Nancy, you’ve put up a challenge I can’t resist today: “Birds.” Since you’ve posted a hummingbird shot, I won’t. Instead, I’ll share a photo of a belted kingfisher that I took several years ago. On my way back from watching some fishing birds, egrets and herons, I happened to look up. There at the end of a bare branch surrounded by green was a bird. I had my telephoto and snapped the picture with no idea what bird it was. For some reason, I had an idea that a kingfisher was much larger, but this little guy looks as if he has enough attitude for any bird of any size.
This, that and the other thing 
How wonderful that it stayed and let you make the photo! For years, and years I was on the trail of one trying to get it’s image. Finally I got several photographs of one, but it took years. They’re so skittish!
Nice choice for the bird challenge Janet!
It was quite a distance from me, so I’m sure it felt no sense of human danger. I was quite happy when I found out what it was. 🙂
Those kingfishers are feisty! I love to hear their rat-tat-tattling after they’ve plunged for a fish and then make their victory announcement! Your photo gave me a heart-warming smile!
I haven’t been lucky enough to see and hear that, but I can imagine how cool that is. This one’s a cheeky-looking little blighter!
janet
It is an amazing and comforting experience… where I lived on the river, two different species of kingfishers gave daily performances… sometimes they perched in front of the deck and at times they perched on the railing… my favorite memory was when a little Mighty Mouse Kingfisher flew across to the far side, tormented a pelican at roost until the pelican chased it to its side of the river.. the kingfisher ducked into the dense growth, and the pelican returned to its side — but wait, the little kingfisher chased it back… then the pelican turned and chased it back… it was so funny to see the little bird teasing the big one!
I’ve seen little birds run off a hawk or other large bird. You just never know. 🙂
Nice shot of one of my favorite birds. One of the few songbirds where the female is more colorful.
Hmm, I didn’t know that. Thanks!
janet
[…] via A Photo a Week: Birds…belted kingfisher — This, that and the other thing […]
You captured his attitude perfectly. Thanks for joining the challenge!
Thanks for hostessing, Nancy. This was a fun one and I’ve been saving this photo for quite some time.
janet
Great photo, Janet. He looks like a rock star.
I think it’s those ruffled feathers on his head, Dan. 🙂
Oh, he’s lovely!
And he’s looks as if he has just a touch of attitude. 🙂
janet
Indeed!
What a handsome little guy you caught there. I’ve never seen one so appreciate the photo. 🙂
what a wonderful bird! I saw one for the first time last year and now I can never mistake their call! Love this!
Glad you enjoyed it! I was thrilled to find out what it was, but I’ve never heard the call.
janet
Love his punky hairdo!
I know. It’s so cute and “punky” is just the right word for it.
janet
Great photo of a lovely bird Janet
Thanks, Su. I was quite happy that I saw it and that I had my telephoto or else I wouldn’t have even known what it was!
We see kingfishers sometimes in the bush around the neighbourhood, and i never cease to be enthralled by them.
He’s a cutie! 🙂
I thought so, too, Joey. 🙂 Hope your weekend is going well.
janet
Lovely, thanks — back atcha 🙂