Snail Kite, Lake Yojoa, Honduras

We are off to the mountains of Santa Barbara above Panacam Lodge in Honduras early tomorrow in search of the Ornate Hawk Eagle (and maybe Resplendent Quetzals 🙂 so I am making tomorrow’s Pic for today post early. This is a Snail Kite along the edge of Lake Yojoa, below Panacam Lodge. Lake Yojoa is the largest natural lake in Honduras and major attraction for both birds and vacationing Hondurans. They farm a lot of tilapia in the lake as well. And, evidently, there are a lot of snails, as both Snail Kites and Limpkins are plentiful. I always say wildlife photography (any photography for that matter) is mostly about being in the right place at the right time and ready. I was experimenting with a new focus mode and having some success when this Snail Kite came banking in and snatched the snail from the water. I was ready. The camera was ready. And the rest is told by the image. Sony RX10iv at 600mm. Program mode with modifications for birds and wildlife. The focus mode I was using was “lock on Auto Focus (which is what Sony calls “follow focus”) using the small flexible spot”. It works really well. I have the complete sequence of the kite striking the water and flying off with the snail (which I will post when I get home). 1/640th @ f4 @ ISO 100. Processed in Polarr.