Black-shouldered Kites (Elanus axillaris)

[Paddy]

I've been trying to get a good photo of one of the Black-Shouldered Kites nesting by the road into Newstead. Finally succeeded the other day by walking in a ditch, whistling a silly tune and obviously looking more foolish than threatening. Also the bird was so busy holding on in the blustery conditions I think I was of secondary concern.

Canon 500D with EF 100-400mm lens

[Dennis]

Beautiful portrait Patrick! The soft, wispy feathers make this fierce hunter look quite harmless! The eyes, beak and talons look quite intimidating. Quite difficult light conditions from the look of it.:thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[MikeyB]

That's a stunner, Patrick! The billowing, downy feathers versus the fierce, red-eyed glare and the hooked beak and talons: you've captured the eesence of a raptor. The grey/pastel palette gives the shot the feel of a painting, rather than a photo. Magnificent - thank you for sharing it.

[dpastern]

Newstead in qld? Crikey!

Wonderful shot, wow what a raptor!

Dave

[Paddy]

Thanks everyone. I feel very lucky to have captured this image. I think they are one of the most extraordinary birds. Newstead Victoria, Dave. More than halfway between Newstead Qld and Newstead Tas. :D

[troypiggo]

What a beautiful bird and excellent capture of it. Must've been hard with the white against sky.

[StephenM]

Beautiful shot Patrick!

Cheers,
Stephen

[Paddy]

Thanks Stephen and Troy. An overcast sky helped a bit with the contrast, but I was surprised at how well it turned out.

[Tamtarn]

That's a wonderful capture of this fantastic bird Patrick, well spotted and taken.

David.

[Paddy]

Thanks David

[spearo]

Great capture!
well done, how great are these red eyes!
frank

[keni]

Tefrific photos Paddy.
I love those eyes too.
And thank you for helping me identify a bird I took pics of awhile back out near the airport in Brisbane.
I was struggling trying to narrow it down until now.
It's the same bird.

Cheers,
Ken.

[byronpaul]

Patrick,

great shot!!!! How close did you get for this picture?

[Paddy]

Thanks all. Paul, I reckon I was about 5m from the base of the tree and down the mound of an old rail line. The tree is probably 5-6m high at a guess.