White Tail Kites w/Prey

Gallery: AvianPosted April 17, 2012504 views12 comments

Nikon D4
600MM +1.4 TC
1/1250
F/8
ISO 640
Metering Spot
Exposure Mode Manual
White Balance Man/Sunny
RAW
Tripod w/Wimberly head
Cropped 34%

This image was taken just a few days ago before a storm came through Southern California and dropped torrential rain and high winds. This nesting pair of kites had their nest and eggs completely destroyed during that storm last Friday and Saturday. Even in Southern California, where there are more white tail kites than anywhere in the US, they are relatively rare making this loss hard. NPN'ers Eric, Skip and Patrick have been shooting this nest location with me over the past several days getting unforgettable images while having a great time capturing images of a bird we all love. White tail kites are my favorite bird and the loss of this nest has us all hoping for them to rebuild in the same tree or at least in the same general location.

We are all grateful for the images we were able to capture and I will share some of those images with all of you in a small series. I am very excited that Sandy in Northern California has found a nesting pair of WTK's and will undoubtedly be sharing some superb captures as well judging by her post today. I'm hoping that Eric, Skip and Patrick will do the same. We do have other nesting pairs nearby but these two gave us quite a show that we won't soon forget. Seeing aerial food exchanges is perhaps the most unforgettable, incredible sight I've seen any bird do and we were witness to dozens right over our heads. We were very fortunate.

This image is the pair sharing a meal. The male is the far bird without the vole. He has just given it his mate. I love the look that he is giving her as she eats. Almost incredulous. Hope you like this one and more to follow. Please see larger image.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Patrick O'Healy on April 17, 2012 at 2:48 AM

David, thank you for the eloquent way you told our Kite story. We are all deeply touched by the loss of the nest and the eggs. Your photo is touching as well. It evokes the deep feelings we have for this pair. The photo is crisp and the lighting is stunning. The male's expression tells a lot. Their nest building and exchanges have been wonderful to behold. We look forward to the unfolding wonderful images you have of these two.

Registered on March 13, 2011, 326 Posts, 1679 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 17, 2012 at 5:18 AM

Another exceptional image of this pair. SO tough to get a good angle and a clear look at the beautiful eyes, but you've done it. The male's look at his mate here is very touching, and the rear view of the vole with legs and tail clear is amazing.
I'm sad about this wonderful pair's loss of nest in the storm and sure hope they persevere and try again.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on April 17, 2012 at 7:30 AM

Wonderful image David, everything about it. Love the expression and the detail of the Kites. The background is great too. Sorry ti hear about the nest. Hopefully they will rebuild. You've posted some wonderful Kite images, I've enjoyed them all. Looking forward to more.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 17, 2012 at 8:37 AM

Losing the nest sucks David. Thanks for telling the story of this pair. BTW, another excellent behavior shot of these two.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on April 17, 2012 at 10:32 AM

Another very nice image of two beautiful birds. The pose, look and action are great. Superb job with the exposure. Sad to hear about the nest and eggs

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 17, 2012 at 11:28 AM

Beautiful image, David. Perfect dof to get them both in excellent focus and great interaction.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 17, 2012 at 12:45 PM

A great shot of a wonderful species. Love the prey and bird interaction in this shot. Sorry to hear about the loss of the nest. Hopefully they will renest.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on April 17, 2012 at 3:44 PM

Another outstanding image of these kites David, and a very touching tribute to the pairs' plight. Hope they're able to renest and I look forward to seeing the images to come. Great work here.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on April 18, 2012 at 3:31 PM

Excellent shot and story David. The eye contact from both kites really makes this image for me and you have to look at the larger image to really appreciate this. Wonderful composition with background, wing spread and how the green makes them stand out. The larger image was a pleasure to view.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on April 19, 2012 at 5:27 PM

This is a beautiful behavior photo, with excellent detail. A nice perch and background. Nature is so un-predictable, I am hoping they rebuild too. Awesome experience with a series of great photos David!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on April 23, 2012 at 9:00 PM

Amazing image David. So sorry to hear that the storm destroyed the nest. Hopefully they will rebuild and you can get some more amazing images.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on August 3, 2012 at 6:14 PM

I really enjoy your work David, this is wonderful.
No nits, very nice!!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments