After visiting the Horned Owl family the other day, I headed for the pedestrian bridge to cross the Chagrin River. I had heard of some good migratory bird sightings on the other side and wanted to check them out for myself. Just starting to cross the bridge, I glanced to the right (downriver) and spotted this little belted kingfisher. It has been years since I last saw one, although I know they’ve been around. Was I excited? You bet! And this fellow posed there long enough for me to get several shots. Here are a few:
His perch, on that branch overlooking the river, was no accident. He was fishing for dinner, and his next meal would very likely swim downriver, right beneath his perfectly situated perch. And, as I watched, that is exactly what happened.
These clever little “fisherbirds” are fast and accurate, so hopefully he came up with something tasty for supper. Unfortunately, his dive off the branch was so sudden, I didn’t catch the end of the drama. Still, it was exciting to watch, and I walked on down the trail thinking how lucky I was to be in the right place at the right time to get these shots.
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
Beautiful article and beautifeul pictures. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for visiting my trail. I’m glad you enjoyed it and hope you will return.
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Awesome! HARD bird to capture!
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You are so right! I think I have only captured one before this or maybe two. They are not willing to pose! So glad you liked the shots.
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! It was great to see him.
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It was great for me too, Mary. Thank you.
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Oh, you were so lucky to spot this beautiful little bird! And skilled to get all these great shots!
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Definitely lucky, Helen, because they are so rarely both still AND close enough for me to get a shot.
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What a delightful collection! Just lovely!
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Thank you, Terri. They are such fascinating little birds, and I was thrilled to get an opportunity to capture even one photo of him, let alone multiple images.
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Amateur photographer? I doubt anyone could have done better. I think that kingfisher posed so patiently for you is because he had this punk rock hairdo going on and was showing off! 🙂 Great shots.
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I am indeed an amateur photographer, and I truly appreciate your words. You could be onto something about the punk rock hairdo because it definitely does make him unique.
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Gorgeous photos, beautifully composed!
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Thank you, Terri. It was great to see him.
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Thank you, Terri. I was amazed that he sat still long enough for me to compose multiple shots. What a thrill it was for me!
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Right time, right place, great shots!
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Thanks, Laurie. It was a lucky decision to cross the pedestrian bridge at that moment.
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Another quotation for you, a paraphrasing, really, from Louis Pasteur: “Chance only favors the prepared mind.”
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An appropriate quote, Laurie. If I had not decided to cross the bridge at that moment to search for warblers, I would not have seen him.
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Thank you, Laurie. When it comes to photographing birds, luck plays a big part, and I was lucky to even spot him, let alone get multiple images.
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Marvelous captures. Love kingfishers.
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Thanks. I was so happy to see it. They are the greatest little birds.
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That should be fun.
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Very true! It was actually a thrill to get those pictures.
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Stunning!
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Thanks, Clare. I was amazed to see him sitting on that branch, poised for some fishing.
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Fantastic job capturing this lite fella!! Skittish indeed!!
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I seldom see them sitting on a branch close enough for a photo, so this was serendipity.
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Very nice!!
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So cute!! I loved the shots, amazing! 😀
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Thank you, Carina. I think they are such special little birds.
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What a thrill – lucky you! Great shots!
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Thank you. I was VERY luck, Pam. I really don’t expect to get another opportunity as good as that one to photograph a kingfisher.
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They are skittish, so you were fortunate to get such great shots. The females will be along soon, I expect!
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I couldn’t believe my eyes, Eliza. I’ve seen them flying and fishing, but hardly ever posing so nicely.
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monkey love both wonderful photo & narrative.
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Thank you for commenting on both photo and words. I appreciate that very much.
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