Black-Shouldered Kite

There’s a Black-Shouldered Kite, Elanus caeruleus, at the top of the bush. It’s very far away, but we are gradually getting closer. What a spectacular bird:

The intensity of those owl-like forward-facing red eyes is something else. The cere at the base of the beak is yellow, as are the feet.

Its black epaulettes are a clear set of identifiable markings, even from a distance.

The long black claws are exceptional, as is the way the primary wing feathers are rippled with the stress of the deep flight strokes.

I love them already. The pale white face and breast gives them a ghostly appearance.

I particularly like this shot, with its graduated colour background.

I can’t wait to see one again.