Black-shouldered Kite after lunch

[Ian Wilson]

Endemic to Australia and widely distributed. This is an immature bird with yellow iris. Adults have a striking red iris and grey back. The bird was sitting on a sign-post and allowed me to approach to about 15 m.

Canon 5DIII + 600 mm f/4L II + 1.4x III extender, hand-held.
Manual, spot metering, spot AF, f/7.1, 1/2500 sec, ISO 500.
Processed with DPP4 and PS Elements.

Thanks for looking, critical feedback welcome.
Ian

[William Dickson]

This is ONE killer shot Ian. The details are fantastic and pin sharp. Fantastic eyes, I really don't think you could have made this image any better. To get this close to the bird must have been a great feeling. Very well done and thanks for sharing this

[keith mitchell]

Ian I don't think you are far from perfection with this.

Keith.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Beautiful bird, nicely shown. Very clear feather detail, the colors and exposure appear spot on, complimentary blue background... lovely image. Thank you for sharing.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the sharpness, details, composition and blood on the feathers add to the image. Great job on getting close to this beautiful bird Ian.

[Luis Patacao]

Beautiful, killer expression and great detail.

[mohammad reza shahab]

great feathers details and composition.l like the BG colors.

[Binu John]

Superb close-up portrait shot, Ian! Excellent exposure and feather details. TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the closeup details but overall a bit too large in the frame for me...wish the sun was behind you

[Ian Wilson]

Thanks everyone for your generous feedback on this image - much appreciated. Regards, Ian.