Coffee with Mrs. Kingfisher
Nestled on my balcony above St Andrews Bay, I savored morning's embrace with a cup of coffee. The sun painted the sky, casting a tranquil spell over the scene. Suddenly, a flash of azure drew my gaze to a female kingfisher, a jewel in flight.
Captivated, I watched her precision dives, capturing silvery fish in her beak. Mesmerized by nature's dance, I grabbed my camera, eager to immortalize the avian artistry. Each click echoed the rhythm of waves, freezing moments of the kingfisher's quest against the canvas of the bay.
As I photographed, the sun-kissed droplets on her feathers became ephemeral diamonds. The resulting images framed her in avian grace, a testament to the delicate symbiosis of survival and beauty. In the quiet camaraderie with my lens, I became a witness to the intimate choreography of nature, documenting the kingfisher's triumphs against the backdrop of St Andrews Bay. The photographs, like stolen fragments of time, captured the essence of a morning where coffee, contemplation, and the winged ballet of the bay converged into a fleeting masterpiece.
Belted kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) are remarkable avian predators known for their distinctive appearance and adept fishing skills. These compact birds, adorned with striking dark blue/grey and white plumage, can be found near freshwater and coastal habitats across North America, including St Andrews Bay. Despite their diminutive size, belted kingfishers have voracious appetites, consuming a significant portion of their body weight daily. On average, they devour about 15% to 25% of their body mass in prey, primarily consisting of small fish, crustaceans, and insects. Their hunting routine is marked by precision and patience, spending around three to four hours each day actively fishing for sustenance. With keen eyesight and the ability to hover in place, belted kingfishers demonstrate a remarkable blend of aerial prowess and strategic hunting techniques, making them captivating subjects for those fortunate enough to observe their daily exploits along the shores of picturesque water bodies.
