Swallow-tailed Kites

It's that time of year again. The Swallow-tailed Kites are busy with their fledglings fueling up on June bugs(beetles) over the hay fields. In a few weeks they'll be bound for South America. This is an important time for these birds as they build strength for the long migration. There were about 40-50 Swallow-tails and 5 or so Mississippi Kites. The Mississippi Kites are extremely fast, especial in a full dive. Their coloration also makes them tougher to acquire focus on against trees and grass. The hot temps and resulting heat currents are ideal for the Kites to soar with ease as they prepare to dive and also eat their catch on the wing. The downside to the heat is the heat distortion introduced into the photos. Heat index was approaching 100 before noon.

They are all good, but the last one is exceptional. Well done, Steve.

ldn323 wrote in post #18076499
They are all good, but the last one is exceptional. Well done, Steve.

Thanks very much Linh, these birds have such amazing flight skills. They're a workout with big glass, not much resting between bursts. A bit sore the day after, I need more conditioning.

Beautiful birds, and good job shooting them. Nice work keeping the details in the whites!

No. 3 is my fav. 4 rocks too. well done.

They are truly fantastic. I tip my hat. Well done.


I rented a 1DIV before and loved the results. I have a 7DII now and seeing your shots makes me think I should look for a 1DIV for my own.

Beautiful series, well done!

Beauties especially the last.

wow awesome shots- I was pretty proud of some the shots I've gotten of these guys but mine pale in comparison . well done

Wonderful shots Steve, great looking whites and blacks not any easy thing to achieve.

DragonSpeed wrote in post #18076532
Beautiful birds, and good job shooting them. Nice work keeping the details in the whites!

Larry Johnson wrote in post #18076559
No. 3 is my fav. 4 rocks too. well done.

Greg_8 wrote in post #18076609
They are truly fantastic. I tip my hat. Well done.


I rented a 1DIV before and loved the results. I have a 7DII now and seeing your shots makes me think I should look for a 1DIV for my own.

greyswan wrote in post #18076914
Beautiful series, well done!

TedEllis wrote in post #18077069
Beauties especially the last.

CaptBob wrote in post #18077550
wow awesome shots- I was pretty proud of some the shots I've gotten of these guys but mine pale in comparison . well done

2n10 wrote in post #18077838
Wonderful shots Steve, great looking whites and blacks not any easy thing to achieve.

Thanks very much everyone. There's a fine line for exposure with these birds for sure, especially later in the morning when the light gets strong. A little push/pull on the low and high end in post process saves the day. The high temperature (97F, heat index well over 100) made heat distortion an issue for the more distant shots. These birds are only here in mid summer for about a month in these numbers and the heat (rising heat thermals) is something they use to their advantage when soaring and eating while in flight. The heat was more of a source of exhaustion for me but worth every sweaty moment.

Superb work Steve, beautiful looking bird.

Fantastic. I had a guided trip planned to see them but it got cancelled. Have to wait until next year. Beautiful set!!!!!

Gorgeous shots, what a wonderful looking bird!

Great set Steve. You exposed those whites and darks very well.
I have such a hard time with that.