[Hardyreels]

While browsing photos here I spotted the 'Kingfisher' thread, your birds are much different than ours here. The North American version is more gray than bright blue and has a pronounced crest. They are also very careful about allowing me close enough for a truly good photo. Seems that every time one comes and sets right next to me I do not have a camera in hand and reaching for one only sends them back on the wing.

None of that has stopped me from being a great admirer of the birds. I've had one of the North American Belted Kingfishers here in my homes since 1994.

Hard to get good lighting indoors, took these in January 2015 out on the rear deck.

Sculpted by William H. Turner and cast in bronze by him in an edition of 65 back in 1992. Dr. Turner is an old friend from way back on the Eastern Shore Peninsula of Virginia.

After the forging the bronze is treated with various nitrate compounds very much as a stain. Once the chemical compounds are applied the bronze is reheated by torch which sets the reaction between the chemicals and the bronze. I paired that with an original water color he did of the same scene.

Thought that may be of interest to some

 

[Hardyreels]

How are those pictures showing on your screens? I feel like they could have done with being resized but wanted to keep detail. If you guys think them too large please say so

While I'm at it, here's the pair indoors.