I was driving around the Anahuac NWR when I came up on this White-Tailed Kite. He had just finished dining (blood on fence post). He was very cooperative and just sat there while I took all the photos I wanted. I was so excited by this opportunity and was fumbling around trying to get the lens pointed in his direction. I forgot to turn off the engine consequently I ended up with many soft photos. This is probably the best of the lot.
Heavy overcast skies
Canon 20D
600mm + 1.4 tc
f /5.6
1/1000 - 0ev
ISO 400
What a sweet cooperative bird !!!! Glad you came out with a nice image Good exp and composition Would go tighter to show off the bird and take the sticks from around hid head I like it a lot !!! Would keep both versions Each has its own appeal !!!!
These are really attractive birds, I think. You got a nice photo of him, despite the running car engine. (I learned that lesson thehard way too,lol! Several deer directly in front of me, just standing there looking at me; low light, every image blurred beyond salvaging....) Agree with removing the branch above his head, and also the one intruding from the left side. I can see quite a bit of noise in the background.
Thank you both,
Alfred I wanted to remove some of the twigs but not having the PS skills I decided to level well enough alone. I like what you've done. Anita, I started carrying a make do beanbag (small pillow) after that incident.
Shooting a 600 + 1.4 tc I tend to shoot for maximum image in frame, not in this case, leaving very little for creative cropping.
White-Tailed Kite
