Swallow Tailed Kite: Each year, hundreds of Swallow Tailed Kites stop off in central Florida to roost prior to their trip south. They are lots of fun to shoot when they fly down to the...

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

Each year, hundreds of Swallow Tailed Kites stop off in central Florida to roost prior to their trip south. They are lots of fun to shoot when they fly down to the water for a drink. The light can be very challenging. This year, we had some good opportunities! Photo taken with a Nikon D7100 with 80-400 mm lens. I am thinking about getting the new D500. Anyone using that camera? Thoughts?

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Nice catch ! .........Thanks for sharing.

I have heard of and seen images from these Kites - can you divulge the best location for seeing the kites ?? - I know it is around Orlando - thanks .

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

Thank you! They are in DeLand. Unfortunately, they are about all gone. They usually show up in July.

gwr Loc: South Dartmouth, Ma.

really nice shot. the DL really brings out the detail. gary

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

gwr wrote:

really nice shot. the DL really brings out the detail. gary

Thank you Gary! Appreciate that!

bajadreamer Loc: Baja California Sur

Neat action picture of a beautiful bird. Interesting that they leave to go south so early.

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

bajadreamer wrote:

Neat action picture of a beautiful bird. Interesting that they leave to go south so early.

Thank you! Yes, it is. Lots of juvies out there, too. They have a long flight ahead of them.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

imagemeister wrote:

Nice catch ! .........Thanks for sharing.

I have heard of and seen images from these Kites - can you divulge the best location for seeing the kites ?? - I know it is around Orlando - thanks .

Here is where you can get some recent information about the migration of these birds:

http://www.swallow-tailedkites.org/2016/08/swallow-tailed-kites-on-move.html

Most are heading south, but I have seen two in the last couple of days in western Pasco county. Didn't have a camera either time.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

Awesome capture!

I have seen two of these birds this week - both times while driving and not having a camera available.

Thanks for sharing.

Here is a link for more information:

http:www.swallow-tailedkites.org/2016/08/swallow-tailed-kites-on-move.html

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

Superbly done! Just a note: This is NOT early for migration. Many birds have already begun to move south. I know, for example, here along the Jersey coast, many shorebirds are showing up now. Some of the warblers have already begun moving. We think of these birds as "ours" but the reality is that many of them spend more time on their wintering grounds than they do here.

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

birdpix wrote:

Superbly done! Just a note: This is NOT early for migration. Many birds have already begun to move south. I know, for example, here along the Jersey coast, many shorebirds are showing up now. Some of the warblers have already begun moving. We think of these birds as "ours" but the reality is that many of them spend more time on their wintering grounds than they do here.

Thank you so much! I agree - it is not early for them. They leave at this time every year.

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

Madman wrote:

Awesome capture!

I have seen two of these birds this week - both times while driving and not having a camera available.

Thanks for sharing.

Here is a link for more information:

http:www.swallow-tailedkites.org/2016/08/swallow-tailed-kites-on-move.html

Thank you so much!

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Excellent image, Georgia, they are such beautiful birds! I've only see three or four in our trips to Florida and they were never close enough for a decent shot, and didn't have the camera ready anyway. Really appreciate the info on their migration and would love a close up view of one! I also have a 7100 and use a Tamron 150-600 lens for most of my bird shots and am pretty satisfied with it, especially considering the cost. Take care!

mindlessgeo Loc: Orlando, FL

Swamp-Cork wrote:

Excellent image, Georgia, they are such beautiful birds! I've only see three or four in our trips to Florida and they were never close enough for a decent shot, and didn't have the camera ready anyway. Really appreciate the info on their migration and would love a close up view of one! I also have a 7100 and use a Tamron 150-600 lens for most of my bird shots and am pretty satisfied with it, especially considering the cost. Take care!

Thank you Swamp Cork! If you are ever here in July, let me know. You will be awe struck by the numbers that are out there. It is amazing. First time I went, my jaw about dropped to bottom of boat!

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

You really caught a dandy shot here!