We had so many wonderful bird encounters over the past couple of months. I enjoyed them all, whether the birds were big or small. So, how about an occasional series? Alright then!
Distinctive!Here is a well built bird, the Belted Kingfisher. I can’t remember exactly what it was we were meant to be doing – popping to the store for some milk? – but we ended up watching this little fellow.
He stopped on a nearby branch of a tree, took one glance at us, and then poured all his attention into finding fish. Or ignoring that guy staring at him. I was delighted to see him at quite close range. I’d spotted him zooming across the harbour on previous mornings, flying away from us each time.
Zoom about here? Lucky little guy…Since he was sat facing away, I rummaged for my camera – maybe we weren’t going to the store for milk, I can’t recall wanting to photograph that – and sidled a little closer. He didn’t fly off, or even look over, so I sidled some more. I snapped away, hoping he’d turn towards the camera. I couldn’t change my angle without wading out into the harbour, and I couldn’t be sure Mrs. PC would let me accompany her to the store in wet trousers. (That’s me in the wet trousers. Obviously, I’d go with Mrs. PC to the store if her trousers were wet, not that that would happen. This is why I avoid stores. And wet trousers…)
I can see you sidling…The tough little blue-grey guy didn’t shift position on his perch, so the photographs I took were the best I could get. I’m happy he wasn’t bothered by my presence, and pleased I’d met a rugged, silvery, and outdoorsy type. Unbothered by rumpled hair, completely focused, in his element – and then Mrs. PC called me back so we could go fetch the milk. I’m sure he fetched his fish!
Not looking at you, you’re not a fishWhat a lovely bird! So distinctive, with the large bill, the beautiful colour, the shock of “hair” and such a sturdy profile. I’ll have to go to the store more often if it will lead to these encounters!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...
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6 thoughts on “Tough little grey guy”
Boats and birds, what a wonderful combination! I only had a brief glimpse of a belted kingfisher in the spring and it’s one of those birds I’m always hoping to see. Beautiful photos of the little guy and enjoy your weekend.🙂
I am missing the boats and birds! We’ll be heading back soon enough, so that’s exciting. Those kingfishers are striking birds, and I read that they’re quite common, but I’d not seen one before.
Thanks, and I hope your week is off to a good start!
It always amazes how this stout-billed avian fisher can plummet from a branch or from mid-air into shallow water (sometimes only inches deep above the bedrock) and resurface successfully with its prey. Beautiful photos, especially with that greenish cedar bough. Thanks PC!
Thanks, Walt. I was delighted to be able to watch him for an extended period, and he looked absolutely right sat where he was. I know he didn’t give a crap, but I thought he was quite special.
Hope your week is off to a good start!
What a fortunate encounter with this king of the fishers. What a great day he must’ve had at the harbor. I enjoyed your admiration of him, pc, for he is one to be admired with the spikey head, their intense focus, and sturdy little bodies. I always love how the kingfishers have such long bills in comparison to the rather stout bodies; and oh what they can do with that bill. Enjoyed this post, and I hope you are enjoying your days, my friend.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Jet! He really is a lovely bird, and I was very taken with him! Perhaps I’ll be a kingfisher in a future life?!
The days are passing very pleasantly, and I’m enjoying the time to take stock and recharge. I could downsize forever…
I hope your week is off to a fine start!
OldPlaidCamper 
Boats and birds, what a wonderful combination! I only had a brief glimpse of a belted kingfisher in the spring and it’s one of those birds I’m always hoping to see. Beautiful photos of the little guy and enjoy your weekend.🙂
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I am missing the boats and birds! We’ll be heading back soon enough, so that’s exciting. Those kingfishers are striking birds, and I read that they’re quite common, but I’d not seen one before.
Thanks, and I hope your week is off to a good start!
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It always amazes how this stout-billed avian fisher can plummet from a branch or from mid-air into shallow water (sometimes only inches deep above the bedrock) and resurface successfully with its prey. Beautiful photos, especially with that greenish cedar bough. Thanks PC!
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Thanks, Walt. I was delighted to be able to watch him for an extended period, and he looked absolutely right sat where he was. I know he didn’t give a crap, but I thought he was quite special.
Hope your week is off to a good start!
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What a fortunate encounter with this king of the fishers. What a great day he must’ve had at the harbor. I enjoyed your admiration of him, pc, for he is one to be admired with the spikey head, their intense focus, and sturdy little bodies. I always love how the kingfishers have such long bills in comparison to the rather stout bodies; and oh what they can do with that bill. Enjoyed this post, and I hope you are enjoying your days, my friend.
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Glad you enjoyed this one, Jet! He really is a lovely bird, and I was very taken with him! Perhaps I’ll be a kingfisher in a future life?!
The days are passing very pleasantly, and I’m enjoying the time to take stock and recharge. I could downsize forever…
I hope your week is off to a fine start!
LikeLiked by 1 person