Flying south for summer

I heard them before I saw them. But if you asked me now to describe their call I wouldn't be able to. It is just something I know without realising I know. Looking in my bird book, their early breeding season call is described as 'a loud, sharp, penetrating, far carrying kik-kik-kik-kik or occasionally kek-kek-kek-kek'. 

The sacred kingfishers have arrived, flying south for their summer breeding season. Around here they nest in tree hollows, up high, twenty five metres or so - and there are plenty of hollows in the bush next door.

They are very difficult to get up close enough for a good photo. You'll just have to imagine the rich greeny and blue green colouring on the head and wings. They really are beautiful. They sit on the fence posts then dive onto the ground after insects and small lizards - until you get too close and they are off, swooping down the paddock and up into the trees.