Please excuse me for boring you, but here's a little info:
The Whistling Kite is a medium-sized raptor (bird of prey) with a shaggy appearance. It has a light brown head and underparts, with pale streaks, and dark sandy-brown wings with paler undersides. The underwings have a characteristic pale 'M' shape when open. The head and body are relatively narrow and the tail is rounded. The wings are long and well-rounded, with a wingspan of 120 cm to 145 cm. The sexes are similar, but the females are larger. Young birds are slightly darker above, with paler streaking on head and underbody. They are often seen near water or around farms, soaring in a lazy circling flight pattern. (source: http://www.birdsinbackyards.net)
At first I didn't notice the Whistling Kites as I was busy "stalking" a pair of Plumed Whistling-Ducks and a lone Great Egret. But after Michael signalling to me to look UP, this is what I saw...
Apparently they didn't like my presence near their tree & nest which was extremely high up, but being the patient bird watcher I am, I waited...
Until one of the pair returned to guard the nest...
And another...
One pair flew off for a while but came back to rest side by side on a branch in clear view.
My trusty "stalker lens" (aka Canon 55-250mm) didn't let me down & captured some great clear shots.
As I walked slowly closer they kept a close eye on me.... unsure whether to fly off again as I came even closer.
And off they flew again. I love the way they soar... so graceful & effortless.
Today I am one happy bird watcher!!
Sharing with:
27 comments:
Wow! You really got some great shots of these raptors!
Excellent post, excellent pictures, great day out :)
Oh, these are fantastic shots, Liz! I'm glad you were patient. Really great!
Thank you for the birthday greeting!
Hi. I always feel privileged to have such close encounters with nature. It was a good job you had a longer zoom lens with you - their feathers are gorgeous! :)
Wcale nie nudzisz pisząc o ptaku. Mam teraz wyobrażenie jego wielkości i wyglądu pań i panów.Zdjęcia są wspaniałe.Pozdrawiam. *** I do not get bored writing about the bird. Now I have an idea of its size and appearance of the men and women. The pictures are wonderful. Yours.
how very cool!
Great photos of the Whistling Kites. They are beautiful birds and fun to watch.
Beautiful shots!
Thanks for sharing.
The last series are really good close ups!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Wow...stunning, sooo wonderfully,
it is succeeded a great photo series..
Love Greetings , Karin
Wonderful birds to see..
Many thanks for sharing your superb images and the info was appreciated.
A great sight to see.
I'd be a happy birdwatcher too, seeing those. :-)
Exciting to see these birds and you have captured their next as well. Excellent.
Brilliant photos!
Congratulations, Liz! This is awesome! Your side-by-side shots are fantastic! I'm a wee bit jealous. Wonderful job!
You have some really great shots on here of these great birds of prey Liz! I have my eagles posted now on WBW.
Hello! I see your Canon makes a good work !!! Have a nice day !
Splendid pictures! Trusty old stalker!
I would not listen to the Nigel fellow - I've known him since the day I was born - he never makes any sense!!
Cheers Stewart M - Melbourne
Magnificent shots!
Wow Liz! What amazing shots. Those birds are breath taking! I loved seeing their nest as well...a great post!
Not boring at all, a brilliant series.
I especially love your last shot and the ones with the two sitting close together on the tree branch- well done.
Fabulous photos!
Wonderful shots! WOW!
Really good shots.
Thanks for your kind comments on my blog and for the follow!
Fantastic shots, Liz!
wow amazing photos! It makes me think about freedom! :D
Post a Comment