Red Kite

***ladylouise62*** · 30-05-2009

"...got a good picture..." well, this is probably the best I'm ever going to get, although it's not fantastic.
I was standing at the bus stop last night off to do my weekly shop when, out of the sun, over the tree tops, came the Kite, flying towards me (well, my direction - if it really were towards me I would have run!).
I scrambled to get the camera out and on (no time to take it off auto or I might have got it more in focus), and it was just flying over me as I managed to snap (almost falling over backwards as I tracked it over my head). To be honest, with it on auto and with me tracking the camera over my head I'm amazed that it's as in focus as it is.

Oh, and as I stood straight, the bus came and the driver gave me a laugh at my antics - I must have looked a sight

**rolf** · 30-05-2009

Well done Louise, cracking shot, they are difficult to capture at the best of times.

**Chocky** · 01-06-2009

Excellent Louise. Lovely shot . Well done

**maximumexposure** · 08-07-2009

Great picture.

Keep trying to get a picture of one my self. Never have my camera when I see them though

***ladylouise62*** · 08-07-2009

I've always got my camera, Paul, but it's either too packed away to get it out in time, or I just can't keep up with the bird as it sweeps overhead. I got one the other evening as it came quite low over an open area I was standing in and I got all excited that I might have got a reasonably focussed shot. I was wrong, it's pretty much like this one (here it is)... still, I'll persevere!

**Chocky** · 08-07-2009

I think it's a great shot. They are very high and not easy to focus on when moving so I think you have done jolly well

***ladylouise62*** · 08-07-2009

Thanks Chocky. There are loads of them in my area, and they tantalise by dropping low all the time... but they just won't keep very still, and there isn't enough open space to even spot that they are coming until they are overhead. But everyone needs a challenge

**maximumexposure** · 08-07-2009

That is grat picture.

Driving home the other evening by Aldermaston Lock Kite right over the head so low you could see a kill in its claws.

Then the other week sitting in the pub in Silchester and there was a kite so low it looked like you cul touch it again no camera

Though my fried owns the Farm there and said I can come out when he turns the Hay as he has the Kites following him getting the wee field mice, so when I have some free time maybe I will get one.

***ladylouise62*** · 08-07-2009

Wow, Paul - you must take advantage of that!

**maximumexposure** · 08-07-2009

I know will be a great chance to test out the new sigma 150-500 lens as well
just need some free time

**rolf** · 08-07-2009

Nice Lens Paul, Joe has that one as well, takes a bit of holding though, glad I've got image stabilisation on my E-520.

**andy b** · 10-07-2009

flippin eck!!!!! in focus...out of focus..... id be well chuffed to get a glimpse up here in't north!!! one of my favourite birds of all. they a great shots louise.... you lucky person, you!!!!

***ladylouise62*** · 10-07-2009

Oh, Andy, I'm so sorry - I suppose I shouldn't tell you that on my 15 minute walk home (suburban Reading) I spotted 3 different ones (they seem to have surprisingly small territories here unless it's couples and an offspring). As I neared home one of them wheeled about, twisting its tail and stretching its talons out, although it didn't try to land. Oh well, at least you know which part of the country to come to see any!

**joe** · 11-07-2009

Paul you must take the sigma 150-500 with you, its a really good lens for the price. I take most of my shots with it hand held. (waiting for it to be repaired, they dont bounce too well)
Joe

***ladylouise62*** · 19-07-2009

I was in my back garden this pm taking shots of insects and one came over really low. Unfortunately the garden is small and surrounded by buildings, so you can't see far and thus don't see it coming (nor have long to try to capture it before it's hidden by other buildings). I was gutted because although I did get a couple of shots the camera was on general metering not spot, so it came our rather dark. Still.. here's my latest attempt. I am determined to get a reasonable shot one day, but it may take me some time.... I feel like Captain Ahab chasing after Moby Dick

**tphantompeer** · 18-09-2009

Hello from a new boy; just to say that we were cruising on the Thames last weekend and I was surprised to see what I thought was a red kite going overhead, about 3pm on Saturday 12th September, near Shifford Lock. I took a few speculative shots (not easy to keep steady on a moving boat). Only had a 28-135mm zoom on the camera so have now enlarged one of the photgraphs enough to confirm that it was a red kite. I must admit I thought they were still restricted to Wales and have only now realised that they have indeed spread this far into England.

**rolf** · 18-09-2009

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, the Chilterns and Berkshire Downs have a very healthy population of Red Kites now, where I am to the West of Reading, we have quite a few, certainly well into double figures. Still wonderful to watch.

***ladylouise62*** · 18-09-2009

It was actually reintroduced into the Chilterns and has definitely spread well because, as Rolf says, there are loads over Reading - you can even see them when shopping in the town centre

I just 'Wikipedia'd' Red Kite and apparently, Shakespeare described London as "..a city of Red Kites and Crows", so they are obviously at home feeding on our leftovers. In fact they were even protected as they cleaned the streets! That explains why I see so many here

BTW, welcome tphantompeer, glad to hear that nature is surprising you.. that's what I love about it!

I look forward to hearing more from you!