Ohio Lake Erie Commission 2011 Photo Contest

Amateur photographers who want to capture images of Lake Erie life can enter the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) 2011 photo contest. Winning images will be displayed as part of a traveling exhibit and in an online photo gallery.

The 2011 “Life on Lake Erie” photo contest is open to amateur photographers, age 18 and older. Photographs taken between July 9, 2010 and July 8, 2011 in and around the Lake Erie watershed can be submitted to the OLEC through July 14, 2011.

Submissions must be the original work of the photographer and can portray sustainable use, development or protection of Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal resources. They can incorporate shoreline landscapes, wildlife, plants or even people enjoying various coastal activities.

Digital photos must be minimum 300 dpi (600 dpi preferred) and in jpg or tif format, sized to 5 x 6. Up to five entries are allowed per household with all photos submitted on a CD. All submissions become the property of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.

To enter and read complete rules visit: lakeerie.ohio.gov

source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Winter Waterfowl Artists

In spite of the cold temperatures, photographers, birdwatchers, and artists are out capturing images of wildlife or just watching waterfowl up close.

The photo captures a male shoveler duck in flight on Assateague Island Virginia. Shovelers feed by swinging their bill from side to side while straining food from the water.

In flight, the pattern of slate-blue, white, and black on their wings is an identifying feature.