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Thread: Snail Kite with Turtle

  1. #1
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    Default Snail Kite with Turtle



    Lake Kissimmee, FL | Nov 29, 2008 | Hand-held from airboat
    Canon 40D | Canon 600mm f4 IS | 1/2000 f5.6| ISO 200 | cropped from horz capture

    Visiting Family in Florida a few weeks ago I only had a few hours for photography. My primary goal was to photograph Snail Kites in the most cost effective and efficient method possible. I started talking to over a dozen local tour leaders offering boat trips into the lakes in Florida which coincide with the extremely limited range of the Snail Kite. Almost all tours used noisy air boats which I was worried to use. I didn't think the birds would tolerate the noise and doubted the most of the leader's ability to distinguish between SEEING a kite and what it takes to make a good PHOTO of a Kite. Others were very expensive. One tour leader, used air boats but also actually seemed to have an excellent working knowledge of local wildlife. He also worked with photographers quite a bit and had even taken film crew of the BBC out to photograph the Kites. When he told me he could put on a male Snail Kite in good light within 4 minutes of me hiring him, I flat out told him I didn't believe it, but had to give it a try. Captain Rob delivered all I was hoping for and then some, netting many over-the-top fantastic Kite shots in under three hours, along with outstanding opportunities at American Bittern, Limpkin, Bald Eagle, Purple Gallinule, herons, egrets, etc.
    Last edited by James Shadle; 12-29-2008 at 12:36 PM. Reason: Advertising

  2. #2
    Axel Hildebrandt
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    Very cool wing position, details and the catch adds to it. It looks as if you had a great time there. I might make the catchlight a bit smaller and find the dark spot in the lower right a bit distracting. I hope to see more images of your trip.

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    Lifetime Member Doug Brown's Avatar
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    Cool to find one feeding on a turtle. Like the wing position and the sharp talon. Another vote for removing the dark area in the RLC.
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    Tony House
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    Great pose and nice light, agree about the dark area but this is a superb piece of work. Look forward to viewing more.

    Tony

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    BPN Member Tony Whitehead's Avatar
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    Good job, Mathew. An operator who understands photographers needs is a huge advantage - thanks for sharing your story and image. I love teh pose with the one raised foot. Wondering if the underwing area could stand a little more sharpening.
    Tony Whitehead
    Visit my blog at WildLight Photography for latest news and images.

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    Matthew:

    I was just out shooting Snail kites this weekend.

    This is a terrific shot. It is a hard bird for the AF system to focus on. Maybe flying into the frame but no real complaints here.

    Cheers
    Gavin

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