Whos keeping an eye on me....

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Birds in flight - a WBW inspiration (The stage is set: Red Kites)

After the easy introduction with the slow and lazy wing flaps of the gull species there can be a few opportunities to get Raptors in flight .... with just a little planning and effort.
We have a few Red Kite feeding stations around the UK. I try to visit Gigrin Farm once a year. Situated in mid Wales it is a 3 hour drive for me but always worth the effort.

Around 300 birds may visit depending on the weather and they put on a spectacular show.

Mirror image


Majestic


full tail spread


Glide


climbing
a cloudy backdrop can make for a moody image


low approach


near and far

13 comments:

eileeninmd said...

WOW, amazing flight captures. Well done!

Brian King said...

Fantastic, Dave! I like raptors, anyway, and love your flight photos! Nice job!

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Impressive in-flight photos. Well done.

mick said...

Really great photos of all those birds in flight! Maybe I can practice on the sea gulls tomorrow as I don't know of any place where I can see Kites like that! Great photos!

Arija said...

A great opportunity indeed to get good flight shots. Love the formation flying.

holdingmoments said...

Fantastic flight shots of the Red Kite Dave.
I must get to Gigrin next time I visit Wales.

joo said...

They are gorgeous birds, and it's so great to see such lovely photos of them:)

Adam Tilt said...

Very nice work David. I've been to Gigrin a few times and it's always a pleasure to see the Kites come in to feed.

Springman said...

Lord I hope your readers are clicking to enlarge these beauties. You were on your A game big time. I can well imagine the experience of having these kites in your sights and knowing you've got something really special going. Awesome detail too. It doesn't get much better than this Dave. More Please!
Happy holidays to you sir!

Hilke Breder said...

Marvelous images, Dave! Getting these is worth long trip!
Happy Holidays and a happy and productive 2012!

Pat said...

Wonderful shots!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

These take my breath away. Birds in flight, they must have angels touching their wings, for they are so very majestic. Merry Christmas~

Larry said...

Gorgeous shots of this majestic bird Dave! How are the Red Kites doing over there? I know they are listed as NT(near threatened) and there has been great effort into saving this persecuted species.