2017 Wildlife Photo Contest

Species: Belted Kingfisher | Location: Central Florida, United States of America

Belted Kingfishers are winter residents of southern Florida and to say they are difficult to photograph is almost an understatement. They seem to know how large your lens is and when you’re ready to take the picture… and off they go! Kingfishers have favorite perches they like to hunt from. While shooting with a friend using blinds, we were able to get within the Kingfisher’s territory. It was very difficult to try to guess when the Kingfisher would dive, where it would hit the water, and the path it would take returning to its perch. Sometimes you get lucky, and not with one fish but two! Thank you Mrs. Kingfisher.

About The Photographer

I have been taking photographs of wildlife most of my adult life. I have traveled around the world in pursuit of my passion! But my favorite place to photograph wildlife is still the area were I live in Southern Florida. My photos have appeared in many different articles, both scientific and general interest and have received many awards. My photos may be seen on my website www.sunderlandwildlife.com and on my Flickr page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/35303070@N02/), which has over 5 million views . Our photos have been exhibited in art galleries all over southern Florida and in the visitors centers at Everglades National Park and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.