Among the many birds that we saw on my most recent trip to Payne’s Prairie, was this male belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). He was actively alternating between fishing dives into the creek and rounds of preening when he returned to his perch. No female was in sight, but he did disappear back into the woods several times after dives, so I suspect that his mate was back there sitting on a nest somewhere. Belted kingfishers are unusual in that they are one of the few sexually dimorphic birds where the female is more colorful than the male. As you can see, males are quite attractive with their bright white breasts and brilliant blue wings and chest bands. The females are also adorned with reddish breast/chest bands that contrast quite nicely with the white and blue. Male or female, it’s always a joy to watch these guys hunt. They start with a graceful high dive into the water, followed by a grab for the fish, and a quick flight off to where ever they are going to eat. I have sat for over an hour just watching a female that I see frequently near one of our local retention ponds. She usually fishes from the power line that runs by the pond. I have seen her occasionally miss, but not very often.