Chirpy's Vole

Gallery: AvianPosted April 30, 2012252 views9 comments

I've spent so much time with this kite pair, I guess I'll call the male "Chirpy". He calls softly to his mate very often, and she chirps back to him.

The female is not flying often now, so I believe they have eggs in the nest now.

D300s
500mm
Subject dist: 50m
1/1250 sec, f/8
Mode: Av
Metering: Multi-segment
Exp comp: -1/3
ISO: 400
White balance: Auto

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on April 30, 2012 at 11:11 PM

Really cool image, Sandy! The vole in his talons is a huge bonus. Can't wait to see more

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on May 1, 2012 at 1:28 AM

Very nice, Sandy, and really lovely work on the whites. The slight head turn shows that red eye to advantage.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on May 1, 2012 at 3:26 AM

Sandy this looks to be exposed beautifully,the Vole is a real bonus.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on May 1, 2012 at 9:26 AM

Good compositon and the vole is a bonus. I like the dark color of the background, especially with the white bird. The sharpness is good, but not "biting" sharp - very subjective I know. Have you done AF fine tune with your lens/camera?

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on May 1, 2012 at 5:33 PM

Nice against that color sky - better than the whitish sky of previous posts IMO.

There are only a few White-tailed Kites here in AZ and I rarely get out to see them, let alone get nice shots like this.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on May 1, 2012 at 11:07 PM

Sandy,
Really nice look at the red eye and the vole. Good wing position and a very moody sky color that sets off the kite. Sounds like the female is on eggs to me. They are probably not doing exchanges any more either but wait till the little ones fledge. You will be in heaven. Can't wait to see some great pics. Are you addicted yet???? I don't know anyone that can shoot this bird and not become completely addicted them.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on May 3, 2012 at 9:37 PM

Whew! what a great shot!

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on May 4, 2012 at 10:44 AM

Great catch Sandy! Keep them coming,

Ray

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

Comment posted by May Haga on May 8, 2012 at 8:04 PM

Nicely captured Sandy.
May

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