Kite Threat Display

[John Cooper]

Many thanks for all the comments on my series of Whistling Kite/Black Falcon images.

Thanks Randy re tip for reducing luminosity > mutiply with opacity at 12%. I have applied this to the current image.
Because of a water-pump station in the BG I was forced to move the hide so that the sun was coming in at a 45 degree angle from the left. The only reason I can offer for the harsh light on all of these sunlit images.

Yes Daniel I did bait the perch using chicken frames (From the local pet store) for about 2 weeks before the kite showed interest. The guy in the pet store commented one day that I must have the best fed dog in town

The Kite here is seen in threat display trying to ward off 3 other kites challenging it for the tucker.


EOS 7D, 100-400mmlens, 1/1250 sec at f8, ISO 500, natural light, tripod with Jobu Gimal-head, Hide (I needed to be seen into the hide for this Raptor).

[keith mitchell]

John have really enjoyed this series of yours, bet your very pleased with how it as worked out.Take your point re the harsh light but you have still finished with a really good image.

Cheers Keith.

[Binu John]

Another sweet shot from the series! Excellent pose, perch and BG. Well done!

[Walker Noe]

Looks great, awesome exposure in the difficult conditions.

[William Dickson]

Another great image John. Been good looking at these kites Well done

[Randy Stout]

John:

Great pose, dynamic, nice wing spread, crying posture. Highlights under better control.

Still a fair amount of noise in background, esp upper. High contrast makes the details a bit harsh.

Slight green cast to the bird, at least on my monitor.

Cheers

Randy

[arash_hazeghi]

pose is fantastic but I agree with Randy IQ has suffered quite a bit from harsh light, too much contrast and noise

TFS

[Miguel Palaviccini]

What a great opportunity you have here. If you can get back there and get some more shots, you are sure to improve on this series!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi John, I like this aggressive pose with the open beak and semi spread wings. Comp wise, I wouldnt mind seeing a bit more space either side. If you dont have it, and in in your ethics, adding canvas would be quite easy with that BG. Before reading Randy's comment, I too see a visible green cast.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Terrific pose and nice perch. You got some good advice already.

Wonder if there is a way you can physically hide the chicken from the perch. perhaps directly underneath but high enough that they would perch before coming down? Just a thought.