A couple shots from a new birding location (for me):

Belted Kingfisher
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/mdwsr/birds/post-wfowl/6.jpg

In flight
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/mdwsr/birds/post-wfowl/101.jpg

i enoy the first one a lot. The second doesn't do much for me, as it's not very sharp, and lacks composition, which is exactly what makes the first one strong.

The only thing that bugs me is the branch in the foreground.

livin - thanks very much for the C&C, honesty is what I'm looking for. I am trying to perfect my flight shots and this was one of my better catches on this day.

Mike, I like both of them. You did a pretty good job at keeping the bird in focus on the flight shot. When you are out there, you can't always choose your surroundings that much. The only changes I might make would be to crop both just to tighten them up a little. Really need to start looking for me some good places around here.

I like them both. The first one is great, I love the colors and detail. The second one beats my best shots of a bird flying, so no complaints from me.

Mdwsr Both are superb captures :) Wish i could get one in flight like you have , well captured :)

A couple shots from a new birding location (for me):

Belted Kingfisher
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/mdwsr/birds/post-wfowl/6.jpg

In flight
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/mdwsr/birds/post-wfowl/101.jpg

#1 is sweeet. I haven't been able to get anywhere near as close to a kingfisher without it getting really upset and flying noisily away. #2 look a bit oversharpened. My theory on birds in flight pics is use 1/500 or more and f/8 if you can adn keep the motor running.

I can't complain about these, since I have all but given up on Belted Kingfishers! I spent 7 hours in a blind 10 feet from a favorite perch only to get a few passerines! Once I gave up and packed away my gear, That SOB lands on the perch and gives me a laugh ;)

The perched image is quite nice. To be honest, the flight shot isn;t that bad at all. Sure it's a bit soft and busy, but (depending on your gear) focus tracking is tough at times on flight shots.

Thanks all for the thoughtful comments. The Kingfisher is quite the comical little bird. I stopped by that spot yesterday to fling some corn chops around (for a shoot today, hopefully) and he was still living there, he definately let me know he was king of that particular swamp.