Any Belted Kingfisher tips?

[Andy Favors]

I have been trying to get these guys for a while now. This is the best that I have gotten, and admittedly, it's not good........

http://i41.tinypic.com/2d2droh.jpg

Is there ways to get closer to them? This shot is about 150-200 foot out, and that's the closest I've gotten. Are there certain spots that they like to hang out that I should sit and wait? Any suggestions are very welcomed.

[Nighthound]

As you know by now you've chosen a difficult subject but the difficulty will sweeten the success. Here's a write up that i composed that I hope will answer some questions and give you some tips to get those shots you're after. Good luck, have fun with it. These birds are well worth the effort.

IN PURSUIT OF THE BELTED KINGFISHER

For years I tried the chase technique with these birds and lost every pursuit. Even trying drive up shots in my truck left me driving away grumbling. So I decided it was time for a plan.

First I had to do some scouting and locate perches that were frequented by the birds. Then decide the best set up spot with the best light and backgrounds.

Next I needed to go under cover. I picked up a section of camo fabric from Bass Pro Shop for $25(4.5 ft. x 11 ft.). I like the dangling leaf cut out style because it provides peak holes and ventilation when it's warm. I'm only 5 ft. 10" tall so if you're less vertically challenged you may want to look for a longer section of fabric.

I drape the fabric at the half way mark of the length across the lens/camera/tripod. Then I use a mini bungee(multi pack-WalMart) to wrap the just behind the lens hood and hook underneath. Next take 3 spring clips and close up the front seam(below lens front). Now you simply climb in the back open seam and you're ready to go. I arrive before sunrise and assemble this by my truck, then carry the whole rig to my set up spot to allow me to quickly get out of sight.

It's a good idea to get into and out of the blind when there are no birds around to avoid the association of humans to the funny looking bush with the large glass eye. Sometimes they'll be at my locations when I arrive so having them fly off is unavoidable. But I have learned that if this location is highly favored by the bird(s) it will return soon enough. Since you'll be under cover by then, you'll be perceived as much less of a threat then when you arrived. In my experience they'll go about their feeding and preening but keep a watchful eye on you.

Once in position, there's most often a lot of waiting time which I spend metering periodically, doing test exposures and of course listening for that familiar incoming chatter. Once a bird arrives there's an overwhelming urge to swing the lens over and start shooting. But it's important to remember that you're disguised, not invisible, and these feisty birds are every bit as smart as they are skittish. They always take long looks at me, so I wait and stay still. When the bird becomes less concerned about me it will either begin looking for fish below or start preening and that's when I VERY slowly pan over, pause to see the bird's reaction and take a shot as a test of the bird's tolerance. If you are concentrating on only one perch when the bird arrives then there's no need to swing the lens around and of course that's a plus. It's more likely that the bird will have a few landing perches near its fishing perches and from my experience there's no telling which one will be favored each day.

As I mentioned when it's time to leave try to wait for the birds to leave first if possible. I've waited almost an hour in the past while a KF perched nearby on an obstructed perch. The more you visit a site and shoot, the less alarmed the bird will be when it spots the blind. It'll still be wary but less likely to do a fly by and instead actually land. Like always it's a good idea to have a spare battery and all needed items pocketed so you don't have to leave the blind and return. And don't forget to pack plenty of patience, it does require a good quantity. Don't be discouraged if you don't have success the first time out or even off and on for no apparent reason. Some days they show and some days they don't, but when they do it's a blast.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/kfandbigcatchx.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/kingfnewpwerchhigh.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/kflookdown_nighthound.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/WildlifeSouth/kingfisherandfish.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/kflognewlookup.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/kfingfisherlog2new.jpg

[Andy Favors]

Wow! Awesome write up. I'll be sure to try what you said. I have found a place they seem to like to hang out, but it's on the opposite side of the river, and up stream. I may have to find another location. Thanks so much though for the great detail in your tips. And wonderful photos. I am almost ashamed of the one I posted now, haha.

[Nighthound]

Wow! Awesome write up. I'll be sure to try what you said. I have found a place they seem to like to hang out, but it's on the opposite side of the river, and up stream. I may have to find another location. Thanks so much though for the great detail in your tips. And wonderful photos. I am almost ashamed of the one I posted now, haha.

You're very welcome. Nothing to be ashamed of in that shot. The degree of difficulty is very high. I have many that I have improved upon greatly in just over a year of implementing a plan.

[Booswalia]

What I did last year was rig a branch out over the water myself so it would make a good perch for them to fish from. I gave them about a week to get used to it and start using it. Then I went back and set up a tarp blind like Steve.

http://www.sonnys.ca/2008/belted-kingfisher-6.jpg

[snowyowl13]

I too rigged up a perch for them right beside my blind. I haven't had a chance to use the setup much this year but it worked last year.

[Andy Favors]

wow, never would have thought that a rigged up branch would work. I may give that a try. Any tips on what to tie it too?

[Booswalia]

I just found a long branch and dragged it over to a tree that was already partly hanging over the water. Then I snagged the branch between some of the tree branches and tied the the closest end down so it wouldn't fall into the water.

[DeepBluePhoto]

Awesome shots of the Kingfishers guys!! That's one of my specific goals for 2009! Thanks for the tips! I used to see them more frequently, but not as much in the past year. Did have a chance to photograph a tiny Green Kingfisher earlier this year, but accidentally walked up on him, no way to get clear of the limbs.

Thanks again.

DeepBluePhoto

[Outdoorsman11]

thanks for the tips Nighthound, the Belted Kingfisher is my favorite bird, your photos are AWESOME!.....Outdoorsman11

[Nighthound]

thanks for the tips Nighthound, the Belted Kingfisher is my favorite bird, your photos are AWESOME!.....Outdoorsman11

You are most welcome. I added a few new shots to the ones above. Enjoy.

[Andy Favors]

Very cool. I'm still jealous, :)

[gymell]

Wow, that's incredible. I have some good locations for kingfishers at the nature center where I volunteer, now just to find the time ...

[CanaHolic]

As you know by now you've chosen a difficult subject but the difficulty will sweeten the success. Here's a write up that i composed that I hope will answer some questions and give you some tips to get those shots you are after. Good luck, have fun with it. These birds are well worth the effort.

IN PURSUIT OF THE BELTED KINGFISHER

For years I tried the chase technique with these birds and lost every pursuit. Even trying drive up shots in my truck left me driving away grumbling. So I decided it was time for a plan.

First I had to do some scouting and locate perches that were frequented by the birds. Then decide the best set up spot with the best light and backgrounds.

Next I needed to go under cover. I picked up a section of camo fabric from Bass Pro Shop for $25(4.5 ft. x 11 ft.). I like the dangling leaf cut out style because it provides peak holes and ventilation when it's warm. I'm only 5 ft. 10" tall so if you're less vertically challenged you may want to look for a longer section of fabric.

I drape the fabric at the half way mark of the length across the lens/camera/tripod. Then I use a mini bungee(multi pack-WalMart) to wrap the just behind the lens hood and hook underneath. Next take 3 spring clips and close up the front seam(below lens front). Now you simply climb in the back open seam and you're ready to go. I arrive before sunrise and assemble this by my truck, then carry the whole rig to my set up spot to allow me to quickly get out of sight.

It's a good idea to get into and out of the blind when there are no birds around to avoid the association of humans to the funny looking bush with the large glass eye. Sometimes they'll be at my locations when I arrive so having them fly off is unavoidable. But I have learned that if this location is highly favored by the bird(s) it will return soon enough. Since you'll be under cover by then, you'll be perceived as much less of a threat then when you arrived. In my experience they'll go about their feeding and preening but keep a watchful eye on you.

Once in position, there's most often a lot of waiting time which I spend metering periodically, doing test exposures and of course listening for that familiar incoming chatter. Once a bird arrives there's an overwhelming urge to swing the lens over and start shooting. But it's important to remember that you're disguised, not invisible, and these feisty birds are every bit as smart as they are skittish. They always take long looks at me, so I wait and stay still. When the bird becomes less concerned about me it will either begin looking for fish below or start preening and that's when I VERY slowly pan over, pause to see the bird's reaction and take a shot as a test of the birds tolerance. If you are concentrating on only one perch when the bird arrives then there's no need to swing the lens around and of course that's a plus. It's more likely that the bird will have a few landing perches near its fishing perches and from my experience there's no telling which one will be favored each day.

As I mentioned when it's time to leave try to wait for the birds to leave first if possible. I've waited almost an hour in the past while a KF perched nearby on an obstructed perch. The more you visit a site and shoot, the less alarmed the bird will be when it spots the blind. It'll still be wary but less likely to do a fly by and actually land. Like always it's a good idea to have a spare battery and all needed items pocketed so you don't have to leave the blind and return. And don't forget to pack plenty of patience, it does require a good quantity. Don't be discouraged if you don't have success the first time out or even off and on for no apparent reason. Some days they show and some days they don't, but when they do it's a blast.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Bird%20Photography/kfandbigcatchx.jpg


To add to Steves already excellent write up, Implementing sound recordings of another Kingfisher will often help draw a bird over or where you want it. I have had this work on occasion and all birds are different and some more responsive than others. Late winter very early spring this can work very well.

Also on a setup perch or natural perch I have known people to take a small childrens swimming pool or a container vessel and float it on the surface or submerse it so as just the rim is even with the water and blends with the environment, inside minnows are placed and a makeshift bait station is in place. in a few short days the KF's are working it in regular fashion. But be careful of both of these techniques as many game laws do not favor this activity, so check first before doing this in your areas.

If using the minnows its always important not to allow any into the eco system there if not native to that environment and if using calls not to over stress the birds as there acting on territorial or breeding behaviors...

Again great write up Steve and fantastic shots.

[Nighthound]

thanks for the tips Nighthound, the Belted Kingfisher is my favorite bird, your photos are AWESOME!.....Outdoorsman11

Thanks very much.

[Nighthound]

Wow, that's incredible. I have some good locations for kingfishers at the nature center where I volunteer, now just to find the time ...

Thanks Liz, go for it when you get time. They're a fun challenge.

[Nighthound]

Very cool. I'm still jealous, :)

Thanks, keep at it. Every time you get a little closer marks a success.

[Nighthound]

To add to Steves already excellent write up, Implementing sound recordings of another Kingfisher will often help draw a bird over or where you want it. I have had this work on occasion and all birds are different and some more responsive than others. Late winter very early spring this can work very well.

Also on a setup perch or natural perch I have known people to take a small childrens swimming pool or a container vessel and float it on the surface or submerse it so as just the rim is even with the water and blends with the environment, inside minnows are placed and a makeshift bait station is in place. in a few short days the KF's are working it in regular fashion. But be careful of both of these techniques as many game laws do not favor this activity, so check first before doing this in your areas.

If using the minnows its always important not to allow any into the eco system there if not native to that environment and if using calls not to over stress the birds as there acting on territorial or breeding behaviors...

Again great write up Steve and fantastic shots.

Thanks Dan. I've heard of the bucket technique before and it sounds like it should be effective to get the birds in a place for a clear shot. Often natural perches are not in photo-friendly spots and at times the light on them is never ideal. When setting up an artificial gathering or perching location care must be used not to lure a bird to an area that may present danger to the bird. An example would be setting up adjacent to a busy road where large/high profile vehicles travel at high speeds. A low flying bird unfamiliar to crossing such a road could end up a victim.

Like you, I don't object to calling as long as caution is used for the well-being of the bird being called. Over calling during breeding season for any species is detrimental to the bird's natural behavior at a time when they need to be focused on reproducing.

[luciddreamer]

Another of my dream birds...

[HoosierHorridus]

I have had some success by slowly approaching B.Kingfisher's while in my kayak. I also will play a downloaded recording of their call from the "All about birds" website as I get closer. It is enough to stall them from flying off. This technique also works well with green herons.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/41239_1269261910957_1812132097_518476_1950692_n.jp g

[Jeff Dyck]

On the "bucket technique" --> I was just re-reading this thread (and enjoying Steve's amazing images) and recalled a blog posting that Alan Murphy had put up some time ago that showed one of his set-ups utilizing a minnow pool --> this might be of interest (http://alanmurphyphotography.com/blog/?p=303)

[Nighthound]

On the "bucket technique" --> I was just re-reading this thread (and enjoying Steve's amazing images) and recalled a blog posting that Alan Murphy had put up some time ago that showed one of his set-ups utilizing a minnow pool --> this might be of interest (http://alanmurphyphotography.com/blog/?p=303)

Thanks for the link and the compliment Jeff. That's a great technique and it's easy to see why it's successful. The trick I find is to get a location that is accessible and more importantly private enough to avoid the frustration of people walking up after long waiting periods. I've had people walk right up behind me even after seeing me under my camo drape, apparently being under camo cover doesn't telegraph "I'm trying to be invisible" quite enough. Fortunately that usually occurs later in the morning and I'm usually about ready to call it a day by then anyway. I've considered bringing a sign that says "Photographer, please stay back" but wonder how effective it would actually be.

[HoosierHorridus]

On the "bucket technique" --> I was just re-reading this thread (and enjoying Steve's amazing images) and recalled a blog posting that Alan Murphy had put up some time ago that showed one of his set-ups utilizing a minnow pool --> this might be of interest (http://alanmurphyphotography.com/blog/?p=303)

I am going to have to try this one myself. Thanks for the link!

[ajayrathinam]

Thanks for sharing excellent photo collection some good locations for kingfishers at the nature place....