Why They're Called Snail Kites

[Doug Brown]

Photographed from Jim Neiger's boat during a recent workshop. He piloted the boat to give us an angle with the fewest weeds around the bird and the best sun angle. I chose not to clean up the beak because it helps demonstrate the feeding behavior.

http://birdwhisperer.smugmug.com/photos/453948248_fnCo3-O.jpg

Canon 50D, 500mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO 400, manual exposure, no flash, hand held from boat

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great angle, details and the snails add to it. I might be tempted to clone out the grass.

[Doug Brown]

I toyed with the idea but it looked too sterile without habitat.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Doug,
I looked at this and thought......really nice with the kite and he had the b***s to include the habitat! I agree with you.......it adds to the scene and makes it seem less sterile.....especially with the feeding on the snails! Just super for my tastes!

[Dave Mills]

This is one fine image...A Snail Kite with snails!!!!shot in beautiful light, great exposure,head position and sharp.
The faint reeds are fine with me since they do give a sense of place without competing with the bird. I love this image!!!

[Ramon M. Casares]

I am trying to get this kind of images of this wonderfull birds for a while but with no results, I think this shot is superb, great moment and wonderfull exposure and ambient/BG, here´s a respot with some levels adjustments. Hope you don´t mind. Congratulaitons!

[Doug Brown]

I think the BG is an improvement, but the bird now looks too contrasty and dark.

[Rene Quenneville]

Beautiful image. I like the repost better. I would also clone the weeds.

[Mike Tracy]

Since I slip my boat on the lake I am keenly aware of their habitat so I would keep the grass. Looks like you found him after the good light and I would de sat. the eye.

Finding one with a snail out in the open is always a bonus.

[Marina Scarr]

As you know by now, these raptors are very difficult to photograph. Since this is a habitat and behavior shot, I would leave the grass in the photograph. I also prefer the repost, as I thought the color on the original was a bit off. If you prefer less contrast, maybe somewhere in the middle of the two. The detail on the apple snail is amazing. Great capture!

[Doug Brown]

Here's my version of a repost along the lines of what Ramon did. Better or worse?

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Doug,
didn't think it could look better.....but I was wrong! Nice re-post!

[Maxis Gamez]

Doug,

Great image. I would tone down the eye. Just a thought

[Mike Tracy]

I like the repost much better but the eye is too vibrant.

[Dave Mills]

Doug...good job on the repost. You made a 4 star image 4 1/2

[John Blumenkamp]

Awesome capture Doug... great to see those snails with this impressive bird!

P.S. I sent you a PM awhile back about your visit to Utah... hopefully we can cross paths and meet-up one day while you're here.

[bill kominsky]

I agree with Ramón on this 100%, stunning, gorgeous, and just plain great.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Great catch Doug!

I particularly prefer your repost but don't like the grass. The reason is simple, is too thin so instead of adding to the picture it distracts, just my opinion.

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi Doug,
Excellent shot! Love the snail and the detail in the bird. The last repost is the one for me. I would wish for a bit more headturn towards the camera and would be interested in seeing this without the grasses. Apart from that excellent!

[Doug Brown]

Here's one last version for anyone still checking the thread. I have removed the grass and desaturated the eye a little. I'm curious which version people like best.

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi Doug,

As could have been expected I like the last post the best and think it is a beauty like that. Nice job on cloning out the grasses!!!

[Mike Tracy]

I think your latest incarnation is the one to go with. I didn't mean to sound like I was harping about the eye. I have been watching these guys for years while fishing and have a sense of their coloration.

Well done.

[Doug Brown]

And this was my first encounter with Snail Kites. I'll defer to your experience Mike.

[Tony House]

I like the last post myself, if the grass had been in the same focus area as the bird I think it would have worked but being in front and out of focus didn't look right to me..

Great capture of a cracking looking bird....

Nice work.
Tony

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Here's one last version for anyone still checking the thread. I have removed the grass and desaturated the eye a little. I'm curious which version people like best.
Now we are in business. :D