Although Belted Kingfishers spend most of their time fishing ponds, marshes and shallow bays of lakes, these birds may actually nest a short distance from the water. Kingfishers do not make nests but rather tunnel into the sides of steep banks where predators can not reach their young. Often the nest holes are in the sides of a stream or river ravines, but in my case this morning I found quite a few active nest holes in an optimal habitat area about 1/2 mile distant from Lake Vermilion. I also owe a HUGE thanks to the Vermilion Dam Lodge who gave me permission to bird their private property. The nests were NOT located in a public area of their resort.

Mom Kingfisher with a minnow for her newly hatched young.

Dad Kingfisher (he makes extremely quick visits to the nest hole to deliver food)

Visit #1

Visit #2