Kingfisher – Dec 29, 2012
Wow! What was not to love about this day on the lake?
It began with a spectacular sunrise – the type that fills the entire sky with fire, and then reflects it onto the lake. 
A cold front, typical of this time of the year, blew through yesterday, serving up a chilly day today. The temperature camped in the mid-40s all day, and a steady wind worked its magic laying bare a huge patch of the lake, and driving the birds nuts.
The Belted Kingfisher (above) dropped in for a visit. This was the first time I have seen one on the lake, though I’ve spotted them on occasion on the nearby telephone wires along the parkway. They are among my favorite birds mainly because of their endearing appearance. Their shaggy crown gives them the look of someone who has just rolled out of bed and can’t find their comb. I can identify with it.
These birds winter in our area, but are solitary birds, and I’ve never seen two together. The kingfisher dives for its food, though I have yet to witness it in action. Mainly I was thrilled to capture an image of the little bird.
The low water brought a Great White Egret and a Great Blue Heron to stroll along the shoreline – together, no less.
The egret was quite successful in its attempts to eat.
The huge osprey, which has been hanging out in our area now for two weeks, continued to elude me on camera as it patrolled the skies overhead.
All in all, it was an exciting day on the water with changing scenery and much wildlife. And its ultimate conclusion was as dramatic as its colorful beginning.