Another Interesting Visitor

This country living and sharing your space with the wildlife has its blessing and pains.  Just when we think we have the herons under control and away from our pond.. .. along comes a new predator.  It is a kingfisher!  I love these little birds, but they are not the kind you expect to see in your back property in the forest. above your pond!

 We have seen it 3 times now, usually because we  have heard its loud rattling call (kind of like a delicate teacup shaking on a saucer) announcing an arrival. Then we see it and it always lands on the same branch of a tree overlooking our pond;  from a distance, a white spot on a tree!    The little monster is a beautiful belted kingfisher.     At this time of year, the pond plants and water lilies have died down and the pond is crystal clear with little vegetation - the perfect hunting place for a hungry kingfisher.