"CATCHING THE FISH WASN'T THE PROBLEM"

Belted Kingfisher (Male) - 6 Photos

"Catching more than you can swallow" is probably more appropriate than "biting off more than you can chew" for this Kingfisher.

I've affectionately nicknamed the Belted Kingfisher, "Mighty Mouth" and no, I don't have a lisp. This little bird makes quite the chatter in the trees but get close and all too often, "it's been nice seeing you" and the Kingfisher is gone.

So I was surprised when I heard a splash & the little bird suddenly appeared on a branch in close proximity. The branch was still a few feet away but even without the camera, I could make out a fish in his mouth (Photo #1).

He was probably so intent on finding a safe location to enjoy his catch, he didn't notice he had an audience. Initially his back was towards me (Photo #2) and then he became involved in trying to finish off his catch. Even from a few feet away, I could hear the distinctive "thump, thump" as the Kingfisher whacked the fish against the thicker branch. The thumping went on for at least a minute or two, with him twisting this way and that (Photo #3 through Photo #5).

And then for a brief moment, he turned, paused & faced me (Photo #6). And that is all it took. Off he flew with his fish, which was now hopefully stunned, to another location where lunch could be dealt with.

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6