Swallow-tailed Kite Fledgling

[Hugh J McLaughlin]

Just 7 days of flying and looking quite confident. Juvies are identified by reddish coloring on the chest, head and by a stubby tail.

For those not familiar with this species, it is highly unusual to get this close to a nesting pair of STKs, so images of fledglings are not very abundant.

Nikon D3, 500mm lens, 1.4X TC 1/4000@f8, ISO 2000. Manual meter +2/3 off of the sky.

Looks as if I forgot to dial back the ISO after the sun came up!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Sharpness looks good, maybe he was a bit nervous considering the cramped claws. :) I would tone down the overexposed highlights and wish the angle were less steep.

[Ramon M. Casares]

I agree with Axel about trying to recover the hot whites, I also wish the other wing to be visible.
Congratulations.

[Rene Quenneville]

Same coments from me. I also whish we could see a portion of the back wing.

[Raymond Barlow]

nice one Hugh, it must be awesome to have a chance with these beauties.

[Stu Bowie]

Its always great to see the youngsters. I agree with a small area of blown whites. Easily recovered in ACR.