White-tailed Kite

Gallery: AvianPosted December 13, 2010101 views3 comments

Sunday, I went with two of my photo-buddies to a new location which I have not visited before. San Jacinto Wildlife Refruge is great. We spent the morning shooting re-tails and harriers. After lunch we went back to try and shoot some kites. We found one working an area and we had a devil of a time trying to get close. When I checked some of my shots, I realized that I was shooting a white bird (I am a little slow). I started adding negative compensation until I reached a - 1 2/3 a few frames before this shot. I still had to crop to 30% of original. The White-tailed Kite is the loveliest bird I have photographed. The eyes are captivating.

Comments are appreciated.

12-12-10 3:45 p.m.
Canon 7D
300 2.8L w/ 1.4ext
420mm
Exp Comp -1 2/3
f/5.0
1/5000
ISO 250

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 14, 2010 at 12:16 AM

Beautiful head turn and light in the eyes, Harry. The bird is a bit soft, but it seems to fit the pose that way. Good luck on future excursions-I had one encounter with one of these a few years ago and didn't get anything better than ID shots. I'd love another chance.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on December 14, 2010 at 8:52 AM

I too have found these guys hard to get close to on the rare encounter. I think you have done very well. Nice headturn and well separated from the background. They are a lovely bird.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on December 14, 2010 at 11:22 PM

Love the red eye and nice light coming in. Overall the image appears to be a little soft. Surprising at 1/5000.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments