This is the first Belted Kingfisher I have seen since last fall and he gave me an amazing, if brief, aerial show.

When I first spotted him he was hovering over a small pond. Before I could lift my camera he was gone.

He came back a couple minutes later and I got a second opportunity.

He hovered for several seconds.

Assumed the dive position

And dove. I never saw him hit the water, actually never saw him again, despite waiting another 15 minutes.

You really caught him beautifully Ellen. I think they and hummingbirds (in the wild) are the most difficult to shoot, they are SO fast!
Thanks, Tina! I agree, zip and they are gone!
Such a fast moving bird, excellent photos!
They are fast, I was fortunate with this one that he hovered in place quite a few seconds. It’s just amazing that they can do that! Thanks!
Beautiful prepping-to-dive shots, Ellen! They are quick little birds!
Thanks, Donna! They sure are, and usually noisy with their chatter, too, but this one kept quiet.