by Kevin T McEneaney
Ancient Egyptians worshiped many birds;
tombs were often decorated with birds.
Known for aerial acrobatic flights,
the pied kingfisher can hover in place
for a long time before catching prey.
In Egyptian, the birds are called “dunkers.”
They are the largest species to hover.
Unlike most birds, they can eat on the wing
as they hunt over expansive waters.
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Many have adapted to urban life,
perching on telephone wires and signs.
Hopkins often thought of the kingfisher.
The nearly hundred kingfisher species
soar high over all seven continents.
