One of my favorite birds to watch near the waterfront is the Belted Kingfisher.  These energetic little birds have an unmistakable call – kind of like a high pitched rattle or chatter – which they use liberally as they streak overhead or dive into the water to grab a fish or some other unlucky little water creature that is going to be lunch.

This Belted Kingfisher was flying with a second Kingfisher over the Edmonds Marsh, patrolling for a meal in the water below.