TomKal foto

This kingfisher was photographed during low tide in the mangrove forest. When I was approaching this specific forest I thought initially that because of water puddles and sludgy forest bed it would be impossible to go deep into the forest, despite the lack of water. However nothing is obvious until you verify it by yourself. On the ebb the gravel forest bed turns out to be so stable that it is quite easy to walk. Walking quietly and safely through the mangrove forest I noticed a bird similar in shape to our kingfisher. I came closer very slowly and indeed, the only difference was coloration. The Sacred Kingfisher was flying here and there but every time returned to the same place. At low tide it fed on small crabs and one hunted in my presence. Sitting on a branch it was looking down waiting for the arrival of a meal, and its patience was awarded. It easily "fell" down the branch to a small crab, then flew up to the branch and consumed it. The whole situation was a good opportunity to take several  photos presented here and enrich the gallery of coraciiformes. I could not find out why it was given such a name but after working out all Australian species may be it will be time for that.