Can't fly THIS kite & attack of the scoters

Two ring-billed gulls squawked it over in fresh sunrise light:
http://www.mountain-and-desert.com/Wildlife/Birds/Gull-like/DBG-RG0154-5.htm (full frame)

Storms can change our daily routines. Some people get blown into brand-new territory. Usually far away from human disturbances, this this shy white-tailed kite haunted the treetops at Shoreline Park and flew away every time I came close:
http://www.mountain-and-desert.com/Wildlife/Birds/Hawk-like/DBE-WK0020-56.htm (No, he wasn't drinking, he has naturally-red eyes. Cropped ~30%.)

When you stare through a long-lensed viewfinder you can get tunnel vision. I followed a colorful surf scoter through my 500mm lens at almost the close-focus limit. I wondered why he opened his bill so much until a young gull appeared in front of him - the scoter was defending his territory and a nearby female from the gull:
http://www.mountain-and-desert.com/Wildlife/Birds/Duck-like/DBD-SS0108-5.htm (2 full-frame images - takes a bit to load)

All comments welcome.

Mark Bohrer
www.mountain-and-desert.com
Adventure travel and wildlife photography 


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