Green KingfisherThe excitement of the chance to find a Green Kingfisher made the mile or so walk along the water's edge at Patagonia Lake Park seem like a leisurely stroll. We arrived at the area where we had been told it was spotted in the late afternoon and immediately began to scan the shorelines for the bird. Not one to disappoint, the Kingfisher appeared shortly after, perched upon a dead scrag hanging over a feeder creek to the lake. If the story had ended there, I would have been as happy as a kid in a playground. But it didn't.

Moments later the bird dove down, disappearing into the shallow waters, only to emerge shortly after with something in its bill. For the next 3 minutes I do not think my finger let go of the shutter. Through the viewfinder I watched the bird manipulate its prey, twisting and turning it until it lined up with its throat. And then, with a quick tilt of its head, the meal was done, leaving us both satiated.

We lingered with the bird for about another hour, watching it fly up and down the river bank, before making our trek back to the car. Having the lingering memory of the experience made the mile or so walk back seem like a leisurely stroll.

The Green Kingfisher is uncommon in the high desert of Southern Arizona. It is a bird of central america, and our area represents the northernmost tip of its range. Just glancing one in the wild is a thrill. Getting good photos of the bird is a fantastic experience. I am humbled that I was allowed the gift to see and share this beautiful creature of Gods creation. I remain His scribe.
Shoot Date: January 25, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄₂₀₀₀ sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM @ 800 mm
ISO: 500

The excitement of the chance to find a Green Kingfisher made the mile or so walk along the water's edge at Patagonia Lake Park seem like a leisurely stroll. We arrived at the area where we had been told it was spotted in the late afternoon and immediately began to scan the shorelines for the bird. Not one to disappoint, the Kingfisher appeared shortly after, perched upon a dead scrag hanging over a feeder creek to the lake. If the story had ended there, I would have been as happy as a kid in a playground.  But it didn't. 

Moments later the bird dove down, disappearing into the shallow waters, only to emerge shortly after with something in its bill. For the next 3 minutes I do not think my finger let go of the shutter. Through the viewfinder I watched the bird manipulate its prey, twisting and turning it until it lined up with its throat. And then, with a quick tilt of its head, the meal was done, leaving us both satiated. 

We lingered with the bird for about another hour, watching it fly up and down the river bank, before making our trek back to the car. Having the lingering memory of the experience made the mile or so walk back seem like a leisurely stroll. 

The Green Kingfisher is uncommon in the high desert of Southern Arizona. It is a bird of Central America, and our area represents the northernmost tip of its range. Just glancing one in the wild is a thrill. Getting good photos of the bird is a fantastic experience. I am humbled that I was allowed the gift to see and share this beautiful creature of Gods creation. I remain His scribe. 

Green Kingfisher
©RGallucci Photography
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Shoot Date: January 25, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄2000 sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM @ 800 mm
ISO: 500