Male Snail Kite in a Dive

[David Hemmings]

I have our friend Jim to thank for this image. We were out on Sunday and had a lot of fun shooting these magnificent raptors. These birds have a lot of interesting behaviors . Nesting season has just begun.

Canon 1D MK 11 N / Canon 300 f2.8 IS + 1.4 tc. / 1/1600th @ f7.1 ISO 400 / handheld from boat

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very cool pose, light and details. I might try to crop a bit left and right to emphasize the velocity.

[Jim Poor]

Sweet! I like images of birds in a dive, but don't have much luck with them myself.

There is just enough blur in the wingtips to give a slight sense of motion, which is nice.

I might try to work on brining out some of the detail in the shadow over the bird's left wing, and there is the tiniest of halos around the bird. Most noticeable at the darkest shadow area.

[Jeff Nadler]

David, I love the bird. It that a jet vapor trail vs cloud in background?

[Stephen Stephen]

David nice capture of this male. I didn't realise that Florida snails moved quickly enough to require this type of attack. :D

Seriously though I do like the wing position and the intesity of the stare.

[Alan Murphy]

A killer flight shot David. The slight whisp of cloud in the BG is nice too.

[Robert Amoruso]

A great action image captured at the optimum moment. The sky cropping works well.

[David Hemmings]

David, I love the bird. It that a jet vapor trail vs cloud in background?

Hey Jeff, you are correct, there are vapor trails all over the sky in that area, good eye;)

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

No nits from me,a great flight shot!!!

[Jeff Nadler]

Hey Jeff, you are correct, there are vapor trails all over the sky in that area, good eye;)

We can't complain. Need the airports and jets to get there to take great photos! :)

[Blake Shadle]

Very nice work, David. I like Axel's idea. I think it would add to the great sense of speed!

[David Hemmings]

Very cool pose, light and details. I might try to crop a bit left and right to emphasize the velocity.

Thanks for the suggestion Axel, I see what you mean, it does seem to emphasize the dive a little more dramatically, I think.:)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I really like the composition of the repost!

[Blake Shadle]

I'm feelin' the repost!

[Fabs Forns]

So this is where you were!!!

Been missing your great work glad to see you back in full force. Killer image too :)

[Bill McCrystyn]

WOW, I am amazed at the differance in the crop between the two. What a small change and a big differance. All of a sudden he is really bookin' it. Outstanding shot.