Winged Death

[Fabs Forns]

Swallow-tailed Kite, magnificent predators that are born killers. Two eggs are laid and the stronger chick (generally the first) invariably kills the second in what is known as obligate siblicide
If you want to read more about that, check this link:

http://www.stanford.edu/group/stanfo...Reduction.html
They fly every year from South America to nest here, from central to south Florida. At the end of the summer, they congregate in a few locations to make the flight home together.
They are very hard to expose because of the range from white to almost black, especially the under wings and tail usually in the shade.
Broward County, on private property.

Nikon D300
500/4 VR
f/6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400

[Keith Carver]

EXP looks excellent on my monitor, Fabs, nice range of whites and very dark eye. The banking angle makes this kite almost move in the image. Thanks for the background info and link, something new for me to learn.

[Arthur Morris]

The dorsal view is killer. EXP and image design right one. The head is soft as a result of the bird having turned its head away. Is the chick a kite from this bird's nest?

[Stu Bowie]

Excellent exposure Fabs, and love both the wingspread, and the forked tail - forms an amazing symetrical shape. Its not great to see things like that, but its nature, and thanks for sharing the story. Agree with Artie, the head could do with some selective sharpening if possible.

[Fabs Forns]

The dorsal view is killer. EXP and image design right one. The head is soft as a result of the bird having turned its head away. Is the chick a kite from this bird's nest?

We think it's a whistling duck chick, judging by the bill more apparent in other views.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the topside view and exposure control. Thanks for sharing the story of this not exactly enjoyable behavior. I only wish for a bit more head turn. This is definitely a species I would love to photograph sometime.

[Octavio Campos Salles]

Very nice flight shot. A little head turn would help, but still the moment is what really counts here and it's perfect.

[Alfred Forns]

Might be my favorite from them all Fabs Love the top side view best of all !!! Big Congrats !!!

[Chris Kotze]

Super flight shot well captured

[Hugh J McLaughlin]

Stunning, Fabs!!!

[Michael Wolf]

Fabs,

It simply does not get better then this. This is the shot we all wanted but
very few did...... you did and your persistence & skills were well rewarded.

[Harold Davis]

sorry guys, but this is the best of the best!! love the top side view. way to go, mom!!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

All in all a fine image Fabs. :) Love the dorsal view myself.

[Bruce Enns]

A stunning image Fabs, The dorsal view and details are fantastic and the exposure is perfect!!

Cheers!
Bruce