Swallowtail Kite Pre-migratory Roost

[Layton E Parham]

Approximately 150 Kites are gathered for their annual migration to South America. Soon the roost will swell to over 500 birds. Departure is usually by Mid August. Canon 1D Mark IV, 500F4 L Is, 1.4 tele. F9 at 1/1000sec, Iso 400, Manual Mode. Hand Held from a Boat.

[Don Lacy]

Hi Layton, Nice symmetry through out the image and very cool to see all the kites at once.

[dankearl]

Nice scene and nice to get so many with nice angles. Well done.

[Alan Murphy]

What a dream shot.

[Gillie Bengough]

Wonderful capture; I only see them soaring above me, never roosting.

[laurie golden]

What a great opportunity. These are beautiful birds.

[PhilCook]

Certainly not something you could see very often, beautiful looking birds and I don't think I've ever seen any more than two Kites at any one time. I dont think the Kites here migrate at all

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent image.Very nice to see so many at one place,which is rare.Wonderful composition.Loved the beautiful symmetry (as said by Don Lacy) and nice sky BG.

[Sanjeevprakash]

Hi Layton.This image is Nicely composed. Haven't seen so many kites on a single tree. If this shot was mine I would have warmed the WB a tad. TFS

[Mike Tracy]

What a special find. Im glad you got to witness so many in one location. Ive literally driven 1,000 miles this year canvassing central florida for roosting kites only to come up with very little to show for my time. Seems i am always a day late.

[Layton E Parham]

Mike, the only access is by boat, the Kites chose well. Totally surrounded by water.

[Layton E Parham]

Mike, Check these Kite Pictures out.
http://www.laytonparhamphoto.com/p190079437

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely exposure and light, Layton. Good poses and I like the vegetation on the bottom. If you have it, I would consider a tad more space on top and left.

[Layton E Parham]

Thank You, Marina, I will ad a little canvas. It is full frame.