Many birds have eluded me in my pursuit of photographing them, especially the Montezuma quail in southern Arizona. But there is a species that resides much closer to my Phoenix home and that is just as elusive, at least when it comes to capturing a good shot of it. That bird is the kingfisher.
The belted kingfisher is the only kingfisher that commonly calls the waterways of Arizona home, and only in the winter non-breeding season. The bird has a number of distinguishing characteristics starting with its unique vocalization. You'll know that you're in one's vicinity when you hear a burst of mechanical clicks that sound more like a Vespa than a bird's call. It's a noise that's supposed to indicate they're disturbed.
Well, I for one am convinced that this bird must always be disturbed because not only is it clamorous but it's difficult to approach. As a result most of my shots are quite grainy due to the very far distance that the kingfisher's testy disposition keeps me.
Nevertheless I've been able to appreciate other unique features of the bird, including its quite large head that makes it seem a bit top-heavy compared to other more stream-lined birds. But this characteristic doesn't seem to limit its flying ability; in fact, it's the only other bird I've noticed besides the hummingbird that can hover in mid-flight over water as it hunts for its favorite meal of fish or crustaceans.
As a result, the belted kingfisher is a favorite subject to observe and photograph whenever I'm birding near water. But as these pictures show, its a challenging pursuit that will take numerous attempts to master.
The belted kingfisher is the only kingfisher that commonly calls the waterways of Arizona home, and only in the winter non-breeding season. The bird has a number of distinguishing characteristics starting with its unique vocalization. You'll know that you're in one's vicinity when you hear a burst of mechanical clicks that sound more like a Vespa than a bird's call. It's a noise that's supposed to indicate they're disturbed.
Well, I for one am convinced that this bird must always be disturbed because not only is it clamorous but it's difficult to approach. As a result most of my shots are quite grainy due to the very far distance that the kingfisher's testy disposition keeps me.
Nevertheless I've been able to appreciate other unique features of the bird, including its quite large head that makes it seem a bit top-heavy compared to other more stream-lined birds. But this characteristic doesn't seem to limit its flying ability; in fact, it's the only other bird I've noticed besides the hummingbird that can hover in mid-flight over water as it hunts for its favorite meal of fish or crustaceans.
As a result, the belted kingfisher is a favorite subject to observe and photograph whenever I'm birding near water. But as these pictures show, its a challenging pursuit that will take numerous attempts to master.
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| My first incredibly lucky shot of a belted kingfisher as it hovers at Papago Park in Phoenix, 2016. |
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| Wider view of my belted kingfisher shot, showing a blackbird that was disturbing it. |
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| Belted kingfisher, Glendale Recharge Ponds, 2017. |
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| Belted kingfisher, Glendale Recharge Ponds, 2017. |
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| Belted kingfisher in my Phoenix neighborhood, 2019. |
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| Belted kingfisher in my Phoenix neighborhood, 2019. |
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| Belted kingfisher in my Phoenix neighborhood, 2019. |
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