The Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
We have an early breakfast this morning on the beach. The noise of the crashing waves is broken by the crows crowing noisily with success from grabbing a discarded fish from the fishermen’s recent haul and on the gentle breeze, I can hear the fishermen’s ritual chants of encouragement as they drag their heavy wooden craft up the beach. On a frond in a nearby palm tree a Kingfisher waits to spear his share.
The Kingfisher can be spotted anywhere in India and it’s stylized image is an icon. It is printed on beer bottles, it is the name of an airline and its caricature is painted on the sides of brightly coloured houses. The White Throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is larger than the common Kingfisher and I think it embodies Goa and the Goan people magnificently. It has azure blue wings that represents the sea, brown underparts symbolizing the earth and a white patch on it’s breast and throat which epitomizes the purity of the Catholic piety that dominates the lives of so many here. The Kingfisher, like the people, is illusive and hard to pin down and is skilful at catching fish and is very noisy when it is agitated or excited. Taking a good photograph is nigh on impossible without elaborate equipment but the attached picture has caught some of the birds beauty.
Three of the nine varities found in India
Kingfisher painted on the side of Shack
