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Where can I see kingfisher's in the north west of England (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter magno
- Start date
ColinD
Well-known member
Seeing one and photographing one are two quite different challenges. I often see Kingfishers in the North West, but rarely well enough to get any decent pictures (not that I ever have my camera with me anyway, but that's another story). Usually when I do see Kingfishers well, it's almost always complete luck.
I don't visit Pennington Flash these days, but a few years ago I was a regular, and often saw them from the various hides, sometimes quite well. I'm sure that they must still be seen there, but again it's down to luck.
Kingfishers are actually a lot more common than people think, and can be seen regularly at many suitable locations in the North West, including canals, ponds and lakes. However they can be surprisingly difficult to see for such a colourful bird. The best advice I can give you is learn their call. They are very vocal birds, and I almost always hear Kingfishers before I see them.
I don't visit Pennington Flash these days, but a few years ago I was a regular, and often saw them from the various hides, sometimes quite well. I'm sure that they must still be seen there, but again it's down to luck.
Kingfishers are actually a lot more common than people think, and can be seen regularly at many suitable locations in the North West, including canals, ponds and lakes. However they can be surprisingly difficult to see for such a colourful bird. The best advice I can give you is learn their call. They are very vocal birds, and I almost always hear Kingfishers before I see them.
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Sandra (Taylor)
Well-known member
Welcome to the Forum.
There are good views of a kingfisher regularly from one of the hides at Martin Mere. Just ask around - I'm sure someone will aim you in the right direction. I think it's the far left one but I may be mistaken. It fishes in the small stream there and perches on the fence just in front of the hide.
Sandra
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saluki
Well-known member
Hi Magno,
I've been seeing kingfishers regularly recently down Green Lane (sailing club) at Pennington Flash, there's often one in the willows by the gateway to Sorrowcar Farm (here). They also fish in the pond on the other side of the lane. Try to learn their distinctive piping call, it will help you locate them.
Jonathan
Johnny1
Well-known member
The hide for kingfishers at Martin Mere is the Ron Barker hide, if you go to the right side of the hide you will see a bridge look in the water to the right of the bridge and you will see 4 posts in the water - this is where the kingfishers perch. An ideal spot for photographing them or just to see them. You'll probably be able to see film of the birds on Autumnwatch starting tonight.
Clive Watson
Well-known member
That's annoying, I was there on Saturday with lens in tow (in the Swan Link hide) and I wasn't aware there were Kingfishers to be had! I've seen a few good pics taken recently at Venus Pool in Shropshire but since I've never been there, I can't comment on how reliable this is or even if there is public access. Can someone with some better local knowledge help out?
desgreene
Well-known member
Sorry Johnny1, I cross posted there (very slow typing from me!)
I once tried to photograph one, I went down to a local river, found a stick and put it so it was convenient for the kingfisher to perch on as it is flying past, then I waited a few hours and there it was. They really aren't that rare, most rivers/canals have them. I've often seen more in the summer than the winter, it's probably best for you to wait, but you never know.
a.dancy
Registered User
It might help to know what sort of lens you are using and and the kind of results you realistically hope to achieve.
It might be a good idea to find a fisherman who uses a private pool/pond where kingfishers are guaranteed. You can then approach the owner or club officials and see if they will let you in. To get good close shots you will almost certainly have to use a hide. Kingfishers can tolerate a bit of noise but any movement and they're off.
I have seen kingfishers at Burrs Country Park near Bury every time I have visited. However if you go in breeding season you will need a schedule 1 License if you photograph at or near the nest. You should ask the rangers for advice.
It might be a good idea to find a fisherman who uses a private pool/pond where kingfishers are guaranteed. You can then approach the owner or club officials and see if they will let you in. To get good close shots you will almost certainly have to use a hide. Kingfishers can tolerate a bit of noise but any movement and they're off.
I have seen kingfishers at Burrs Country Park near Bury every time I have visited. However if you go in breeding season you will need a schedule 1 License if you photograph at or near the nest. You should ask the rangers for advice.
Bill@dwp
Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
Pennington and Martin mere as described are pretty good, but I've always seen them at Mere Sands Wood as well which isnt far from MM. Another good place at MM is the United Utilities Hide, the other end of the reserve from ron Barker hide but I suspect they use the ditch that runs along in front of both of these hides and feed at various points along there. they show regularly on the sightings board for that hide as well as ron barker and have been an easy tick mostly for the last two years I would say.
If you digiscoping then go to ron barker as UU hide wobbles in the wind and vibrates if there are few in and might ruin the shot.
If you digiscoping then go to ron barker as UU hide wobbles in the wind and vibrates if there are few in and might ruin the shot.
Pete Loydall
Well-known member
Carr Mill Damm on the East Lancs is also a good spot to see Kingfishers at the top end around the small arches bridge that goes across the water. Record distant shots would be the best you would get though.
Peter.
Peter.
David Smith
Warrington Lancs
I had exactly the same feelings and questions whenI first heard of this forum and received the same amount of kind asistance.
The best place I have found is a little way out but worth the effort-it's called the Spinnies at Talybont near Bangor. It's there throughout the winter.
The 1st 2 photos were taken there.
I have also seen them at Mere Sands-the 2nd 2 photos where taken there.
I think it's very much 'right time right place'-I've sat at Pennington Flash with a 'numb bum' several times and not seen one although many people have (Kingfisher-not my bum). The 1st time I went to Mere Sands I got the photos attached.
One thing I can promise is that you will never forget the 1st one you see.
Keep asking people as you have and keep visiting the recommended places-you will see one soon.
The best place I have found is a little way out but worth the effort-it's called the Spinnies at Talybont near Bangor. It's there throughout the winter.
The 1st 2 photos were taken there.
I have also seen them at Mere Sands-the 2nd 2 photos where taken there.
I think it's very much 'right time right place'-I've sat at Pennington Flash with a 'numb bum' several times and not seen one although many people have (Kingfisher-not my bum). The 1st time I went to Mere Sands I got the photos attached.
One thing I can promise is that you will never forget the 1st one you see.
Keep asking people as you have and keep visiting the recommended places-you will see one soon.
Attachments
Venus Pool is open to the public and the Kingfisher(s) are usually present in front of the hide (approx 20ft away) on and off throughout the day. There is an Opus page with more details of Venus Pool.
