In folklore, the Kingfisher is said to be the first bird to set flight from Noah’s Ark. His orange breast having been kissed by the sun and his blue flanks having been bathed in the cobalt sky. He is also said to have control over the winds and waves. Halycon Days are said to be a 15 day stretch (around Winter Solstice) during which the Kingfisher calms the mighty ocean and commands the storms to abate, allowing him to nest upon the water.
Of course, in reality a Kingfisher will nest on a river bank. But it’s a lovely tale, nonetheless.
