My favourite couple; a pair of White-throated Kingfishers

This is a photographic tribute to two very special birds. In this case a pair of White-throated Kingfishers. This species is quite abundant in Malaysia and neighbouring countries but to get in a good photographic situation with them is quite difficult. At the Penanti Motocross track that I have frequented for 4 seasons there are at least three pairs that have staked out their own domain. My couple base themselves in the central tree. The first year I was there the female partner had several toes missing and therefore was easily identifiable. The following year the male had got himself a new 'bimbo'.......and she was, and still is really beautiful. They raised a brood of 4 chicks in the 2013 season. They were unsuccessful in 2014, I suspect because they were constantly harassed by the Red-wattled Lapwings.....a species that lays eggs in the open where the kingfishers hunt for food. I am pleased to say that this year another brood has been successfully raised. What is great about this pair is that they are quite immune to vehicles and will sometimes land only metres away from a big lens poking out of a window. Here is their story in images (isn't she beautiful....first image).
















































The following is not the best image but it a fledgeling the day after it flew from the nest. It was a bit uncertain on where to land and was fed by one of the parents.

....and 3 weeks later


 This pair have given me articles, blogs, magazine covers, Editor's picks and photographic awards.........plus I am working on signing them for a recording contract.



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