Picture Of The Week - Dive, Dive!

There were a couple reasons why we chose this photo as our Picture Of The Week. The first is because it's timely, with low temperatures and snow and ice prevailing in many parts of our country right now. And second is because of the impressive hunting skills it showcases.

The photo is of a kingfisher plunging into the icy waters and coming back up with three tasty fish to feast upon. Kingsfishers hunt from perches not far above the water. They open their wings underwater and their eyes are covered with a transparent third eyelid. Many young Kingfishers drown during their first attempts at hunting.

Picture Of The Week - A Kingfisher Goes For A Dive

How stunning is our Picture Of The Week? An underwater photographer caught this amazing shot of a kingfisher diving into water to snap up a fish for dinner. We love the way you can see the motion of the bird in the way the water rushes around it.

Although kingfishers are known for hunting fish, only a few species can dive like this. Other species also feed on crustaceans, frogs and insects. Kingfishers that can dive hunt from a perch above the water; their eyes are able to judge underwater distance very accurately. Upon impacting the water, a membrane covers their eyes to protect their vision.