I drew this stylized picture of a belted kingfisher in flight several years ago. These interesting songbirds nest in horizontal burrows near shorelines. The tunnels range in length from 1 – 8 feet. Tunnels as long as 15 feet have been found.
This drawing is of a male bird. Belted kingfishers are one of the few songbirds where the female is more colorful. They have an additional orange-colored breast band.
While out walking my dog on the Deschutes River Trail this morning, I caught a glimpse of a male belted kingfisher perched on a tree limb. A lucky sighting! He was kind of far away but I had time to snap a quick shot before he flew.
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Sweet bird shot, Siobhan! :) We don't see them much any longer... and we live right on a river.
Thanks, Tom. Sorry you don't get to see them very often. They're a cool bird!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful drawing and a snapshot, too. Kingfishers are my muse--and I look for them everywhere there is water--often hearing first. Elusive and snazzy birds! Nice shot on the Deschutes..
Thank you. They are a special kind of bird with a lot of personality. :D
Thank you for drawing attention to my favorite bird--and your lovely sketch is wonderful. I look for them on the Deschutes, too, and am always happy when I hear one or see one. Last summer, paddleboarding proved to be a reliable way to find a kingfisher--Dillon Falls and upriver.
Thanks. I thought of you when I posted that one. They are cool birds! I'll look for them at Dillon Falls next time I'm up that way.
I am reading from my kingfisher manuscript Thursday November 14 at 7 pm at The Workhouse by sparrow bakery.
Joining Ellen Santasiero who will read from her memoir.
Maybe you can come?
We will have a poster ready soon.
I'll try to go. I may read a short story. Hope it's not as cold as it's supposed to be tonight ! 😄
Oops! I thought you meant the Wordsmith Wednesday thing they have there. Just checked my calendar and, unfortunately, my writing group is meeting on the 14th. Hope your reading goes well!