white tailed kite (view larger)

This is part of the white tailed kites courting.  Like most raptors, food is an important part of courting.  Male brings back mouse or in this case a small gopher in the vicinity of the female.  When he gets close he will lower the rodent from where it was tightly tucked in and hold it longitudinal with one talon, so it will be easy for her to retrieve in the air.  Sometimes he may taunt her and make her chase after it.  Usually he will be rewarded after she finishes eating.

A really beautiful action-shot, Monte!

Monte you caught the right moment! Amazing.

Excellent... Best regards.

Bravo Monte you have well explained and represented the courting behavioural of these birds, I like the high key contrast of this image , ciao Giangiorgio

Perfecta captura. 7. Saludos

Un momento espectacular! Mi enhorabuena.

OMG! You did it again. Perfectly timed! Best regards, Linh Dinh

great snap!!!!!!!....... perfect exposure love it.....6.

Excelente captura y sensacional momento, con una magnifica exposición. Felicidades.

Un cordial saludo -Tolo.

I bow to the Master!

Bravo for this masterpiece and for the story about it! So impressive shot. Bravo.7

Hamid.

Great timing! Superior shot Monte.

7 all the way but PN is not allowing me for it.Plz translate my 6/7 into 7/7.

My best regards.

Kallol

Wow, perfection Monte!!! and I love the way you presented it.  White on White, really makes for an outstanding presentation.  Wonderful detail, and thankyou for the 'description', I've learned yet another tidbit of the wonderful world of 'Birds' thanks to you.  Fantastic shot!  Kind regards, Gail

Excellent all - accompanying lines included. Compliments

 A very fine shot even with the uncooperative sky.

The eye is super on this. 

Waiting really paid off for you, nice work!

Excellent capture!

Once again, Congratulations!!! 

 

Well Monte as I continue to be amazed by your shots as I use them as a bench mark for good photogprahy of birding, the skills and the time you dedicate to gettign these ever so interesting images is what seperates the so so shot to the real quality images. To me it is somewhat hard to just drop a 7 on a shot as it must meet the criteria of technical achievement as much as interest and impact on me the viewer. Here you have done all and in that established a new bench mark for me to work towards... Cheers MJ

Excelente captura y edicion,muy buen argumentada.Saludos.

Looks like drawing in the part of the wings and overall is excellent capture! Congratulations Monte!

Cheers

PDE

Perfect as always...br Hannu

Amazing presentation in hk.

WOW!! Excellent(7) Beautiful capture.

Cheers

Just perfect! This one goes straight to my favorite images :)