Belted Kingfisher at Burrow

Today was the first time I have been up close to a nesting burrow as the Kingfisher entered and exited it. Fascinating to watch them. The light was poor because of the deep shadow from the bank and they are only at the entrance for an instant.

This photo is not for prime time but is interesting from a behavior viewpoint I think. Note the dirt on the end of the beak. This is the male, they both dig the burrow and it appeared to me that one was on sentinel duty when the other was in the burrow.

Very cool! They aren't the biggest birds in the world, so I'm impressed that you found the burrow. Nice shot.

Amazing shot. Wish I could find their burrow here, must try harder.

Just seeing the burrow by itself would be interesting Peter but catching the bird coming out is very impressive. I really enjoy viewing this.

Cindy,

Same with this pair. In fact it seems like it is the same burrow but I have read that they don't re use them. What have you observed?

I think the only way to get a decent photo of one leaving the burrow would be to prefocus the lens slightly in front of the opening and hope you happened to time it right. No way for the auto focus to react that quick to something suddenly flying forward in the frame.

Bill,

Now is the time to find them since they are both spending a lot of time there. Later they just switch off with each other a couple times a day. I saw then from afar and watch with binoculars to zero in on where they were nesting. This year they are in the same spot.

Thanks Cindy, That makes sense to me. I probably was thinking that I read they did not re-use the burrow because they make no effort to clean it. The burrow is littered with fecal matter etc. But extending it each year would solve that problem.

In any case I am sure they are re-using last year's burrow.

Getting a "good" photo is tough for timing reasons alone but then add in the lack of light and the fast movement and it is almost impossible. I think a pre-focus plus flash, but I don't want to disturb them and in any event it would not be beautiful, only documental.

Although I would like to have one like this except in-focus, sharp, and nothing cut off.

“it appeared to me that one was on sentinel duty when the other was in the burrow.”

This is one serious looking guard. I bet my cat would not mess with this soon to be daddy.

I enjoyed this post and I learned something.

Thanks.