Kingfisher by Fotojeanique .

About "Kingfisher"

by Fotojeanique .

About the artwork

This photo has received a Red Star Award from Columbus Travel Magazine.

Two years ago I discovered this kingfisher near my home in Westerwolde (Groningen). It turned out to be a regular guest at that spot during the winter months. I discovered this when I started a new job, so I passed this spot twice a day around the same time. The kingfisher was sitting near the bridge. The next time I passed by, I looked for the bird again. And yes, there it was again! The next time I took my camera with me. Unfortunately (and obviously ...) the kingfisher was not there. And this went on for a while. When the kingfisher was there and I had my camera with me, I couldn't get close enough to take a decent picture, kingfishers are very shy.

After several times of sitting in the cold for nothing, I still didn't manage to photograph the little bird. I didn't know yet what his regular spots and times were. But after two winters of mapping his regular fishing spots and some research, this time I had a little more up my sleeve than just luck. I had my camera sheltered behind a tree near the pole I knew he often fished. I controlled the camera remotely with my phone. And then it was hiding myself a few feet away and waiting for the bird. How exciting it is then when you look at the image on your phone.... an empty pole... Would he come and sit on it? Would I finally succeed in photographing the kingfisher?

And then he suddenly flies on the pole and you have him beautifully in the picture on