I wanted to call this post ‘Why I love my sunroof’ or ‘A mouse’s eye view of a Black-shouldered Kite’ but the first option sounds like a car commercial and the second is way too long and although a ‘mouse’s eye view’ is more relevant it sounds ridiculous – ah, I’ve just realised that’s because it’s an incorrect pluralisation.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
1/1000, f5.6, ISO 1600
I was leaving Werribee’s Western Treatment Plant, heading along Beach Road with a lovely gate-opening friend, when we saw this kite perched above the road. I stopped the car and looked up at the bird through the open sunroof. The kite looked quite puzzled to see us, but not quite as puzzled as the car sales staff had been when I took my camera into the vehicle to check if I’d be able to use it through the roof.
Looking up at those piercing eyes, strong bill and ferocious-looking talons makes me feel for the many mice I’ve seen captured and eaten by these birds – at least their endings should have been swift.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
1/1000, f5.6, ISO 1600
The ‘looking up’ shots were tricky to take as the Black-shouldered Kite had its back to the setting sun. I had to use a high ISO to get some detail in its face and underparts, while avoiding blowing out the highlights where the sun was hitting it more directly. There seems to be a little blood from its most recent victim on its chest feathers.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
1/2000, f6.3, ISO 1000
The kite was obliging and stayed on its perch while we drove beneath it and paused to take a few images from the well-lit side; photographers may have noticed the vastly different camera settings.
In the image above the kite had just preened and was mid-shake as it resettled its feathers.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
1/2000, f6.3, ISO 1000
Black-shouldered Kites are small to medium raptors that can be found across mainland Australia and often increase in number during mouse plagues. They generally hover over grasslands or paddocks before diving onto their prey, grabbing it with their talons and either eating it while flying or while perched. I generally see them eat large insects on the wing and eat mice while perched.
I like the look in its eye in the image above, and the angle of its head. Its black shoulders and wing tips look stunning, as does the black marking around its red eye. They are exquisite birds.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
1/2000, f8.0, ISO 800
The raptor’s direct look, above, seemed to be giving us our marching orders. The sun was low on the horizon and when it dropped behind the clouds it was time to head home.
The treatment plant is one of my favourite places, I wish it was an hour closer to home.
Happy birding
Kim
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Absolutely stunning images! Love your photography and informative ‘stories’ that make up your posts. Please keep them coming.
There is a BSK at the WTP that is know to be a lot less skittish than others. I saw it the first time for me around 2 years to 18 months back, it still had the brown fleck in its chest so mas an immature bird. On 2 occasions, myself and Nina first, and then with a friend we got within 2M of it. Both times were at the T-section. For all this is a slightly different place, it has the characteristic that it seems to look at you with a scene of curiosity and may be the same bird.
What an entrancing bird! Your first photograph is amazingly awesome; took my breath away.
I’m glad you prioritized ‘photography capabilities’ when choosing a car!
Thank you Margot. It was a comical moment in the car showroom but well worth it 🙂
What a delight. Beautiful bird and fantastic photos.Thank you. I am sooooo glad I am not a mouse!
A few years ago I was part way up a smallish tree in the middle of the bush when a fox trotted along, it stopped and stared at me for ages, as though it was sizing me up. The kite has the same look in its eyes. It’s definitely good not to be a mouse!
Fabulous shot again, Kim. The eyes are absolutely mesmerising!
I found the same thing Kathy! I feel almost hypnotised when I look at the first image in particular.
Great photo’s Kim. I believe I have got photo’s of a BSK in the same spot when leaving the plant. The first set of tree’s on the left hand side heading away from the boat ramp?
Yes, exactly! I was back there again this week and it was there again. Stunning bird.
Such a spectacular looking bird! I was lucky to see one of these on my daily walk a couple of months ago, along the beach in Wollongong, very surprised to see one there. I was also lucky to have my little camera and took a shot for identification but nothing like these ones.
It’s good that you managed to get a shot, they really are spectacular birds. Years ago they used to hover over my place, I wish they still did
a courageous vantage point given the “plop” risk below. that first shot is particularly stunning
That could have been interesting! And could have added to the gannet whitewash that was liberally bestowed a few weeks ago
Love, love, love the very different perspective.
And the black-shouldered beauty.
I went back this week EC and it was in near enough the same spot but peeped at me around the perch, I’ll share that shot one day as it’s quite funny
Superb work, Kim. I want a sunroof! I don’t know if you opened the sunroof when you saw the BSK ahead of you or not, but I have had birds fly off when I have stopped my car and then wound the window down? This is one of my favourite birds, and you have captured him brilliantly.
Hi Tess, you can get sunroofs fitted to most cars I think, it could be a good thing to put on your birthday list! Yes, re opening the sunroof before I was close to the kite. Some tips that you might find handy include always having your window open when approaching a bird you’d like to photograph, and keep your car running, at least while you get some initial shots. Opening windows, sunroofs or doors can all scare the birds away as can turning off the engine. Good luck!
I love that you thought to bring your camera when looking for a car! The photos are MAGNIFICENT!!
It was funny Nicky, I can still see the sales teams’ expressions as they stared at me. I’m glad you like the photos 🙂
Woe! Such a magnificent and striking bird. I love the dark around it’s eyes, it looks like false eyelashes to me. Incredible shots!
Thank you! They are stunning birds, it’s always such a pleasure to see them.