Look both ways

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Look both ways

April 1, 2016 by Mike Powell

I keep trying without much success to get a close shot of a Belted Kingfisher, but they are very skittish and always seem to be perched on the opposite bank of the stream or pond from where I am standing.

This past weekend I was happy to get a clear (albeit distant) look at this beautiful female Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) at my favorite marshland park. The kingfisher seemed to be taking a break from fishing and spent most of her time looking to the left and to the right rather than down at the water.

I’ve spotted a kingfisher before on this perch, but can’t get any closer from this side of the pond. Occasionally I will trek to the other side of the pond and hope that eventually I will be able to sneak closer to this elusive bird from that direction.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, spring, wildlife | Tagged Alexandria VA, Belted Kingfisher, Canon 50D, female Belted Kingfisher, Huntley Meadows Park, Megaceryle alcyon, Tamron 150-600mm | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on April 1, 2016 at 5:04 am | Reply New Hampshire Garden Solutions

This is a bird that I’ve never seen so it’s nice to see it here. I’m going to have to watch more closely when I’m near water.
- on April 1, 2016 at 5:11 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  I find kingfishers to be really cool birds, Allen. They have a very distinctive call and that’s how I usually know they are around. Here’s a link to a webpage on the Belted Kingfishers on my favorite bird website. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Belted_Kingfisher/id
  - on April 1, 2016 at 5:13 am New Hampshire Garden Solutions
    
    Thanks!
on April 1, 2016 at 6:17 am | Reply Victor Rakmil

Great shots. These birds never rest for long and they fly very fast.
on April 1, 2016 at 7:40 am | Reply Chas Spain

Love the Elvis styling – they are certainly cool little characters
on April 1, 2016 at 8:27 am | Reply shoreacres

That’s an especially artistic perch, as well as being accessible. the combination of bird and perch is lovely.
on April 1, 2016 at 10:12 am | Reply Sally Morris

Wow! Great shots! I love the dry wood she is standing on! Very nice!
on April 1, 2016 at 12:40 pm | Reply laura lecce

What a cutie, I love the spikey hairstyle!
on April 1, 2016 at 3:41 pm | Reply Sue

Good luck getting close, Mike. I have the same problem, with them–they’re too skittish to photograph close-up.
on April 2, 2016 at 12:34 am | Reply krikitarts

There’s a pair that return to the lakeshore near our cabin in Minnesota every year, and the experience would be lessened without their presence. Ours, too, are extremely skittish and hard to catch photographically. Nice work, Mike!
- on April 2, 2016 at 11:23 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Gary. Kingfishers are definitely a challenge. I got these shots by shooting across a small pond. I’d love to get closer, but, as you noted, kingfishers are skittish as well as being small and fast.
on April 2, 2016 at 8:29 pm | Reply Sarah Longes - Mirador Design

Well caught!! Have been processing some photos of the Kingfisher we have in the UK today. Tiny, fast and iridescent 🙂
- on April 2, 2016 at 11:18 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Your kingfisher is a bit different, I believe, but I think the share the same basic body shape.
  - on April 3, 2016 at 7:19 pm Sarah Longes - Mirador Design
    
    It’s a much smaller species and very brightly coloured! Yes, very similar in basic body shape and behaviour I believe 🙂 I will share some photos of our one tomorrow!