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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.
White-Tailed Kite
digishooter

White-Tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)

Had spent the entire day in just one location; a spot favored by the Belted Kingfisher. The light this day was truely dreadful. Hazy, intermitent clouds: constantly adjusting the white balance. Several images of my target bird had been taken (along with some unexpected visits from birds not anticipated) and the hours had got passed me. That happens when out with camera; the waiting does not seem to matter; just peaceful. Descided it was time to pack it in; loaded my pack, strapped on my back and walked into a road-cut when this movement demanded my attention. It came soaring gracefuly directly to a snag; there was no doubt that it would land. A kite settled on to a branch. Getting home is going to take a bit longer...another opportunity is here that can not be missed.
Habitat
Estuary / Marsh
Location
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: Orange Co., CA., USA
Date taken
March 2007
Scientific name
Elanus leucurus
Equipment used
Canon 20 D: EF 500 IS L @ f 4.0 + 1.4 T/C (effective focal length 700mm) : 1/800 @ f 7.1 : ISO 200 : white bal 5300 K : ambient light : monopod
Nice shot. I can never get close enough or high enough to get a shot at the kites. I've noticed one perching on the fence facing PCH near Warner - right where the female kestrel likes to perch - but not so regularly.
 
Hi, Adrian. Yes, they most certianly do. In fact that is the dominant way they hunt. I have seen them hover for long periods of time; sometimes they even move sideways to get a paralax shift.
 
Wonderful capture Digishooter, the soft lighting really brings out the detail
 
Beautiful capture of an impressive bird. Isn't that the truth that time passes at an amazing rate when one is observing and photographing birds. I'll tell myself only an hour or two and the next thing I know the entire day has gone by. And isn't that the way that you pack up and are ready to head for home and up pops a not to be missed photo opportunity. Glad you stayed for this one.
 
Dead right always take the opportunities as it may never happen again. Cheers mate a great shot and a great experience. Cheers
 

Media information

Category
North America
Added by
digishooter
Date added
View count
235
Comment count
11

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