The very timid, fleeting Belted King Fisher travels Michigan's small waterways chattering all the time. It fly's 10-12 feet above the river and can be heard coming around the bend. He will almost fly right into you at 40 MPH . He will then flair up and fly into the woods increasing his call in speed and loudness. It is a scolding rattle that breaks the wilderness peace. The King Fisher seems to be scolding you for startling him; "Hey, who startled who". He fishes alone, and is always in a hurry. It will rarely land anywhere near you, but if he does he will twitch like a very nervous, high strung human that can't sit still. He feeds similar to the Common Turn seen along the Great Lakes. Hovering over his prey he will dive head first into the river to take small fish. His head is 1/3 of his body and sports a crest that looks like a bad hair day! The Belted King Fisher is all work and no play, a trait I do not share. If you think your fast with that camera, just try to get a picture of him....good luck!
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