Posted on 05/23/2009 5:45:22 PM PDT by Steelfish
Pictured: Stunning images of kingfishers in action
In his enchanting new book, Kingfisher: Tales From The Halcyon River, photographer Charlie Hamilton James tells in words and amazing pictures the story of a year in the life of two pairs as they court, mate, rear chicks and catch prey.
[Pics in URL] SUNDAY REPORTER
23rd May 2009
Photographer Charlie Hamilton James has been obsessed with the kingfisher since the age of six.
From a hide attached to the old millworker's cottage near Bristol where he lives with his wife, TV host Philippa Forrester, he has spent thousands of hours photographing the elusive bird.
JANUARY 9: I saw the female shine like a blue jewel against the murk
FEBRUARY 29: Today the female whistles as the male catches a fish. He leans into her, offering it. She grabs it, and after a tussle the birds break free
MARCH 23: Over a few hours, I witness three matings. The male steadies himself by grabbing the female by her head feathers. The act can last a minute
APRIL 4: For almost two hours, males from two territories chase each other up and down the river, sometimes settling on a perch where they lock in strange poses, seemingly in a trance
APRIL 15: When it dives, the kingfisher flaps its wings a couple of times to gather speed. Just before entering the water, it tucks in its wings and hits the surface like a dart. I had to be quick with my trigger finger to catch it on camera. Air clings to the kingfisher underwater, helping to keep it dry and aiding buoyancy
APRIL 15: Success! The male emerges from the water with a fish. He kills it by bashing it on a branch, swallows it, shakes himself and then turns to hunt again
Well where is the link ?
Beautiful.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1186955/Pictured-Stunning-images-kingfishers-action.html
Must, Have, Link
Nice pictures. The birds and the beer. Thanks.
That one of the bird emerging from the water with the fish is spectacular.
How cool a tooth paste dispenser
These are pretty pictures.
Almost as good as yours.
Turns out, there are about 90 species of Kingfisher!! (according to Wiki)
I have to admit that wasn’t my first thought when I saw that for the first time.
I do like your sense of humor.
Cute, but serious bird.
So basically we a both sick pups
I can’t believe somebody would shove a q tip in a little birdy.
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