Belted KingfisherA belted kingfisher perches along side a remote pond. (Photo David A. Murray)

The canoe paddle softly broke the surface of the water, and an oval ripple surrounded the paddle blade as it sank deeper into the clear blue pond. Only the slightest paddle movement was necessary to keep the canoe gliding across the glass-like water.

Silently, the canoe moved along the edge of the pond as it followed the "rattling" sound off in the distance. Flying in and out of the early morning shadows, the belted kingfisher searched the edge of the remote pond for its morning meal.

The belted kingfisher is one of three species of kingfishers. The belted variety is the most common throughout most of North America. Its summer range extends from the Atlantic Coast in New England and through the Great Lakes and Canada west to Alaska. During the winter months, the belted kingfisher population stretches from coast to coast throughout most of the central and southern portions of the United States. Some kingfishers also occupy the central U.S. territory year-round. Regardless of which territory the kingfisher occupies, these birds exclusively exist close to water; the preferred habitat is lakes, ponds, rivers, or saltwater estuaries.

As would be expected from the kingfisher's habitat, their primary sources of food come from the water. A large part of their diet is fish; although, crabs, crayfish, salamanders, and insects constitute a substantial portion of their food intake.

The belted kingfisher catches fish in a similar style to that of the tern. It "patrols," or flies back and forth, along a section of water often stopping and hovering until it finds a fish just below the surface. Once the fish is sighted, the kingfisher stops hovering and dives straight down to the water snatching the fish with its bill.

Kingfishers are a substantial size bird, and most small fish are no match for this skilled hunter. The overall size of the belted kingfisher is that of a dove or large plump blue jay, with a total length of about thirteen inches.

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of this variety of kingfisher is the large, bushy, spiked crest. This crest extends from the bird's forehead back to the top of the neck. Another identifying feature is the bird's long, slender, pointed bill. A belted kingfisher can also be readily identified by its conspicuous and noisy "rattling" call.

An interesting and unusual aspect of the belted kingfisher is the way in which it creates a nest. Since a kingfisher exclusively lives near water, finding a sand or gravel bank along the waters edge is generally common. The bird will seek out this type of habitat for its nesting sight. What's unusual is that the belted kingfisher, with its long pointed bill, will dig out a tunnel in the banking; a tunnel that often extends up to eight feet deep within the bank! At the end of this long tunnel, the kingfisher hollows out a chamber to lay five to eight white eggs.

Although the belted kingfisher is a widespread and reasonably common bird, photographing one can be extremely difficult. First, of course, you need to locate a bird. As mentioned previously, checking various water habitats such as ponds, lakes, streams and estuaries is a good start. My suggestion is to initially try searching small areas of water, such as a small pond or brook. This limits the size of the area for a quick search, and once you find a kingfisher it's also easier to find the bird's landing perches.

Kingfishers are generally most active in the early morning, and this is the best time to locate them. Sometimes, their "rattling" call is what initially locates the bird, so listen as well as look.

Once you've located a bird, the work begins. The belted kingfisher can be photographed from the water, using a canoe or small boat, or from the waters edge. Regardless of where you choose to photograph from, a long telephoto lens and tripod will be necessary. Unless you get extremely lucky with a cooperative bird, a 400mm lens would be the minimum telephoto lens recommendation.

Kingfishers, especially in the morning while feeding, are usually in motion. However, even more so then most birds, the belted kingfisher has favorite resting spots. These resting perches are usually on dead trees that are either in the water or along the edge. The key is to locate one of these favorite resting spots and set up close by. Kingfishers are very timid, and camouflage or a blind may be necessary to capture a relaxed and natural image.

If the bird is not wary of your presence, it will eventually land on this favorite resting spot. This is when you reach into your camera bag and pull out plenty of patience, and persistence!

Good shooting!

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