Plus a personal vaccination report.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Last summer I was able to get many nice photos of this cooperative male kingfisher as he was fishing from and grooming on this dead branch over a pond in the mountains. I posted other photos of him last year so readers will likely recognize this distinctive perch but these four images are new to my blog.
At first I was disappointed when he kept his back to me most of the time but when he started reaching back to preen his tail and wing feathers he gave me some interesting poses anyway. Here I like the good look at his flared tail.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Next he started preening his primary wing feathers. It’s too bad that out of focus branch is behind the feather in his bill.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
He spent quite a bit of time smearing preen oil from his preen (uropygial) gland on his tail feathers. Previously I posted a photo of him where we can actually see the preen gland which is at the base of the raised rump feathers we see here.
1/5000, f/8, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Near the end of his preening session he finally turned around on the perch and faced me. I believe what he was doing here was some kind of kingfisher version of a rouse in order to settle his feathers back into place. While doing it he held his wings slightly out and sort of quivered them slowly (it’s hard to describe).
He never did erect his feathers and shake like most birds do.
Ron
PS – My personal Covid-19 vaccination report: I’m only including it here because before I had my two doses I was a little nervous about potential side effects and I suspect some of my readers are in the same boat. So I decided to report on my experience.
I had my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on January 30th and my second dose yesterday morning, exactly three weeks later (I’m 73 years old so I qualified). Both were a piece of cake. I developed a mildly sore arm from both shots but no side effects from either one, none at all. I suppose it’s possible that I could still develop side effects from yesterday’s dose but at this point I’d be surprised.
Two days ago I heard from from an old high school friend who said one of his friends is convinced that Covid vaccine contains microchips that will allow the ‘guvment’ to track and control people so he refuses to be vaccinated. My response to my friend was to tell him I’m convinced that the average IQ of a certain portion of the American populace has dropped 30 points in the last few years.
When you can, get vaccinated. Please.
What an awesome series Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte Norton
Given that a huge part of the population carries around at least one cell phone these days I suspect we’re a lot easier to track that way than by those pesky micro-chips some folks are worried about getting shot up with. (As a further precaution it is probably not such a great idea to take selfies while raiding government buildings either.)
Stop torturing me with the Kingfisher shots! The ones in my world are so skittish I’d need a 400 inch refractor telescope to get even a tiny, fuzzy image.
Ron, I had my second shot last Thurs. and it made me sleepy for about 24 hrs. The real problem is My sugar went out of wack and we are still trying to get it back to normal. This has happened to several people with Diabetes, so you might want to warn them.
Quiltbear
I get my second vaccine (Moderna) this week. I’m 72. The sooner that most people get it, the sooner we establish “herd” immunity. What a disaster that we have lost 500,000 people over this pandemic.
Disaster indeed, Cindy. I never thought something like that would happen in my lifetime.
50 points. At least. The things people “believe” are pretty damn scary.
In more pleasant news, this Kingfisher is lovely and I’m so glad you gave him some more space on your blog. 🙂
Even better, my hubby has his first vaccine appointment this week and it looks like I’ll be able to sign up sometime next month, which is earlier than I had thought!
It’s progress on the vaccination front isn’t it, Marty. For a long time I thought it would never come.
Kingfishers! Just this morning, for the very first time, I got a long look at my neighborhood kingfisher, perched by my creekside door for a 5-minute preening session. Wow! Such a treat to see his/her noble magnificence.
My lucky Oregon age group is up for its first vax NEXT WEEK!!!
Quite a coincidence on the kingfisher timing, Julie.
Your kingfisher photos are the best, Ron. And congratulations on getting vaccinated. I look forward to doing the same in the not-too-distant future!
Thanks, Cathy. I hope you can get it accomplished soon.
Hi Ron. Wonderful Kingfisher shots.
Regarding the chips being implanted by the guvment. Sigh. I haven’t got mine yet. I’m still only 61 years old, and living in Oregon, so it will likely be months before my chip is programmed and ready for impantation into my blood stream.
However, I’m tempted to wait for the next version of the the vaccine, which I KNOW has NANOBOTS, the next step up from chip implantation. The nanobots are programmed to let us live forever and ever. YEAH!
Gosh, before the past 4 years of idiots in power and rumor-mongering, I didn’t believe that there were so many people of marginal intelligence in our wonderful country.
These days, with all of the conspiracy theorists with internet access, we get blow by blow interaction with folks who seem to have left all sense of reality in the shadows from which they have emerged.
Glad to hear that you got the vaccine and feel well. Please keep the wonderful pics and stories coming. Good stuff.
Rick
I feel pretty much the way you do about all of that, Rick. I have to laugh about it sometimes but it really isn’t funny, not at all.
love the phrase “left all sense of reality in the shadows from which they have emerged.” So well put.
Catherine
Love the kingfisher photos. It’s a species that has always eluded my camera except as a very distant dot. It always seems like their rattling call is just a way to taunt andd laugh at me.
Barbara and I had our first shots two weeks ago. She only had a mildly sore arm but I had a stronger reaction. The day of the shot was just fine but the next day I was chilled, muscle weakness and fatigue. The next day those symptoms continued until mid-afternoon then all symptoms completely disappeared over just an hour’s time. I’m told most symptoms occur after the second dose so I don’t know what to expect then, but no matter the brief effects, I’m eagerly awaiting the second dose. We have someone here who believes it’s just a Democratic plot to sicken and control Republicans. She is also not allowed in oour store because she refuses to wear a mask. She also told Barbara that if I have leukemia (which doctors now believe that I’m probably cured, not just in remission) that I have no right to be in public exposing others. I think IQs may have dropped more than 30 points.
Geez Dan, that woman sounds looney as hell.
I’ve heard of a few folks who’ve had pretty much exactly the same side effects you had, but not very many.
I love the Kingfisher photos. I have never had the opportunity to get close enough to see that mush detail. That is on e of the reasons I so enjoy your work.
I am older than you but only had my first dose of the vaccine Thursday. Not my choice to wait this long. I wanted to be first in line but the system didn’t work that way. My arm was about the same soreness as a flu shot which I get every year. It is not an issue. I want to say that upon leaving the facility I had such a feeling of accomplishment or elation. I’m sure which but I have been very upbeat this whole time since and can hardly wait for the the second dose. I plan to still be careful, wear a mask and social distance but everything feels more positive now. Maybe the chip will help me remember things more readily. HaHa.
“Maybe the chip will help me remember things more readily”
Made me laugh, Betty. We might as well look on the bright side!
I’m also 73, and I have gratefully received my two doses. My only side effect was a slightly sore arm after the second. I’m amazed that the same people who doubt the science behind the vaccine can at the same time imagine that scientists can somehow secretly get tracking/control devices through a hypodermic syringe. Then there are the “they are changing our DNA” alarmists. Our species is so young. We may be watching evolution in action.
Mikal, I think the human gene pool would likely be improved significantly if the DNA of many of those folks actually was changed. And I’m not kidding.
Great post! love your kingfisher pictures & detail.
I had my 2nd Pfizer shot this past Fri (NC) no problems other than a sore arm. I am 67 with autoimmune issues, thank you for your reminder 👍🏻
Thank you, Theresa.
Only 30 points? You’re being generous I think. From my perspective, the average IQ has plummeted down into the range of a paper clip.
Just love your Kingfisher photos, and of course, yesterday’s redtails!
My vaccine story hasn’t started yet and might not! First, I’m only 69–no matter that I have underlying health conditions and am taking immuno-suppressants. But those immuno suppressants may preclude me from getting the COVID vaccine! First there’s my RA medicine, Actemra, which is oddly being used as an end stage treatment for COVID-19. The other, just started is Prolia (for strengthening bones)is oddly classified as a monoclonal antibody! But directions for Prolia say not to take vaccines and the Actemra reduces the efficacy of vaccines according to my rheumatologist. ARGH! Calling three doctors tomorrow to get a consensus of opinions and in hopes of increasing my chances of getting a quick reply just in case I become eligible.
Your first three words made me smile, Laura. And I certainly wouldn’t argue with you.
Good luck with the vaccine! I have a couple of conditions I should have been taking prednisone for but I’ve avoided taking it because it depresses the immune system.
Thx for the “tidbit” on Prolia – I was on it for a year and discontinued it for other reasons about a year ago. They’re trying to get me back on it – NOT! It’s rather a ridiculous thing that’s “supposed” to help your bones, BUT may screw up your jaw bone yada, yada, yada.
Let’s hope everyone who can get vaccinated does so, to help protect people like you who have complicating issues. Here in CA we have anti-vaxxers who don’t want their kids vaccinated. It is an ongoing battle. Parents with kids who can’t tolerate vaccines must be so frustrated and saddened.
I like Mr. Kingfisher’s “punk rock” look in the first 3 photos. He looks mildly annoyed—or possibly just unamused—in the last one. Or perhaps he heard the call of a fish and is plotting its capture.
Glad all’s well so far with with your second dose. I confess it concerns me that Everett (who is in his 80s, I believe) hasn’t even gotten his first one yet. That just seems wrong but I know states (and many counties, too) got to set their own priorities. Hope he gets a call soon!
“but I know states got to set their own priorities”
That’s an offshoot of the “states rights” philosophy, Chris. If you ask me states rights have been taken far to far.
I love the kingfisher photos you were able to get. He was not close enough for me and he was always is a cluttered area and my lens has more focal depth with a aperture of 8 when fully extended. I hope they return and the dead tree survives the winter in an upright position!
Nice no side effects! I take my parents for their first shot Tuesday. Davis County has been a few weeks Salt Lake. I don’t know when I will get mine. Last I looked it seemed like March 1 when it was open to younger age ranges and conditions.
April, I was thinking about that dead dree while I was writing this post and hoping it’ll still there this spring.
I would be preening if I looked that good too. And co-operative with it so others could see just how amazing I was.
I am very glad to hear that your second shot went well.
Since FB threw a hissy fit here our home grown anti vaccers are having a field day. Which is sad and bad because our vaccination program starts today. When I become eligible I will certainly have the shot.
EC, I couldn’t believe it when Zuckerberg pulled that stunt. Still can’t.
Ron, thanks for revisiting this cooperative Kingfisher series. The details of those tail and flight feathers are amazing.
I have worked for federal and local governments for a total of 37 years now and very often say, half jokingly, we are not capable of the conspiracies that we are often accused of…or are we? Muhahaha 😉
David, most of those conspiracies are so far out no one, no matter how evil and well connected, could pull them off.
At 74 years old I can finally register tomorrow for my shot. It has been a long wait being just under the 75 & older tier. I am excited and will welcome it and my “micro-chip” if there is one small enough to make it through the needle !!
Gary, here in Utah the initial cutoff age was also 75 but thankfully for me they quickly lowered it to 70. I think I made my first appointment that same day.
Oops, Hear, hear!
“I’m convinced that the average IQ of a certain portion of the American populace has dropped 30 points in the last few years.”
Here here!
🙂
Quite the handsome fellow: bold crest, impressive breast belt, stout bill, obviously well-groomed. But about those, um, smallish feet…perhaps just keep them under feathers when trying to impress the ladies.
We’re scheduled for our 2nd Moderna shot, but will continue to wear our masks when in public for some time for various reasons, chief among them to annoy the anti-vaxxers.
Since it is not yet known whether someone who has been vaccinated against Covid-19 can carry the live virus and spread it to others, we definitely should continue to wear our masks and stay the heck away from people, at least for the time being.
I should have mentioned that part of what I wrote (above) was a quote from an article in smithsonianmag.com.
Exactly, Phil. I believe the only major difference in my life for some time after being fully vaccinated is feeling MUCH safer and being able to go into stores and buy what I need (and want), while wearing a mask of course. But that’s going to be a huge improvement and I’m looking forward to it..
Those tiny feet and stubby legs are pretty silly looking aren’t they Lyle.
Nice! Always love the Kingfishers……😍 That one WAS unusually cooperative…..
Good to know on the 2nd vaccination. Brother Mike had no issues with either of the Pfizer’s either. Other than sore arms for a couple of days we did fine with the 1st Moderna shot. Go for it!
LUV your response to your conspiracy minded friend….😌
Judy, it wasn’t my friend who was conspiracy minded, it was his friend. My friend is very conservative politically but even he thought his friend was nuts.
Thx for correcting me! I was reading WAY too fast it seems……
Love these photos! You were so lucky to have that much time with him and getting such different (poses) photos. I’ve only had one bout with one and I treasured it…usually they just ‘laugh’ at me as they are speeding away. My vaccine experience is quite similar to yours…sore arm being the only ‘significant’ side effect. I was more tired the second day after my second injection but nothing that a few naps didn’t take care of. I too am amazed at the rumors circulating about the vaccine…the anti-vaccers do a job putting fear into people’s minds.
Kathy, my sore arm has worsened slightly as today wore on but it still isn’t bad at all. Some regular shots I’ve had in the past have been worse.
Ron,
You are doing a public service by continuing your vaccine message. Please keep it up. Each and every one of us can save lives by this encouragement of our friends and acquaintances.
Thank you!
Tom
Thanks, Thomas. I think some folks are tired of hearing the message but it still deserves repeating.
Really enjoy Kingfisher photos such as these. When you are out on foot like I am a preening time or eating or anything that occupies them is the only time I can get photos. Many times I have come to within say 30 yards and am just focusing and off he or she rockets off with that screeching rattling response that pretty much says, “Sorry pal you’re never going to get me.”
I have registered for the vaccine, but have not been called yet. Apparently we are presently having problems here getting the vaccine.
I hope you can get yours soon, Everett.
My 2nd dose was to have been yesterday, (S. CA) but vaccine delivery delayed by weather. Sure hope it arrives this coming week!