Sittin’ on the dock of the bay, a Belted Kingfisher.

This is bird #10 of 2018. I thought I’d start a sidebar count for this year, for fun.

With its top-heavy physique, energetic flight, and piercing rattle, the Belted Kingfisher seems to have an air of self-importance as it patrols up and down rivers and shorelines. It nests in burrows along earthen banks and feeds almost entirely on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish with its heavy, straight bill.

I spotted the bird on the dock from the back deck of the rental.

I love the punk hair styles of the kingfishers.