Black-shouldered Kite - Australian Bird of Prey
May 27, 2018 11:53:34 #
The Black-shouldered Kite (BSK) is a predatory hunter which, though not particularly common, can be found throughout most of Australia. The BSK is a very beautiful white bird with contrasting black shoulder feathers, however its most distinctive feature is its mesmerizing owl-like orange/red eyes. It hunts either by skillfully hovering or by perching high - usually in a dead tree and observing the surrounding area. When a target, usually a field mouse, lizard or even a small ground bird is sighted, it will swiftly dive and snatch its prey with powerful claws and fly back to its perch. I was fortunate to photograph this one at the moment of take-off before diving onto its prey.
(See download)
Nikon D500 camera
Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR lens
Manfrotto monopod
f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s ISO 500 (taken 18 May 2018)
Processed using Nikon NX-D (RAW) and Photoshop Elements 14 (JPEG)
(See download)
Nikon D500 camera
Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR lens
Manfrotto monopod
f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s ISO 500 (taken 18 May 2018)
Processed using Nikon NX-D (RAW) and Photoshop Elements 14 (JPEG)
May 27, 2018 11:58:54 #
May 27, 2018 12:26:15 #
zneb240 wrote:
The Black-shouldered Kite (BSK) is a predatory hun... (show quote)
This is indeed a remarkable looking bird. My father was deeply involved with raptors; he even donated the money for a raptor center in Colorado. I inherited his books and other literature about birds of prey, but today is the first time I ever heard about your amazing BSK. Goodonya
May 27, 2018 12:34:22 #
May 27, 2018 12:37:36 #
May 27, 2018 14:03:56 #
May 27, 2018 18:11:33 #
May 27, 2018 18:59:01 #
Unique shot, Warren and well done! Without your narrative, I would have thought "owl". I am also amazed at it's small perch...and it's impressive talons!
May 27, 2018 22:03:55 #
UTMike wrote:
Great capture!
Thank you UTMike….. appreciate your comment.
May 27, 2018 22:11:04 #
jdedmonds wrote:
This is indeed a remarkable looking bird. My father was deeply involved with raptors; he even donated the money for a raptor center in Colorado. I inherited his books and other literature about birds of prey, but today is the first time I ever heard about your amazing BSK. Goodonya
Thank you jdedmonds. I agree - a very beautiful bird. In fact it's the first I've actually ever seen though I believe they're reasonably widespread and I live in a rural area myself (and I'm 71 years old)! If interested, Google Black-shouldered and also Letter-winged Kite. Again - thanks.
May 27, 2018 22:13:34 #
gwr wrote:
Terrific shot. What a beautiful bird. Gary
Thank you Gary.... very beautiful indeed. And those eyes!!!
May 27, 2018 22:14:43 #
kpmac wrote:
Beautiful bird and an excellent image.
Thank you kpmac..... appreciate your comments.
May 27, 2018 22:24:08 #
Retired CPO wrote:
That's a great photo!
Thanks Chief - appreciated. As an aside, I expect CPO is short for a navy Chief Petty Officer. If true, I hope addressing you as 'Chief' is not offensive, as our naval guys call CPO 'Chief' as a friendly term all the time. Though not Navy, I retired from the Australian Regular Army (ARA) after 42 years.
May 27, 2018 22:31:09 #
DOOK wrote:
A stunning shot, Warren. 
Thanks Earl. I was extraordinarily lucky as this is the first (and only) BSK I've ever seen. And it performed beautifully for the camera in perfect light and at just the right distance for my lens.
May 27, 2018 22:35:56 #
carlysue wrote:
Unique shot, Warren and well done! Without your narrative, I would have thought "owl". I am also amazed at it's small perch...and it's impressive talons!
As always carlysue, I appreciate your looking and comments.
Warren
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