As I was searching the edge of a pond for dragonflies earlier this week I suddenly heard the unmistakable call of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). As I lifted my head, the kingfisher flew across my field of view and perched on a wooden post sticking out of the water. Even though the kingfisher was quite far away, I could see that it had a relatively large fish in its bill.
Normally a kingfisher will beat its catch against a branch to subdue it before swallowing it head-first. I was hoping to be able to see if the kingfisher would be successful in swallowing this prey—it looked too big for it to swallow in one gulp, but I have been surprised in the past when herons and cormorant have swallowed large fish.
Alas, the kingfisher flew away before I could see if it would be successful in swallowing its prey.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wow! Wonderful capture, Mike. A funny thought hit me. In thinking of “Grub Hub” is he a deliverer or a consumer? Lol
🙂 I like the thought–he did not look like he wanted to part with the fish.
😊
Kingfishers always lift my spirits.
Such fun birds!