During the hot, humid days of mid-summer, I often hear the sounds of birds, but rarely see them. Although I may be out in the blazing sun, most of the birds seem to use common sense and take shelter in the shade of the trees.
Last week as I was exploring Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, I heard the unmistakable call of a kingfisher and caught a glimpse of it skimming across the water of a small pond. I was a bit surprised when it chose briefly to perch in a small tree overhanging the water. I was a long way away, but had a clear line of sight and captured this image of the female Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). I can tell that it is a female because I can see a reddish-colored band across its chest that the male lacks.
Many of you know that I photograph birds more frequently during the winter months, when insects disappear and the lack of foliage makes it easier to spot the birds. Throughout the year, however, I try to be ready in case a bird decides to be cooperative and poses for me.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Great shot Mike! I saw one of these birds at the lake a couple of years ago. It was quite exciting as I had never seen one before. 😊
Thanks, Jill. The kingfishers, in my experience, tend to be quite skittish, so it is tough to get close to one. I tend to hear them a lot more often than I see them and when I do spot one, it is usually flying away from me.
Nice capture, Mike!
Thanks, Dan. I would like to have gotten closer to the Kingfisher, but I can’t always get what I want. 🙂
the number of times I’ve gotten a blurry picture of a bird taking off, instead of a less than what I wanted picture of a bird on a rock…well, too many to count.
Always your photography…and writing…brighten my day, Mike.
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Bonnie. I suspect that many viewers visit my blog for the photos, but I discovered early on that I enjoy expressing myself as much (and sometimes even more) with my words as with my images. I know that you are very sensitive to the former as much as to the latter.
They always look so inquisitive and intelligent to me! She likely perched there to get a closer look at you! Wonder if she has powerful eyesight like so many birds?
I suspect that Kingfishers have really good eyesight. I have seen them spot fish while perched in a tree and then manage to catch the fish.