5 Nov 2013

"Halcyon Days"


"Halcyon - Greek halkuon, a mythical bird, long associated with the kingfisher, which nested on the sea. It was beloved of the gods, who calmed the waves while it incubated and raised its young. Such days of peace and calm became known as 'halcyon days'." 

(from "A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names"  by James A. Jobling)

When I came to Hong Kong in 1978, and before mainland air pollution became a feature of our winter weather, every autumn seemed to be filled with such days.


White-breasted Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis













White-breasted Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis



Or perhaps it was something to do with youth.  


4 comments:

  1. Wonderful kingfisher and stunning pictures, John. Nice to see such days continue on.

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  2. Damn, can't use that title now for my next Ruddy Kingfisher post.................

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  3. Russell and Ayuwat...Thanks for the sentiments....

    Stu, go ahead ! - we could make "Halcyon Days" a compulsory blog title for this family..

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