Snail Kite

[Mike Tracy]

This female let me approach remarkably close while on my boat. When I go in pursuit of them I usually single mindfully look for them either in flight or eating. Figured I would post this if for no other reason that this image portrays their highly specialized upper mandible that enables them to eat their primary diet of apple snails.

I eliminated (not too successfully ? ) a small distracting element lower center

MKIII, EF 500, 1/2000, f/4. ISO 800, hand held

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

THis is a great portrait Mike. Good to see a different image of this species. How did you get that white background?

[David Smith]

Beautiful capture.. Love the colors, the eye contact and the BG. I am amazed how close you got.. They normally fly before I can get anywhere near them.. Was that on Lake Toho..??

Dave

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Mike,

This is fantastic. Love the details in the feathers. I can't wait to see them!!

[Bruce Enns]

This is a fabulous shot Mike, I also love the feather detail and facial details! A couple of nits for me...I would put her just slightly higher in the frame (or take just a bit off the top). The nictitating membrane halfway across the eye causes a couple of distracting distortions.

Cheers!
Bruce

[Arthur Morris]

Love the amazing detail esp. the hooked bill. The sky has a bit of a CYAN cast to it.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

The sky has a bit of a CYAN cast to it.

Ooops. I should have figured out that the BG is in fact sky. :o

[Ramon M. Casares]

I would try to tone down the BG, but the detail here is exceptional! I can even see you en her eye!! Congratulaitons!!