Red Kite

Taken near Harewood House - Leeds. There was a time almost 10 years ago where to see one of these in the wild was impossible around these parts. Thankfully after a breeding program was set up they seems to be doing really well now with many pairs of kites flying round. My drive to work takes me past an area that has around 15 flying around. A wonderful site. I'll have to go back when the weather is better and get some more pictures!

comments (6)

Ant Marriott

Lion

I have found the best time to photograph Red Kite, other than at feeding stations, is when the young have taken to the wing they are very very inquisitive of humans, if on foot they will fly right up to and directly over you (if your lucky).

Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
1. Stuart
  
  Lion
  
  Very nice Ant! I did notice that as they were flying overhead they did seem quite interested by me and were happy to glide overhead quite slowly as they were checking me out. Unfortunately due to my lack of skills, I wasn't able to get a shot as good as yours when they flew overhead. Mine is just an overexposed silhouette. May I ask for any suggestions you have? The background was quite a bright overcast sky. Definitely out of my comfort zone as the subject wasn't an inch from my face getting flashed by a nice ring flash!!! Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ant Marriott
    
    Lion
    
    I haven’t had the best results with in-flight shots mainly due to the Sigma not being the fastest lens for the job, but if I was to give any tips I would say wait for the right lighting conditions. Early morning or late afternoon is best when the sun is low in the sky that way you may get some light to the underside of the bird, another good lighting trick is to wait until the bird is banking opposite the sun to illuminate the under or upper side. Finally I would say patience is the big thing, it can be frustrating waiting then missing the shot you’ve been waiting for, I speak from bitter experience ;) Posted 9 years ago
  2. 1. Stuart
      
      Lion
      
      Cheers dude, appreciate that and it all makes perfect sense. Simple really when you think about it lol!! AT least I won't have lots of bitter experience thanks to your advice :D Posted 9 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Good to hear about the recovery of the species. Similar things are happening in the Netherlands regarding buzzards and egrets. Posted 9 years ago
1. Stuart
  
  Lion
  
  Bad isn't it that species are declining in numbers, from what I remember, many of the kites died here from poisoning. I've read that they perform a valuable service as scavengers. Here's hoping they carry on doing well :) Posted 9 years ago

The Red kite

The red kite is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. The species is currently endemic to the Western Palearctic region in Europe and northwest Africa, though formerly also occurred just outside in northern Iran.

Info 20 0

Similar species: Diurnal Birds Of Prey

Species identified by Stuart

By Stuart

Uploaded Nov 14, 2015. Captured Nov 14, 2015 11:04.

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Canon EOS 600D
f/8.0
1/512s
ISO400
300mm