09 July 2014

Red-backed Kingfisher

Seen while at Kings Canyon Resort, N.T., another cold morning start and it was sitting high, getting buffeted by winds while grabbing some sunshine. 

The growths on the Desert Bloodwood tree branch are known as Bush Coconuts by the indigenous. They would break them open, and inside is an insect.  This is 'bush tucker' useful for hydrating.  Sharing this fact sheet from the Desert Park, N.T., with images of the insect too.


I was never going to pick up a photo of the Kingfisher without a twig in front of it; I was just thrilled to see it at all and to get some record-shots.  Tail up...

tail down



...are you feeling s-l-e-e-p-y?  Don't drop your guard....

oooops, lights out for a moment.


29 comments:

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Fantastic photos of this very special bird. Really wonderful !
Best regards, Synnöve

Jo said...

What super images, Carole! A red-backed Kingfisher is something we don't see here in Africa! However, it is very similar in size and soft colors to the Striped Kingfisher which I posted on WBW just today! Thanks for sharing. (I love the info about the Bloodwood tree fruit too.)

eileeninmd said...

Gorgeous kingfisher. Lovely shots, Carole!

diane b said...

Great captures of this unusual kingfisher.

Breathtaking said...

Never mind the twig, the shots are wonderful! Such a lovely sleepy Kingfisher!:)Not one seen here in Portugal.

thewovenspoke said...

Wonderful :) a Kingfisher not seen in the U.S. either

TexWisGirl said...

such a cutie! and the insects would do in a pinch, i'm sure!

Irma said...

Beautiful kingfisher, beautiful species, that is not in the Netherlands.
Beautiful shots, Carole.

Anonymous said...

wonderful shots..that is such an interesting-looking bird!

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Thanks for explaining the growths for I was wondering. Cute little guy even with ruffled feathers.

Bob Bushell said...

Thanks Carole, that is a beautiful Kingfisher.

Unknown said...

Fabulous shots! It's a very pretty bird.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Carole I have never seen this Kingfisher however you managed to get great shot of him even with the twig!

Gail Dixon said...

I didn't even notice the twig until you mentioned it. I was so enthralled with the feather colorations and markings. A very beautiful bird and wonderful shots!

Rhodesia said...

Fabulous photos and the the makes it interesting. Well done Diane

Brian King said...

I've never heard of this one. What a gorgeous bird! Kingfishers are one of my favorites, but they're so darn hard to photograph.

Jeanne said...

Such fascinating information about those bush cocoanuts. Plants and birds are so fascinating. It is an amazing thing how people think up those apps. Bet they are rich!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Oh, how darling!!!!...:)JP

Neil said...

Beautiful Kingfisher.

Anonymous said...

Love the shots and comments!

Karen said...

What a little beauty! Isn't King's Canyon awesome!

Helma said...

Ohhhhhh .... I had been standing next to you like Carole!
What a beautiful kingfisher is this and what do you know this beautiful photograph. My compliments.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful photos -- I have only ever gotten one photo of 'our' kingfisher (even tho I see them often). Ours isn't as colorful as yours (as usual with your birds, you have the best!). But I love seeing and hearing them. Lovely to get to know yours.

Kay said...

Interesting to read about the Bush Coconuts on the Desert Bloodwood tree. Beautiful photos!

LE CHEMIN DES GRANDS JARDINS said...

Très belle découverte de votre blog, grâce à mon amie Synnöve. Merci pour ces merveilleuses photos. Vous êtes une photographe passionnée.

Roger

Marilyn said...

Darling sweet bird caught drifting off. Great images, Carole.

Liz said...

What a gorgeous Kingfisher, Carole!.
One day I'd love to visit the Territory and all the gorges, etc. It's more of a dream than a reality though

Christian Perrin said...

Would love to see this bird! I find it fascinating how a certain family of birds all radiate out into occupying different habitats and niches, and this guy is a real 'desert' Kingfisher. Don't worry about the twigs, it's a great series of photos that shows off that red back and places the bird in its environment nicely!

Anni said...

Carole...I must apologize for being so tardy with my visit to your blog!! I've been recouping from surgery and on top of that a bout of bronchitis that has kept me in bed for what seems like eons.

I LOVE this red backed kingfisher. In fact, it's a new species for me.

And, even tho late, I want to thank you for linking at the Bird D'Pot. Much appreciated.