Male Belted Kingfisher with prey for his chicks? – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Today I am sharing four male Belted Kingfisher photos that I have taken this spring in the Wasatch Mountains starting with one that I took yesterday morning. The male Belted Kingfisher was only visible to me for a few minutes yesterday.
When the male kingfisher flew in he landed in a distant tree and he seemed to have had fishing on his mind. He dove into the water, came up with a fish, and then landed on a metal post across the creek. At that time I fully expected him to swallow the fish whole. He didn’t, instead he flew off with the fish in his bill. I then wondered if he was taking the prey to his chicks but after researching Belted Kingfisher behavior it also may be likely that he was taking the fish to his mate while she was incubating or brooding in their burrow.
Belted Kingfisher male in front of yellow wildflowers – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I haven’t yet seen a female Belted Kingfisher at this location this spring. I have seen at least two males. Four days ago I was able to photograph this male in front of yellow wildflowers in bloom. The wildflowers were across the creek and the male kingfisher was on my side of it. He didn’t stay on this perch long.
Male Belted Kingfisher perched on a favorite branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The male Belted Kingfisher flew up to a branch at the top of a willow that was even closer to where I sat in a mobile blind. I’ve seen and photographed him on this willow branch before. It may be his new favorite perch for this breeding season. That high up in the willow he may have a wider view of the creek below to spot prey.
The little knot and dent in the branch in front of the kingfisher’s tiny right foot is the reason I know that I have photographed him on this branch before.
Spring male Belted Kingfisher on a favored perch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In this photo of the Belted Kingfisher male taken on May 13th the little knot and dent in the branch are seen next to the kingfisher’s right foot too. One morning the male Belted Kingfisher took off from the top of the willow before I could see him and I suspect he may have been on that same branch before the sound of the engine startled him enough for him to take flight.
I hope to see and photograph the female of this pair of Belted Kingfishers and their chicks sometime soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Belted Kingfisher photos plus facts and information about this species.
OMG, I am so envious! I’ve been working for a close-up photo of a Kingfisher for ages. Yours are wonderful! I’m curious about the water that appears to remain in the Kingfisher’s feathers after his hunting… his feathers don’t appear to shed water as readily as those of other fishing birds.
He’s so handsome!
so great to see this beautiful bird!
What a spectacular series of Kingfisher shots! The colors and the incredible detail you captured is amazing. Thanks Mia.
Your eye for detail is remarkable! Puts a smile on my face, to think of you watching for the little knot and dent.
I am with Marty again.
Great photos! Thanks for those and the information.
Gorgeous photos, as usual. I am seeing fewer Belted Kingfishers in Ontario this year that I usually do. Scary.
Hey Mia, love the kingfisher shots. I find this species really difficult to photograph. They are so wary in Manitoba! Great job!