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The Kingfisher speaks to Boulder and for itself. This seriously cute bird is a birdwatcher’s favorite. It’s easy to see why! Seeing a Kingfisher perched on a branch is truly Motivational, for Monday and for any other day.

The Kingfisher, a captivating symbol of vibrancy and agility, belongs to the family Alcedinidae and is renowned for its dazzling plumage and expert fishing abilities. These birds are most commonly found near rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, making habitats rich in water their preferred domain. The Kingfisher’s distinctive features include its stout body, large head, short legs, and sharp, pointed bill, designed for precision diving and fishing.

There are approximately 90 species of Kingfishers, divided into three main groups: river kingfishers, tree kingfishers, and water kingfishers. Each group has adapted to its specific environment, but all share the common trait of being excellent hunters, primarily feeding on a diet of fish and small aquatic invertebrates. The most iconic among them, the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), sports brilliant blue and orange plumage, making it one of the most easily recognized and admired species.

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Kingfishers are solitary creatures, coming together only during the breeding season. They are known for their unique nesting behavior, where they excavate tunnels in riverbanks or termite mounds, laying their eggs in the chamber at the end. These birds are not only a testament to the beauty of evolution, adapting remarkably to their environments, but also serve as indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems. Their presence or absence in a habitat can signal changes in water quality and biodiversity, making them crucial for ecological monitoring.

Despite their allure and ecological importance, Kingfishers face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, leading to declines in certain populations. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting water bodies and surrounding environments are essential for ensuring the survival and flourishing of these extraordinary birds, allowing future generations to continue marveling at their beauty and prowess.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge is Power!

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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