A casualty of progress are the gnarled trees cascading off our 25' riverbanks that serve as perches for Kingfishers and other waterfowl. Kingfishers are easily recognizable by their rat-a-tat-tat-tat calls on the wing, long beak and Sting-like haircuts. Their steel blue feathers, russet breast markings and dapper white collar lends a debonair appearance to the riverside, much like wearing a tuxedo to dine at a local catfish restaurant.
This striking tree branch is now serving as safe haven for fishes in the waters downstream, as the tree had to be removed for dock building. The Kingfisher will have a higher perch when the dock is completed, but the dock's steel posts can't compete with this crooked branch for natural beauty. Ah, progress.
3 comments:
Beautiful bird! Dang, I'm sorry the tree had to be removed.
I often see kingfishers on posts and pilings here in the northwest. Maybe it will like the addition of the dock a lot. Plus the dock will probably attract fish to the pilings and will provide shade and shelter to fish too.
I've only seen a few Kingfishers in real life and I think they're amazing to watch. I love your description. Tis a shame about progress isn't it?
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