Wild Black Shouldered Kite

[markyboy.1967]

This bird was a nightmare to photograph. I could see it for most of the day across from me in a large tree, it sat there in the distance for around 8hrs whilst i waited and waited. It took food, it mated, it preened but still wouldn't come near enough to get a decent shot-so frustrating. All in i think i waited around 16hrs with only a few shots of the bird but it was worth it when it flew in with this large rodent and ate the full thing in front of my lens. I was in a very very small 1 man hide, no bait is used on these sensitive birds of prey.

Black Shouldered Kite by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

 

[holty]

stunning shot Mark, never heard of this one before I've seen the reds and the black version
what country where you in for this shot ?

 

[markyboy.1967]

stunning shot Mark, never heard of this one before I've seen the reds and the black version
what country where you in for this shot ?

This was whilst i was out in Central Spain and it was my main target, only managed to get close on my 2nd last day.

 

[jerry12953]

Fabulous photograph. I'm very envious and well done for putting all that time in! I can imagine the frustration.....or maybe I can't.....

 

[SFTPhotography]

This was whilst i was out in Central Spain and it was my main target, only managed to get close on my 2nd last day.

I'm no expert but there were some fantastic eagles in flight in the Escuain canyon in the Pyrenees. If you are back (I know you enjoy landscapes) you could do worse.

https://www.hikepyrenees.co.uk/the-pyrenees/walking-ordesa-national-park/

Have a looksie

 

[mark richards]

fantastic shot, lovely bird, was this a private hide, or did you do your own ?

 

[markyboy.1967]

fantastic shot, lovely bird, was this a private hide, or did you do your own ?

Mark, it was a commercial hide, the only one i know of in Spain.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Brilliant shot.
Your patience really paid off.

 

[welshwizard645]

Impressive, makes me jealous.

That is either a giant rat or small kite.....

 

[Kediza]

Great image, patience really paid off.

 

[Malfis]

Mark, it was a commercial hide, the only one i know of in Spain.

Was this in the Extremadura area?
I know there are commercial hide operations there, and the Montfrague National Park is supposedly one of the best areas in Europe for raptors. Extremadura is great for many types of birds - I plan to go there in Autumn this year.
(Great shot, by the way!)

 

[markyboy.1967]

Was this in the Extremadura area?
I know there are commercial hide operations there, and the Montfrague National Park is supposedly one of the best areas in Europe for raptors. Extremadura is great for many types of birds - I plan to go there in Autumn this year.
(Great shot, by the way!)

Yeah this was near the Montfraque national park. If you need any info just send me a pm.

 

[Manyard 47]

Great image & great patience, well captured & well deserved. The birds in splendid condition too.