Kingfisher Turf War photos

It is not uncommon to see a perched Kingfisher threatened by another one from the air. Normally the defensive posture they assume is enough to ward off any actual attack. This is a rarer case where it actually came to blows.

I was torn between posting in the galleries where a larger version is also allowed, or posting here. I chose this format because it shows the complete story. I do think some of the individual photos are pretty cool, but they are all more interesting in context.

I hope you enjoy the behavioral images. The first one is the typical defensive posture that usually wards off attack.

The Approach

The Close

Blow to the head. Note the feathers caught in the beak.

Wing Grab. The perched KF grabs the other's wing as it lands on the perch.

The intruder turns to join the battle.

... it prepares to attack. Note the closed nictitating membrane over the eye.

and does

Victory

The intruder drives the first Kingfisher off the perch.

I hope you enjoy the series. These are all almost FF with minor cropping for comp purposes. It was a rainy morning which accounts for the streaks in the BG.

An impressive series - any one would be good in anyone's portfolio.

How close are you when you take these shots?

A terrific series! I enjoyed scrolling - glad you posted it.

Thanks.

Richard I don't know exactly but roughly ten yards. I was in my blind before it was light enough for them and waited. I still get a rush whenever one arrives.

Peter

Very cool, Peter. Thanks for sharing the whole series.

Very cool, Peter. An excellent series.

wow, Peter! amazing series--thanks for posting.

What a capture!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terrific. The more I shoot myself, the more I appreciate great shots like this. One of the big keys is having the patience to wait for the action.

Very cool indeed, what a great sequence of shots, way to go.

Outstanding series Peter, quite impressive-thanks for posting.