Common Kingfisher
A flash of blue I never tire of seeing
Few birds are as instantly recognisable as the Common Kingfisher. Sometimes all you see is a brilliant flash of blue disappearing low over the water. When it finally settles on a branch, however, there is time to appreciate the remarkable colours and details that are almost impossible to notice in flight.
Featured photographs
My encounters
Some of my most memorable encounters with Kingfishers took place at Diependaal, where I had the opportunity to observe and photograph them from surprisingly close range. A true master, the Kingfisher dives into the water after small fish with incredible speed. Following the dive through the camera is incredibly difficult. Everything happens in a fraction of a second. I never tire of watching that sudden flash of blue as the bird leaves its perch and disappears into the water.