Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher female, the male lacks the rufous color.

On our morning walk with the Corgis, we were having fun birding by ear, that is, recognizing all the birds we heard by their songs and calls. We both can hear the songs equally well. Interestingly, Don tunes into the low pitched sounds, such as a Ruffed Grouse drumming, more than I do. I am more likely to immediately pick up on the higher pitched sounds, such as the song of the Blackburnian Warbler, more than he does. Sometimes I wonder whether this is a male-female thing, or just our individual differences.

All of a sudden we heard a rattling noise — the sound of a Belted Kingfisher! These fascinating birds nest on our pond and it was nice to realize they were back.

Happy Earth Day, hope you get outside and enjoy the birds!