Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Kingfisher



Above, you see some of the oldest fishing tackle on the planet wrapped around a power line.




In this middle picture, a collection of more modern fishing tackle ... also wrapped around the powerline by illiterate and incompetent casters who (A) ignored the "No Fishing From Bridge" signs and (B) really haven't mastered the casting art.



And, in our final picture, old meets new.

No harm done this time, but snags like this are a hazard for birds like the kingfisher. The problem with this situation is that wire is a juiced powerline, so cleaning up the tangle poses a challenge.


The kingfisher flew away unharmed, I promise. It only looks like he has grabbed the line.

Kingfishers are notoriously hard to photograph (or is it just me?) so I was glad to get even these grainy cropped shots of one on a powerline.

Just one of those neat photoserendipitic moments that caused me to be there when he sat at the vertex of that tangle angle.

12 comments:

threecollie said...

Careless scofflaws! Poor bird!
We "got" one on the Christmas bird count this year...only our second or third ever, although we see plenty in the summer. Great Photos!

Anonymous said...

He sure looks like he means business up there.

Deb said...

Kingfishers do seem to be really skittish and hard to photograph.

I always wonder when I see fishing tackle tangled around power lines, I mean you'd have to have a really wild cast to get it stuck in something that high off the ground (water). But I see it wherever there's a power line near water!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you told us the bird is safe.

When we were in Alaska a few years ago, we wandered by the place in Anchorage where the salmon tournament was underway. You'd think those guys would know how to cast, wouldn't you? If so, then someone created a new form of folk art, using fishing lines & lures on the power line.

Anonymous said...

I highly recommend you submitting this to fishing magazines or finding an organization that supports protecting our environment. This photo sends out a very, very, important message. It is why, if you purchase those drinks that have those rings on them (which we don't)...you need to cut them up into tiny pieces before disposing of them. Our beautiful Florida wildlife get hung up in the rings and die. Getting off my soapbox now.

SophieMae said...

It isn't just you. Kingfishers hate having their pics taken.

One would think those guys would figure out they're just no good at casting and find another hobby.

Susan Humeston said...

I always cut the plastic rings whenever we buy cans that are attached - I can't bear to think of hurting any animal or bird!

My husband and I both photograph birds and always, as soon as we focus on a kingfisher, off he flys, farther from us.

robin andrea said...

Yes, kingfishers are hard to photograph. I've tried many times and only come up with a few good shots. Speedy little things. Great pics here.

Sharon said...

And that "photoserendipitousness" is what makes a good day, great :)
(at least for me!)

R.Powers said...

3C,
Lots of KF here this time of year,but none of them like me.

Pablo,
He was working real hard and not having much luck that I could see.

Deb,
I imagine the truth is some poor casters and some decent casters who misjudged a breeze.

Wren,
What's funny (to me) is that I never noticed the neat position of the bird and the fishing line angle until I go home and on the computer.

Danielle,
Good point about the sixpack rings. I cut them even if they are going in the can.

Sophie,
I'm glad it's not just me. They are a chatty skittish bird, but don't you love em?

Suze,
It's my wife's favorite bird, but I can't get her a decent photo ... not yet anyway.

Robin,
I remember some of yours! In fact I thought of you when I was posting these pics.
:)

Sharon,
I know what you mean!

Anonymous said...

I also encourage everyone to cut the rings on certain milk cartons (Half & Half)etc.to ensure that birds and small mammals are not harmed by them. Let's hope that each one of us can get the message out as often as possible and that people will listen! We have to speak up for all those innocent critters who can't speak for themselves. End of soapbox...
Barb (www.crackercow.com)

R.Powers said...

Barb,
But it was a good soapbox!