Belted Kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon
This bird’s breeding habitat is near inland bodies of waters or coasts across most of Canada, Alaska and the United States. They migrate from the northern parts of their range to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and northern South America in winter.
Their prolonged rattling call, as they fly from one foraging perch to another, will give them away long before most of us will put eyes on them. These birds are often shy, and difficult to photograph, but if you are lucky, as I once was, you may catch one hovering over a shallow water body prior to its dive to capture a fish.
Belted Kingfishers nest in burrows along river banks, but sometimes will use road-cut cliff banks to dig their nest holes. This recent adaptation has allowed these birds to expand their range into areas previously unused.
Today’s science recognises two subspecies, but not all researchers agree:
- M. a. alcyon ranges North America east of the Rocky Mountains.
- M. a. caurina is slightly larger and ranges across western North America.
I’ve met Belted Kingfishers throughout the state of California, from the border with Mexico, to the border with Oregon. In Texas, I’ve captured images from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, through the Central Gulf Coast in Aransas NWR, to the Upper Gulf at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. I also met them in northern Canada during my epic spring tour in 2022, but those birds eluded my camera.
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Capturing a meal at Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 12:14 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/400 |
File Name: D3X4446-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Composite of photos taken at Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2016:07:20 14:04 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: |
File Name: Composite-4443-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Niland, Salton Sea NWR and Vicinity. Imperial County, California. |
Date Taken: 2004:10:18 14:02 |
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Location:
Wister |
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Camera Information: NIKON D1X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/250 |
File Name: Cut-JCD_1579BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2004 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Someday I hope to meet some "non-belted" versions of these birds. Gray Lodge Wildlife Area in Butte County, California. |
Date Taken: 2011:12:30 12:47 |
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Location:
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500 |
File Name: D3X6070-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2011 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Mission Bay, near the Kendall-Frost Marsh in Pacific Beach. San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2014:09:16 10:13 |
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Location:
Crown Point |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: D3X0149-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 12:14 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/640 |
File Name: D3X4443-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 12:08 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/640 |
File Name: D3X4413-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Looking for a meal at Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 12:08 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X4410-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Looking for a meal at Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 12:08 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X4404-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Looking for a meal at Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 11:45 |
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Location:
Santee Lakes |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: D3X4332-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Mission Bay, near the Kendall-Frost Marsh in Pacific Beach. San Diego, California. |
Date Taken: 2014:09:16 10:13 |
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Location:
Crown Point |
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Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/5000 |
File Name: D3X0151-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Belted Kingfishers on South Padre Island teased me with distant fly-bys. For my final winter expedition from my Brownsville camp, I chose South Padre Island. The drive to the island crosses Bahia Grande, where I stopped to look for waders, gulls and shorebirds. |
Date Taken: 2021:02:11 13:28 |
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Location:
Convention Center |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X1741-SPI_ConventionCentre |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Kingfishers worked the pond’s open waters while I visited here. I drove this Wednesday to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, but found its gates locked, so as a consolation prize, I continued to San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, where I found birds that hadn’t left Texas yet for the winter. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:10 11:17 |
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Location:
San Bernard NWR |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X1389-SanBernard_NWR |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
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Description: This shy bird made a lot of noise on my visit, but kept its distance. I’m no stranger to Aransas NWR, but I seem to have happy surprises whenever I visit. With weather warming, on this tour I met snakes, pigs, and Sedge Wrens (my first). |
Date Taken: 2021:03:12 7:05 |
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Location:
Aransas NWR |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/500 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X2073-Aransas_NWR |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 11:07 |
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Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3993-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 11:05 |
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Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3939-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 10:39 |
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Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3809-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 10:19 |
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Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3745-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 10:13 |
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Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3668-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 10:13 |
|
Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
|
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3662-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Belted Kingfishers are ever-present wherever we find water bodies in south Texas. |
Date Taken: 2022:09:18 11:27 |
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Location:
South Padre Island Bird and Natu |
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Camera Information: NIKON D850, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/5000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_8504325-SPI-BNC |
| © 2022 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 10:39 |
|
Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
|
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3808-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Belted Kingfishers are often frustrating subjects, spending their time on the move or taking a perch too far away for good pictures. Spend a day at the SPI Bird and Nature Center (BNC) and there will surely be some interesting birds for your entertainment. |
Date Taken: 2022:09:03 8:47 |
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Location:
South Padre Island Nature Center |
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Camera Information: NIKON D850, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_8507624-SPI-BirdNatureCenter |
| © 2022 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers are often frustrating subjects, spending their time on the move or taking a perch too far away for good pictures. Spend a day at the SPI Bird and Nature Center (BNC) and there will surely be some interesting birds for your entertainment. |
Date Taken: 2022:09:03 9:09 |
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Location:
South Padre Island Nature Center |
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Camera Information: NIKON D850, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_8507696-SPI-BirdNatureCenter |
| © 2022 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Belted Kingfishers showed up early during my visit, but when the Ringed Kingfisher joined in, I knew it would be an exceptional day. Sabal Palm Sanctuary is only five miles from where I camp in Brownsville. My last visit was late January 2021 and felt it was time to get reacquainted. I couldn’t have picked a better day. There was glorious weather and wonderful birds. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:19 9:38 |
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Location:
Sabal Palm Sanctuary |
|
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X3564-SabalPalmSanctuary |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: Kingfishers worked the pond’s open waters while I visited here. I drove this Wednesday to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, but found its gates locked, so as a consolation prize, I continued to San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, where I found birds that hadn’t left Texas yet for the winter. |
Date Taken: 2021:03:10 11:15 |
|
Location:
San Bernard NWR |
|
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X1370-SanBernard_NWR |
| © 2021 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Birds I met in Crescent City California near the boat basin of the harbor. |
Date Taken: 2019:08:10 15:23 |
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Location:
Crescent Harbor |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/16.0, 1/2000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X1692-CrescentCity |
| © 2019 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:56 |
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Location:
Sandspit Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4789-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:47 |
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Location:
Sandspit Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4692-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:32 |
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Location:
Sandspit Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4595-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: Santee Lakes in Santee, California. San Diego County. |
Date Taken: 2014:12:19 12:08 |
|
Location:
Santee Lakes |
|
Camera Information: NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/13.0, 1/1600 |
File Name: D3X4411-BeltedKingfisher |
| © 2014 Jack Daynes, shadeTree-Imaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:32 |
|
Location:
Sandspit Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4597-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:32 |
|
Location:
Sandspit Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4596-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
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Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:44 |
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Location:
Sandspit Road |
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Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/5000 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4631-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
Belted Kingfisher(Ceryle alcyon) |
|
Description: The lagoon behind Goleta Beach Park. Santa Barbara County California. |
Date Taken: 2017:09:19 15:56 |
|
Location:
Sandspit Road |
|
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500 |
File Name: BeltedKingfisher_D5X4798-SantaBarbara |
| © 2017 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |
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