucked under a wing sleeping.  The composition and detail in the body feathers made it impossible to pass up the shot.
     Just in case you're wondering, Trumpeter Swans do have snow white plumage. The red coloration on the head and neck of this bird, is due to digging for food in the marshes muddy bottom.  By the way, I particularly like the feathers on the eyelid of this swan when its eyes are closed.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/125th second @ f/10

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