Black Shouldered Kite

[Frank Mancini]

I'm new to the site - this is my first post. A Black Shouldered Kite. I go birding every weekend, and this one was taken not far from my home. I was walking along a stretch of river looking out for Osprey when I noticed this little fellow in a tree. I inched my way closer to him - it took 15 minutes for me to move ten metres. The patience was worth it. He let me get close enough for a decent crop. The head angle doesn't show the eye to best effect. I have lots with a great eye, but I liked this one because he cave me a big yawn:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frankman6148/Birds%202/DSC06922copy.jpg

EXIF:
Camera Maker: SONY
Camera Model: DSLR-A700
Image Date: 2010:03:06 09:44:34
Focal Length: 420.0mm (35mm equivalent: 630mm)
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0008 s (1/1250)
ISO equiv: 320
Exposure Bias: +0.30
Metering Mode: Center Weight
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No
Color Space: sRGB
Caption: SONY DSC


Hope you like it, Frank

[D. Robert Franz]

A really nice image here.. A fine looking subject.. I might clone out some of the OOF branches coming in the bottom of the frame.

[Arthur Morris]

Welcome Frank. You did quite well despite the harsh light. And yes, it would be great to get rid of those bottom branches. Some flash could have helped to open up the dark eye socket. I love the yawn :)

[Frank Mancini]

Thanks guys. Yes, the dark eye socket does detract, but as I mentioned, it was an unusual reaction, so despite the technical flaws, it made me smile.

Cheers, Frank

[Luis Villablanca]

Welcome Frank.
That's a very fine image. I like pose of the bird and the perch it's standing on.
I look forward to seeing more of your work at BPN.

[Frank Mancini]

Thanks Luis - nice to catch up with you on the site.

Cheers, Frank