Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
p.1 #1Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
The local Portuguese bird photographers nickname the little kingfishers " Blue Lightning" now I know why, planning on spending a few more sessions with photographing them I thought our Belted Kingfishers were challenging to photograph.
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260902-DSC01101 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Common Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on FlickrCommon Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on FlickrCommon Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on FlickrCommon Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on FlickrCommon Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260902-DSC01101 by Jose Raposo, on FlickrCommon Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on FlickrCommon Kingfisher by Jose Raposo, on FlickrSep 03, 2026 at 01:11 PM
p.1 #2Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Outstanding, Jose!
No. 7 is a 'show stopper' -- just a perfect pose (love that fanned tail). No. 2 is also very much an eye catcher.
They are all excellent.
Greg
No. 7 is a 'show stopper' -- just a perfect pose (love that fanned tail). No. 2 is also very much an eye catcher.
They are all excellent.
Greg
Sep 03, 2026 at 01:23 PM
p.1 #3Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Excellent set of pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Sep 03, 2026 at 01:30 PM
p.1 #6Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
2, 3 and 4 are my picks Jose. 7 is a great moment with the fish yet the white belt is better in the ones I called out.
Morris
Morris
Sep 03, 2026 at 06:09 PM
p.1 #7Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Lovely photos Jose 👍. I wonder where in Portugal you saw the Kingfishers? We visit the country often and getting up close and personal with these would be excellent. Many thanks
Sep 04, 2026 at 03:08 AM
p.1 #8Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Watamu wrote:
Lovely photos Jose 👍. I wonder where in Portugal you saw the Kingfishers? We visit the country often and getting up close and personal with these would be excellent. Many thanks
These were taken in the town of Taboeiro near the city of Aveiro, the area is very marshy so they are pretty common to see however they are extremely skittish so you will need some camo ( I use a lencoat full body hide ) and lots of patience for them to show up. Shooting them on the wing is challenging because they are very fast fliers and have a tendency to fly in water channels that are dense in vegetation.
I have also seen these in the Lagoa de Obidos just north of Lisbon as well in the Coimbra area, basically anywhere with plenty of marsh water and perches along the water edge.
Lovely photos Jose 👍. I wonder where in Portugal you saw the Kingfishers? We visit the country often and getting up close and personal with these would be excellent. Many thanks
These were taken in the town of Taboeiro near the city of Aveiro, the area is very marshy so they are pretty common to see however they are extremely skittish so you will need some camo ( I use a lencoat full body hide ) and lots of patience for them to show up. Shooting them on the wing is challenging because they are very fast fliers and have a tendency to fly in water channels that are dense in vegetation.
I have also seen these in the Lagoa de Obidos just north of Lisbon as well in the Coimbra area, basically anywhere with plenty of marsh water and perches along the water edge.
Sep 04, 2026 at 05:00 AM
p.1 #9Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Many thanks for the additional info 👍
Sep 05, 2026 at 10:21 AM
|
p.1 #11Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Awesome shots Jose. They certainly need a 'bump'. 
Tony
Tony
Sep 10, 2026 at 06:52 PM
p.1 #12Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Thanks Tony, much appreciated. First time photographing these kingfishers so just becoming familiar with their hunting habits and flight patterns, lots to learn.
Sep 11, 2026 at 07:30 AM
p.1 #13Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
These little guys are so hard to photograph. Great shots.
Sep 19, 2026 at 06:51 PM
p.1 #14Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
A fantastic series Jose. Thanks for sharing these.👍👍
Sep 21, 2026 at 05:43 PM
p.1 #15Common Kingfisher - blue lightning
Such a pretty bird. Thanks for sharing.
Sep 25, 2026 at 04:49 PM