One more Snail Kite eating of all things a fish. According to Jim Neiger, this is a first for him and certainly for me. Shooting info below:
Camera Model: NIKON D3
Camera serial number: 2001016
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Windows
Owner: Wheeler McDougal Jr.
Date/Time: 2010:03:05 16:151
Copyright: Wheeler McDougal Jr.
Shutter speed: 1/640 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Lens: 200 to 400mm
Focal length: 400mm
Focal length: 400mm (in 35mm film)
Subject distance: 15 m
Image size: 682 x 887
White balance: Fine weather
Color space: sRGB
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Contrast: Normal
This is an interesting image...I also thought they only ate apple snails..apparently not though..I found this online:
Snail Kites have been observed eating other prey items in Florida, including crayfish in the genus Procambarus and Black Crappie. It is believed that Snail Kites turn to these alternatives only when apple snails become scarce, such as during drought,[4] but further study is needed. On 14 May 2007, a birdwatcher photographed a Snail Kite feeding at a Red Swamp Crayfish farm in Clarendon County, South Carolina
Image a little soft, I'd try running it in ACR, see what results you can get with a little sharpening. Its still an interesting image because of the fish..
An interesting behavioral image, Wheeler. Also, interesting info on feeding habits of this species by you and Paul. I would suggest trying to sharpen the image a little more and perhaps toning down the bright areas on the leg and aluminum band. :)
Not a bad behavior shot. Wish the head angle were better. My suggestion would be to tone down the talons and jewelry :) as it really draws attention right to it.
Male Snail Kite
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