Male Belted Kingfisher perched over a creek – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It is always a thrill when birds fly in close to me and that is what happened yesterday with a handsome male Belted Kingfisher.
In fact my experience yesterday may be the closest I have been to a wild kingfisher since 2009 when I walked underneath of where a female kingfisher was perched on a snag on Honeymoon Island State Park in central Florida. That time all I could do was take photos from under the kingfisher but yesterday I had wonderful, eye level views of the male kingfisher as he perched on a branch overhanging a creek and as he scanned for prey in the water below.
Male Belted Kingfisher close up – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Belted Kingfisher was photographed in an area of the Wasatch Mountains where there is a lot of traffic, vehicles rumble past all the time along with hikers, bikers, walkers, joggers and their dogs. Over time I believe the kingfisher has become accustomed to the presence of humans near the creek where he hunts at times.
I had several opportunities to have this Belted Kingfisher in my viewfinder yesterday from a long and mid-range distances and up close. He was very cooperative and I took so many images of him that I haven’t had time to go through them all. I’m sure I will be sharing more images of him in the future.
I can easily remember the frustrations I have had with Belted Kingfishers in the past, how skittish they can be and that many times the photos I took of them showed them simply flying away. This male made my morning even better when he decided to allow me such great close up views.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Belted Kingfisher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shots of a handsome fellow in a tux getting ready for a night on the town! Thanks Mia.
Truly a stunning capture. I’m still hoping to get one a bit closer than across the pond/lake/creek after the rattle.
What a treat – for you and for us. Thank you.
Terrific photographs of a subject which is usually VERY frustrating to capture well. Nice work!
Beautiful! Such a nice opportunity!
How fantastic and I’m terribly envious. 🙂
I like you have been trying to photograph kingfishers for years and ended up with that distance shot.
What a great opportunity you had and it only goes to show that persistence pays off.
Wonderful shots and thanks so much for sharing.
I so enjoy your photographs and realize the effort it takes to get that perfect shot!
Quite the dapper little fellow! So glad that he’s sticking around. 🙂
Beautiful photos of a wonderful little bird
Mia.
Nice! Love these guys!
Lucky you!