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:

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

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  2. 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.)

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  3. Gorgeous kingfisher. Lovely shots, Carole!

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  4. Great captures of this unusual kingfisher.

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

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

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

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

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  9. Anonymous1:03 am

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

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

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  11. Thanks Carole, that is a beautiful Kingfisher.

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  12. Fabulous shots! It's a very pretty bird.

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

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  14. 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!

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

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  16. 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.

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  17. 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!

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

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  19. Beautiful Kingfisher.

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  20. Anonymous1:26 pm

    Love the shots and comments!

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

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  22. 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.

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  23. 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.

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

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

    Roger

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

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  27. 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

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  28. 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!

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  29. 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.

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thanks for visiting Snap Happy Birding, and for leaving a comment; I can still see them. Now both my blogs are resting in idle mode. It was time to give other things priority, even though I miss my regular blogging and the feedback that came my way over the years. Take care.