Photo of the Week: Belted Kingfisher Finds Lunch

gray-crested stocky bird perched on wire holding a goldfish in its bill.

A quick dark blur shot across my view in front of my windshield as I drove slowly down the dirt back road in Superior Township, Michigan.

Wait, what was that?

It was larger than an American Robin, but definitely smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk. And looked like it had streaks of white on its body.

What stood out for me was a bright orange object, something the bird was carrying either in its legs or bill. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Belted Kingfisher Finds Lunch

Photo of the Week: Belted Kingfisher at the Marsh

White-breasted gray-blue bird, with black-banded neck and distinctive shaggy feathered crest on head perches on tree branch.

The rattling sound was distinctive as I rounded the curve of the road heading to the marsh.

I paused to listen more carefully.

Checked the regular haunts where I’ve seen the Belted Kingfisher in the past.

Not on the scraggly stump on the south side of the marsh.

Not in the overhanging limb of the tree on the far side of the marsh. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Belted Kingfisher at the Marsh