Nemesis: “a long-standing rival; an archenemy.” Yup, that pretty much sums up my relationship with the belted kingfisher.
These birds are quite common but getting a danged decent picture of them is a struggle for me. They lure me in with their distinctive calls and while I see them, approach at the pace of sloth, the second I lift my camera up, off they go, I am sure with a smile on their face at the frustration they caused me.
This past weekend one beckoned me, but from further than what would make for a good shot. I snapped some pics anyway, this being the result which took a good bit of work to get it presentable. Then, it sat there, continuing to call, luring me in like a siren of mythology – or perhaps antagonizing me, knowing the torture it was inflicting.
I decided to risk it, stood up to try to get closer and away it went, never giving me another capture. With that, I gave it an appropriate salute of my middle finger and used a few colorful metaphors under my breath.
