Kingfisher (1 Viewer)

[ScottCharles3]

I love birds, I'm bird crazy, yesterday at about half 5 in the afternoon I caught a glimpse of a barn owl flying around from where I live, immediately grabbed my camera and ran outside to photograph it, sadly I was too late (I love owls) I also live in a lodge right next to the river due to moving out, I was stood there waiting to hopefully see the owl again but no luck, by then this brilliance of shine blue caught my eye and a king fisher was flying low, almost skimming along the lenghth of the river and I was in so much shock, a kingfisher!! I know the rules about the kingfishers so I'm not going to go searching, but do you think I'll see him again? Or do they fly long distances along the rivers? If not when's the best time to see him etc? Truly magnificent!

Thanks,

Scott

 

[JustinG]

Hi Scott,

Kingfishers tend to use a small patch of river close by to where a nest is. Like you alreay know, you must stay well away from a Kingfisher's nest, but if you've got a clear view down a patch of river, then you've got a great chance of seeing Kingfishers at any time. They hunt by diving into the river from a branch/tree, so keep an eye out for any branches that are just above the river - a Kingfisher is likely to use it. Also keep an ear out - they make a high-pitched, 'pipping' sound which is the best way to find out they're around.

All the best,
Justin

 

[ScottCharles3]

Yes I know not to go rooting around searching for there nest, if I was to go out at the same time today would I stand a chance in seeing him? I guess It comes down to luck, I know a lot about my birds so it would be even better to see him perched somewhere hunting for his prey! It was dusk when I saw him, so is that the best time or early in the morning? What time of year will they be most active?

 

[JustinG]

Yes I know not to go rooting around searching for there nest, if I was to go out at the same time today would I stand a chance in seeing him? I guess It comes down to luck, I know a lot about my birds so it would be even better to see him perched somewhere hunting for his prey! It was dusk when I saw him, so is that the best time or early in the morning? What time of year will they be most active?

Early morning is the best time of day - this is when the bird's are most active with feeding. Although Kingfishers tend to feed and fly up and down the river most of the day. Just stay in the same place with a good view of the river, and then just be patient and you're bound to see him fly past - or if you could get a view of him fishing, that would be excellent! Like most birds, Kingfishers will start to look their best now and will be displaying and trying to attract a mate, so early spring is an excellent time.

 

[ScottCharles3]

Yeah all birds are very active bright and early in the morning, well that's good news to hear, I'm extremely patient and I literally live right next to the river, like 1 meter away so I will sit out there this evening and see if I can see him flying back and forth, if not tomorrow morning!

So it's still quite early to see him though? Because winter is coming to an end and the days are just getting longer

 

[JustinG]

You sound like you live in a very nice place, with great wildlife around you. How did you get on this evening?

Well, like most other birds, they're just coming into the start of the breeding season where they start to display and attract a mate. It's a couple of weeks early before the height of displaying, and when the birds look their best, but the early morning is always the best.

 

[ScottCharles3]

Sadly I was out yesterday but I am free in the morning and evening on Thursday/Friday, I have so much patience so I'll be out there waiting for ages! We certainly do live in a nice place and I love the birds! I read up online that I should but a stick hanging over the river so he can perch? I was lucky to see him then, because it's a kingfisher I'll write a little diary, how do I go about getting a schedule 1 licence? I have an slr camera with a 400mm lense

Thanks