Stunning images of kingfishers in action

IN his enchanting new book, Kingfisher: Tales From The Halcyon River, photographer Charlie Hamilton James tells in words and amazing pictures the story of a year in the life of two pairs as they court, mate, rear chicks and catch prey.
Photographer Charlie Hamilton James has been obsessed with the kingfisher since the age of six. From a hide attached to the old millworkers cottage near Bristol where he lives with his wife, TV host Philippa Forrester, he has spent thousands of hours photographing the elusive bird.
When it dives, the kingfisher flaps its wings a couple of times to gather speed. Just before entering the water, it tucks in its wings and hits the surface like a dart. I had to be quick with my trigger finger to catch it on camera. Air clings to the kingfisher underwater, helping to keep it dry and aiding buoyancy. The male emerges from the water with a fish. He kills it by bashing it on a branch, swallows it, shakes himself and then turns to hunt again. -Daily Mail