Yesterday I saw a Belted Kingfisher on a wire at a bridge over a ditch. Big surprise. I was totally unprepared for this wonderful bird in this place.

I do not know internet copyright law, but will assume that if I can download it, I can post it.
Thus my first effort to add a Public Domain photo, so enjoy, darnit!

Should you see a kingfisher and wonder, it is Ceryle alcyon, the Belted Kingfisher, unless you are in deepest Texas or Mexico, your kingfisher is of the Belted variety, and is most easily distinguished from the other two (Ringed and Green, for the record).

The US Supreme Court did not issue a definition of pornography, instead opining "I know it when I see it". Such is the Belted Kingfisher.

Sibley says our kingfishers are large, conspicuous, and loud. They are found on open water (as in not iced over), perch prominently, and hover frequently. They are very large-headed with long, heavy bill and short tail, and very short legs. They use wires and trees for lookout perches and catch fish by plunge-diving, head-first. Kaufman adds nothing. National Geographic "Complete Birds of North America" mentions that a distinct rufous band on the female's belly, extending down the flanks. And the birds require clear water to succeed. Not crystal, bud not covered.

You are now fully equipped to pursue and enjoy one of America's most beautiful birds.

But wait! Let's try to download some more Public Domain photos!

Okay this isn't the format I had in mind. I will try to fix it, but if I can't, enjoy anyway.