Snail Kite

[Bill Dix]

This was at the top of my target list on our trip to Florida, so I was thrilled when we found a location with a cooperative subject. (Thanks, Joe.) I had been trying for some dorsal banking shots at a distance, so I had left the TC on, and when he flew in he more than filled the frame. I had to add canvas and borrow a wing tip from another frame. The zoom, which was back in the car, would have been a better choice. The birds in Florida were scarce at most of the places we visited - the lingering result of the Red Tide and a lot of rain that altered water levels in the marshes - but this guy gave us a good show. Taken just before sunset.

D500, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 1000, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual, Gitzo and Mongoose.

[Isaac Grant]

Very nice Bill. I have only shot these birds once. Bird never came close and just when it did and the light got nice I got kicked out of the place because they close super early. I do wish the bird was a bit more vertical which would have caused less of a shadow on that lower wing but I would be very happy with a frame like this of Snail Kite. And super job with the wing repair.

[Arthur Morris]

Not sure how you could do much better. Right on sun angle, a great pose, and an excellent repair.

with love, artie

[annmpacheco]

Super job Bill, looks marvelous. Processing, wing tip repair, all excellent. When were you or are you now in FL? Gail B and I were also stunned at the "depletion" of birds... perfecto, congrats...

[Chris van Rooyen]

Top notch technicals and impressive repair job. Lovely frame, pretty much perfect!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Extreme capture, Bill. Great detail and love the highlight on his unique beak. Nice look at the reddish eye. Beautifully out stretched wings and fanned tail. Excellent repair.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[John Mack]

Very nice. Sweet light with a sweet pose.

[Jonathan Ashton]

This is a really attention grabbing - wonderful details and colours, beautiful light, the eye and sharp bill so clearly shown. I would not have known you had done any repair work - a really super image.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all for your comments. Ann, we were in Florida from March 21 to 30. I think we missed you and Gail by a few weeks.

[arash_hazeghi]

sweet **** Bill, can't ask for more really

TFS

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Arash.