Black-shouldered Kite

Early morning take-off captured from the parking area upon arrival at Mankwe dam.

1D MKIII
600mm f/4 + 1.4x convertor
ss 1/1250
f/7.1
ISO 800

Gerrie:

Good timing on the launch. Well exposed, soft light.
On my monitor, the eye/head looks just a little soft. Perhaps a little extra USM to perk it up.

Randy

Great light, nice eye contact, and incredible talons. Do agree about some additional sharpening. There's a small spot on the left side of the image just above the bottom of the frame. There appears to be some noise in the feathers between the legs and on the tail feathers.

Gerrie,
I like it a lot. I feel the perch adds nothing and it would be more impressive without it

Thanks for sharing this Gerrie. (useful to know from the parking lot too). All the best to you and your loved ones for Xmas & 2010.

Gerrie:

I actually prefer the perch in the picture, and if you have it, might try a version with a bit more. It completes the story of the launch, at least for me.

Randy

Beautiful light and nice eye contact. I would have gone for a higher shutter speed to get more sharpness?

love those talons Gerrie, good pose light and details..

Thank you for viewing & commenting everyone. It is much appreciated.:)