Belted Kingfisher Jitters

 

One would think that she had just finished two pots of coffee!

I observed her actions for over an hour, and I do not think she stayed still for more than 30 seconds. Although Big Beaver Pond is not a vast area, she traversed it entirely. She was diving into the water to catch fish and explore the surroundings. A Bald Eagle glided in and landed where she was fishing. She immediately shot towards the Eagle, zoomed over its head, landed on a nearby branch, and began making all sorts of noise. When she realized the Eagle was not leaving, she moved to a location closer to me. There, through a small window between two trees, I could photograph her. I knew I had about 30 seconds before she would be off again.

She could hear hikers headed her way and was on full alert!

The belted kingfisher is a medium-sized bird native to North America. It is a specialist in fishing, and its techniques are particularly impressive.

Belted kingfishers typically hunt from a perch on a high bank or tree branch overlooking a body of water. Upon spotting a fish, they hover momentarily in the air before diving headfirst into the water. They can achieve speeds of up to 25 mph during their dives and plunge up to ten inches deep. They possess a sharp bill which they use to spear fish.

After catching a fish, belted kingfishers return to their perch to consume it. They flip the fish into the air, catch it headfirst, and swallow it whole. They also feed on crayfish, frogs, tadpoles, and aquatic insects.

Belted kingfishers play a crucial role in the aquatic ecosystem. They regulate fish populations and serve as a food source for other animals, including hawks and owls.

Observing a belted kingfisher fishing is a remarkable experience. These birds are highly skilled in their craft and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.

The Belted Kingfisher zipped from tree to tree in the Big Beaver Pond. The Kingfisher was too busy to notice a Bald Eagle entering the area and landing. Once the Kingfisher became aware of the Eagle, she was determined to drive it out of the area. She continuously dive-bombed the Eagle in hopes of forcing it to leave. However, the Eagle had no intention of moving.

She decided to take a break from all the excitement in the air. There was an ideal spot on top of a small dead tree to perch. She was on the lookout for hikers whose approach she could hear growing closer to her perch. She had landed in a position where I had an exceedingly small window to photograph through two trees.

The hikers were approaching uncomfortably close.

She decided to make herself less conspicuous in the hope that they would not notice her.

They passed by without noticing her, and she was searching for the next spot to continue fishing.

Observing Belted Kingfishers can be highly entertaining!

Anacortes Community Forest Lands

© Chris LeBoutillier