It’s been a long time coming. Too long. The last kingfisher I photographed was seven months ago.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday morning while I was waiting for other birds to pop out of the bushes this female Belted Kingfisher unexpectedly landed in a tree and fairly close to me. The first time she landed there she flew off before I was able to lock on to her (being the driver has its disadvantages, I had to back up to get a good view of her) but eventually she came back and I was able to get quite a few photos of her.
I wish the branches behind her weren’t so close to her so they were more out of focus but this is where she wanted to perch so I’ll take it. She has mud on the end of her bill which is probably evidence that she’s nesting.
I’m hoping to find her in the same area in the future and next time maybe I’ll get a cleaner or less obtrusive background.
But I thought this was a pretty good start.
Ron
Ron, glad you got your photo of your Kingfisher. Not a “pretty” bird, but an intriguing one with some interesting traits that probably means that there is an interesting personality there. Not surprising that you find her intriguing. Thanks so much for photo.
it’s hard not to anthropomorphize about this lady, a “don’t even think about messing with me” look. One badass little bird.
Great photo of her. Glad she was a bit more cooperative than some other KF’s.
Thanks, Arwen. She tried to be difficult but in the end I guess she lost her resolve.
How wonderful. Seeing her must have made your day.
It certainly did, EC.
Wonderful feather detail — especially on the right wing, Ron! 🙂 I doubt she’s the same “friend” you had a couple years back, but maybe she’s the daughter.
Thanks, Marty. It’s a completely different area so that’s highly unlikely.
Nice find and photos. Have you every found one with a fledgling?
Thanks, April. Nope, never have.
Always cute little guys !! Very fast and elusive. I have yet to get a really good image of one here in New England.
Yes, fast and elusive. And loud!
More often than not there will be branches. Murphy provides them in abundance 🙂 Nice photo though of a very elusive bird.
Yup, ol’ Murph is a constant companion. Thanks, Everett.
Great shot, even with the branches behind her!
Do you have red clay on river/pond/lake banks? It looks like clay on the tip of her bill. She might be making her nest burrow?
Thanks, Dick. I’m not sure if it’s clay or not but that’s the color of the soil in that area. Yes, I’m pretty sure she’s nesting.
What a cool thing to learn. I noticed the color and wondered if it was fish blood.
Since I am working on the Wisconsin breeding Bird Atlas 2, that colored bill tip from digging is a great tip for my field work.
Keep trying, they are so fast, always seems to be on a mission.
Agreed, Steven.
Nice! 🙂 At times they do get a perch and return to it regularly…….they used to have one branch that extended over the creek that was a favorite. Nesting is a big issue for them with their burrows in the bank. Don’t know how they do it! Orioles are back and a flock of pelicans came over last evening. I love to watch them soar! 🙂
Judy, this perch is low over water so I hope she returns often, especially when she has youngsters to feed.
So cute, thanks Ron.
I’m glad you like it, Sarah.
Fantastic shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Excellent start!❤️ I think anyone would covet this photo Such a strange looking bird…squat, head too big, long beak, big attitude, most irritating voice…but what a catch if you get a great photo! Looking forward to seeing more. I got my first last summer. I’ve found two locations now where they fly past me and chatter incessantly so hope springs eternal for me.
Kathy, you describe them well. But I’d add one more descriptor to your list – “stubby little legs and feet”. Those legs always look strange to me and make me smile.