snail kite fledgling

Gallery: AvianPosted April 12, 2013170 views9 comments

Here is first for me with snail kites. This bird is a fledgling. For the most part the fledglings hang out very close to their nest until they move out of the breeding areas, so I have never had the chance to get any images of them. This is because I do not get at all close to the nests of these birds. They are federally endangered,so no way do I risk stressing them.

However, this year the two young from the area I have been photographing are being a bit adventurous and are flying quite far from their nest giving me some photo ops.

So good to see some successful nests again this year. The population needs the new recruits badly.

Please view larger version for max details. Thanks.

Canon 1DM4
500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC
ISO 800
1/2000s
f/7.1
manual exp.
hand held from my boat

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 12, 2013 at 7:49 AM

That's good news on the successful nesting for these wonderful birds, congrats on your first fledgling shot as well!
I especially like this look at the kites fully extended wing.. Great how the head just came in under its near wing as well

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on April 12, 2013 at 8:03 AM

Great wing position Ron - good to hear of the breeding success

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on April 12, 2013 at 11:59 AM

Excellent.

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

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on April 13, 2013 at 9:25 AM

Congrats on getting something new with regards to this species. I really enjoy the full extended wing and you got the all important lighting on the eye. I once again failed to see this species down in Florida

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on April 13, 2013 at 4:54 PM

Cool capture of this youngster Ron, I like that the eye is lit between the wings.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on April 13, 2013 at 11:16 PM

Highly unusual and pleasing inflight capture. I like viewing the birds body under the curvature of the raised L wing and then to see all the sharp detail and coloration of the right wing. Excellent job, Ron!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on April 14, 2013 at 1:54 AM

Lovely background for this youngster. The front wing position is not "perfect", but can't have everything all the time. Very well done Ron!

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

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 14, 2013 at 12:45 PM

I really like the wing position in this shot Ron. I'm glad spring is here, just so I can see some new Snail Kite images from you.

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

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on April 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM

Beautiful capture Ron,
The BG, colors and detail are all outstanding.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments