Bird of the week: belted kingfisher
About: The only kingfisher found north of Texas, this medium- sized dark blue-and-white bird is a treat to see. Females have a brown band on their chest. Their heavy bills are perfect for catching fish by diving quickly into the water.
Where to find this bird: Look for kingfishers along the Fox River as they hunt for fish. They like to sit on exposed branches that overhang the river. When they fly, they often give a rattling call which announces their presence before you spot one.
When to find this bird: Year-round.
Fun fact: Kingfishers nest in burrows that they excavate on the sides of dirt river banks.