Belted Kingfisher (Martin-pêcheur d'Amérique) Megaceryle alcyon
Waterloo, ON
30 August 2014
There have been many recent posts of Common Kingfisher (certainly it merits a new name!) and the only kingfisher we have over most of North America is the Belted Kingfisher. How dull it is by comparison.
While this species is not exceptionally shy, it is nevertheless difficult to photograph, for it moves at the slightest provocation, and tends not to sit on the same perch for extended periods. It is also quite difficult to approach closely without the benefit of a hide.
This bird was constantly on the move yesterday, and appeared to be having great success capturing small amphibians as opposed to fish which comprise the bulk of its diet.
I believe that this individual is a juvenile female.
Literature consulted:
Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers, Fry, C. Hilary, Fry K., Harris A; 1999, Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd.
I like them though with that wild hairdo! Some Kingfishers seem to be constantly on the move, whilst our kookaburras are a little more helpful, but even they turn quite a lot.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Kingfisher, I love it.
ReplyDeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteGreat photographing. Very sweet atmosphere.
Greetings and hugs.
From Japan, ruma❃
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of this beautiful kingfisher.
Greetings Irma
I don't see enough Kingfishers here in UK these days, David. When we had the boat it was a rare day when we didn't see one! I did manage to see a Belted Kingfisher for about 2 seconds flat when I was in USA in 2008 and it was a wonderful (if brief!) sight.
ReplyDeleteI really envy your lovely images - particularly as I didn't get one!!!!
Beautiful bird ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
What a beautiful kingfisher is this.
ReplyDeleteWe in the Netherlands but one kind, and that is blue.
This shows that you are really beautiful!
Very nice and sharp put on the plate!
Everyone on your side of the Atlantic tells the same story of how difficult Belted Kingfishers are to approach. You therefore seem to have done a good job with this one David.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say it's dull in comparison to our own, just "different" but certainly a lot bigger.
Duży ma dziób ten ptak i ciekawe ubarwienie :-)
ReplyDeleteThis a wonderful bird.. So cute.. Well-done..
ReplyDeleteJ'adorerais le voir,grâce à toi c'est fait : ))
ReplyDelete