I spent a fair amount of time yesterday at Huntley Meadows Park watching a female Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), one of my favorite birds. She was perched on a broken-off tree a pretty good distance away and there was no way that I could get any closer, since there was water between the boardwalk on which I was standing and that tree.
The kingfisher remained perched for quite some time, so I had plenty of time to steady myself and adjust settings until I was relatively content with some of my shots. What I really wanted to do, though, was to capture the kingfisher. I knew that eventually the kingfisher would dive into the water and I waited. Kingfishers don’t give any real warning when they are ready to dive, so I tried to remain alert and ready, even though I knew the chances of me capturing this fast-moving bird in flight were slim.
The kingfisher dove several times and I did manage to capture a few ok images of her flight toward the water. My favorite shot, however, is the final one here in which she is flying out of the water with what looks to be a small fish.
It was a nice catch for both of us.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wow!
There’s nothing more fun than hearing that rattling call of a kingfisher — unless it’s seeing one in action. These are really enjoyable photos, Mike. I’m happy you were able to catch them.
Thanks. The kingfisher’s call is very distinctive and it is usually my first sign that one is present. Often the kingfisher remains hidden in the branches, but I was fortunate in this case that it perched in a spot where it was visible, even from a distance.
Great – I have never seen a Kingfisher
They are amazing birds that have a distinctive rattling call. I am often alerted to their presence by hearing them and only then do I search for the kind of branches overhanging the water where they like to perch.
Wonderful shots!
Thanks, Laura.
What a great series Mike. You did well!
Thanks, Chris. As is almost always the case, I would have liked to have been a little closer to my subject in order to capture more fine details. Since you too photograph birds, you know as well as I do that most of the time all you can do is to try to take advantage of the situations that you encounter and do the best you can.
Yes and not be too hard on ourselves.
Great catches! Those are the hardest birds to photograph!
Thanks. There is a lot of luck involved in getting shots like these. As is often the case, I wish I could get a bit closer to the bird.