Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Treated to a Kingfisher at Coulon Park
Yesterday’s walk at Coulon Park was beautiful, clear, cold and sunny, and made even more special when I noticed a bird hovering like a helicopter over the lake, then diving in headfirst!
A common bird perhaps but one I rarely see, especially when I’m carrying my camera. A kingfisher I thought, a stocky bird with a cute top.
I followed him over to Bird Island where I watched him in the trees above.
He sat patiently, eyes on the water below, waiting for just the right time to make his move.
I managed to capture him in the air only once, and noticed the lovely polka dots on his tail feathers.
He dove into the lake several times, while I wandered here and there to get a better shot.
Eventually, he dropped down closer to the action where I watched him a while longer
hoping to capture him fishing. Maybe next time.
I honestly see more bald eagles at Coulon, than I do kingfishers, today was no exception.
Once back home, I confirmed him to be a belted kingfisher, perhaps a her, judging from the rust color on her breast.
“The belted kingfisher is a stocky, medium-sized bird that measures between 28–35 cm (11–14 in) in length with a wingspan of between 48–58 cm (19–23 in). This kingfisher can weigh from 113 to 178 g (4.0 to 6.3 oz). The adult female averages slightly larger than the adult male.
This species has a large head with a shaggy crest. Its long, heavy bill is black with a grey base. These features are common in many kingfisher species. Both sexes have a slate blue head, large white collar, a large blue band on the breast, and white underparts. The back and wings are slate blue with black feather tips with little white dots. The female features a rufous band across the upper belly that extends down the flanks.” Wikipedia
Every walk at Coulon holds a new surprise.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Nice photos Susanne and what a lovely sunny day.
Thanks, Graham. It was a perfect day for a walk. And I’ve only seen a kingfisher a few times before so it was a treat.
Our Kingfishers are more colourful, and we have some over at the river on the nearby nature reserve. But I have never managed to photograph one as yet. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/kingfisher
You did well with the photos of this one. Best wishes, Pete.
That is a beautiful variety indeed! The Belted Kingfisher is the more common one here but I have only rarely seen them. He was so fun to watch, especially hovering and diving!
You got some excellent photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Darlene. 😊 I was so happy to see him, especially while I had my camera with me.
That kingfisher is a very handsome bird – what a wonderful sighting!
Thanks, Sarah! He was so fun to watch!
We get them along our river in summer, I love that call!
An interesting bird! It was fun to watch him fish!
beautiful picture 👌
I love how close you get to nature, because nature is all around you!
I’m happy to have so many places nearby where I can walk and enjoy nature’s beauty and creatures!
I love the little tuft of “hair” on the kingfisher’s head.
Me too! 😀
Thanks for the interesting post and wonderful photos. A beautiful bird. We also have a kingfisher, but a little different…(Alcedo atthis).
Thank you! It was a treat to see him.
Love this unique bird! 🥳✨🙌🏼
Me too! Thank you. 😊
Oooo, so cool!!
🙂🙂