Rattling Around in my Thoughts

  Have you ever wondered what a group of kingfishers is called?  Probably not.  Most likely, I am the only person who ponders these things.  I do, however, which makes for a bit of research necessary and that keeps the brain in good working order...so they say.  On my predawn hike to the pier this morning, my first visitor was a Great Blue Heron.  It sat high up on the pier post and was a bit perturbed that I had disturbed its rest.  After a good bit of squawking at me, it took flight and never returned.  I was saddened at its departure but only until a female kingfisher (maybe the queenfisher??) flew in to pay me a visit.  She stayed for just a moment and then flew to my brother's pier.  Kingfishers are not known to be overly sociable like some of the other birds around the Bayou.  She did, however, then pause long enough for me to get several photographs.  

  The Belted Kingfisher was in a hunting mood.  She did several dives that served her breakfast.  Just as a note, it is easy to tell the difference between male and female Belted Kingfishers by their "belts".  The male of the species has one broad blue belt while the female has an extra belt of rust color.  This is one of the few birds where the female is more ornate or brightly colored than the male.  While they are brightly colored birds, it is easier to spot the birds by listening for their calls.  When in flight, the kingfishers give a rattling call that can alert you to their presence.  It is this call that also gives them their "group" name.  A large group of kingfishers is called a "rattle".  So now you know what I ponder at 6am while sitting in thick fog!  So goes life on the Bayou.