We have been lucky to spot the belted kingfisher in a tree across the road from the house for a couple of days – both the male and female.
This one is the male belted kingfisher. My husband spotted them first. I think he has eagle eyes as he always spots birds that are quite a ways away.
Are you looking at me? The male has a white chest.
Depending on the way the kingfisher was looking gave his feathers a different appearance. The shaggy crest looked either smooth or ruffled.
He was quite co-operative in looking in different directions for a variety of photos. This one shows his straight, thick and pointed beak. They hunt fish so this beak would be good for capturing them.
The female belted kingfisher has a band of rusty brown/red on her chest.
Kingfishers are smallish birds, and the female has more colour than the male. It is usually the other way around.
I noticed on the Ontario bird group I’m on that lots of people are spotting these birds as they return to their breeding summer residence.
What a joy to see this bird so close to home. It appears in this tree about the same time each morning and evening.
And finally after a few days of trying I captured a photo of both of them in the same tree.
We’ll be watching for more photo opportunities.
Vondean Erickson
Linda,
I have never seen one of these birds. So interesting. I love birds as you can tell by the decor in my house and porch. I have a lot of hummingbirds around and love to watch them flutter around.
I just came in from watering my plants and pulling some weeds. It is to get in the high 80’s today so thought I would get out before it got too hot. It cools rather early in the evenings so set on my porch and enjoy the activity in the area.
Just finished reading a Debbie Macomber book titled ” The night we met.” Not like some of the books she writes but very different.
Take care.
Vondean
Crafty Gardener
Hi Vondean, what hot weather you are having. That is a good idea to get out before the real hot temperatures set in. Do you have humidity with it as well? I’ve read Debbie Macomber books, mostly when I had my first knee surgery and had to sit around for long periods of time. I used to sign them out on the e-reader on iPad. Im finishing up some projects today, spraying a painted rock for outside and seaming up a camera strap that I just finished. The weather still isn’t the greatest here for being outside, yesterday was a not bad day but today is a bit cool. I went to the grocery store this morning, got everything I had on the list plus a few extra things. It took longer than usual but that is to be expected with all the precautions in place. Stay safe.
Nikki - Notes of Life
Great shots! I don’t think I’ve seen a belted kingfisher before.
Karen Skowron
Hello Linda
I also do not recall seeing a belted kingfisher – very beautiful colours. What I did see – and smell – was lily of the valley – not many of them – but oh how welcome -out side my apartment. I took some photos of them but I don’t know how to send a picture with this camera.
Crafty Gardener
Hi Karen, our lily of the valley aren’t poking through the ground yet, but can’t wait to get that lovely smell. We have seen kingfishers while visiting BC, have pictures of one at Ogden Point and some from close to Rathtrevor beach. We’ve never seen one this close to home. Enjoy the lily of the valley scent.
Eileen
Hello, Awesome series on the Belted Kingfisher! They are shy birds and usually take off as soon as I see them. Thank you for visiting my blog. Take care! Enjoy your day, happy weekend!
Crafty Gardener
They are very skittish, and only got the photos as they were in the tree across the road. Thank goodness for a good zoom. I’m linking this post up to your Saturday’s Critters tomorrow.
Eileen
Hello, Awesome collection of Kingfisher photos. I like the last shot of the two seen together. I heard one today, flying up the creek. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, happy weekend. PS, thanks for leaving me a comment.
RedPat
I love the hairdo! You got some great shots!
Lavender Dreams
What amazing photos! We have those here but it’s hard to spot them and even harder to get good photos! They are usually too far away. I love them!
Margy
I’ve seen Kingfishers up at the cabin but they’ve always been too fast for me to get a picture. – Margy
tomthebackroadstraveller
…I’ve always enjoyed belted kingfishers, they look like they are having a bad hair day. I can relate!
Anu
Hello. Kingfisher is a beautiful looking bird. Nice serie of photos. Take care.
Anni
How exciting! I’m sure I wouldn’t get any housework done. I’d be watching the kingfisher!
Thanks for linking in today Linda.
Betty Crow
I’m always excited to see a kingfisher, although I haven’t seen many in my lifetime. Lucky you!
Brian
You ARE lucky! I’ve never been able to photograph a Kingfisher. Beautiful shots!
Lucy Corrander
What astonishing and colourful birds.
Rachel Amyes
Wow thanks for sharing these wonderful photo’s. I have never seen belted kingfisher.