Jody and Herb, thnx for the heads up on the two Harriers. That goes to show how over saturated they were and I forgot which it was! lol You are right, one Harrier was darker than the other, and I remember from that area, there are youger females maybe practicing with mom.
I'm a little worried about the over saturations I've been getting lately. Some so saturated there is "0" tonal range even when lightening them. Fingers crossed it's not a shutter prob. I really had to lighten these aerials alot in the dark range.
Karl, thnx for asking my tech PP. I don't use photoshop anymore. Havn't for years. I just don't sit at the PC very long because of the neck, and found I was so familiar with PaintShopPro I just stick to my devised system. These I desaterated via 'hue/saturation/lightness about -7. Similar tool in PS I think. because it can give more clarity and more tonal range you lose on darker photos.
Other than that, I had to lighten them also, and used NeatImage to noise reduce. The hawks were pretty far away.
The whites I nailed fairly well and I try to get that right. I don't like the dark bright skies, so I try to stay in the 'real' range, and risk a little blow out. Desaturation and lowering contrast a tad usually helps that, plus the burn brush. I pretty much use brushes, which is why I have stuck with PSPro. After I desaturate a little, I go back and brush saturate the eyes and beak if needed. I don't do any masking, and keep it real colors, and do it as quick as possible. been experimenting with Faithful/Natural colors in Camera too. I try to get what I can out of the camera so I don't have to do so much work in PP. You can convert your RAW shots in DPP to that also. I rarely shoot in raw anymore and have only regretted it a few times in 8 years.
The first Kite was exposed well, but it was soft, I had just yanked my camera off the tripod to go clammering in my back yard after them, lol. So my sharpening technique on the softness is- unsharp mask, resize to about an 8x10, sharpen again, use neat image, brush a mild sharpening again in the eyes and wings. Thats it!
So I'm not one to follow the rules, as you can see!
Thnx for the nice comments everyone! I hope to get outa jail tomorrow, lol. The kites have been gone for 2 days now and I'm going buggy. Hope I didn't scare them off!
Been sitting in a traction device which makes the neck/arm livable for awhile.
The osprey/hawk was at Eldorado earlier this week and the Harriersat the Back Bay.
lol Tim, I'd invite you all but then we better plan a BBQ cuz the Kites may duck out on us!
Ohh, and I don't cook....lol, bring ya own hot dog, haha
Those Kites are an illusive bunch. I've always worried about dragging a crew of crazy photographers in this neck of the woods and then nothing is around!
But I'd be glad to give a tour.
Great job with these captures, Linda. The light looks well controlled, the focus looks spot on and detail. As I see them on my monitor they look like they can use a bit more saturation, but that is just a matter of personal taste. 2, 3, 4 and the last shot are my favorites. Enjoyed the set.
Socrate
Hi Socrate, yeah, I think you are right about the saturations. I looked at them on my husbands PC, and they were so much paler on his screen too. Thnx! [I have a bad habit of leaving them light because they print better.
Great work Linda, some of the duos look like paintings! I think you speak the bird's language! Website looks great too. And don't worry about the weight of the 500, after a couple years you'll be very comfy with it! Seriously!
Bruce
linda, you have such a knack for getting these great raptor shots. you are truly the raptor queen. nice job on the whole bunch. hope your neck is feeling better.
Hi all, lol, yep, Bruce, if I survive that long with the weight! lol. Actually, if it wasn't for my neck problems I'd be fine with it. Boy, if you want to know if you have any arthritis, just carry that piece of glass around!
Hung, I'm laughing here about the 'knack' you said I have. lol.
1. I frequent these places, and its very time consuming work!
2. I've always thought my blond wad of hair attracts them, they think it's a light colored rat!
Thanks everyone for the encouragement!
Linda,
I'm just a lurker on this forum, but I have a question about one of your incredible photographs- the second shot of the red tail and the osprey: the osprey is carrying a fish and the redtail is above it but neither seems to be even looking at the other. Did the red tail dive at the osprey after you took the shot? They both seem to just be gliding happily along, comfortable in each other's company .
Charlie
Wonderful job Linda, hope you feel better.
I've always worried about dragging a crew of crazy photographers in this neck of the woods and then nothing is around! 
I hope your arm, wrist and neck is doing better, you need to take it easy 
