From: Audubon Field Guide
The Belted Kingfisher is often first noticed by its wild rattling call as it flies over rivers or lakes. It may be seen perched on a high snag, or hovering on rapidly beating wings, then plunging headfirst into the water to grab a fish. Found almost throughout North America at one season or another, it is the only member of its family to be seen in most areas north of Mexico.
Tacoma's Titlow Park is an urban birder's delight. Perched on the shore of Puget Sound just south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the park includes two sheltered lagoons and a good sized natural area. The lagoons provide a winter home for a variety of waterfowl, most distinctively a large group of wigeons, whose nasal whistle call fills the air.
Titlow is a year-round home to a variety of birds, including mallards and buffleheads.
Several well placed snags dot the edges of the smaller lagoon. Their position near water's edge makes them the perfect perch for resident Belted Kingfisher.
On the February day I visited Titlow Park, a male Belted Kingfisher was putting on an acrobatic show. He flew from snag to snag, dove into the water for small fish and hovered seemingly effortlessly above the surface of the pond.
Should you find yourself at Titlow Park, take a few moments to stop and listen for the rattling call of the Kingfisher. Then, grab a front row seat for some amazing acrobatics.