Kingfisher

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There was a new draw at the Centre this weekend... A kingfisher!

We have had kingfishers around the Centre and out on our reserve for a few years. Very often when walking my dog I see a glimpse of blue fly by the waters, or hear in the distance the distinctive sound they make. But over the past couple of weeks, quite often one has visited our otter ponds in the afternoon. I think the extra rainfall causing the water to rush through out sleuces has brought new fish in to the ponds, and this is what has attracted the kingfisher.

This past weekend this female kingfisher above spent a good couple of hours at our main otter pond, and made several dives... successfully too... providing much fun for the public to sit and watch. She was so popular in fact, that after myself and others put some photos up on the internet in the evening there was a gaggle (what do you call a group of photographer?) of photographers coming out on the sunday to see if she returned... and she didn't disappoint!.. Sure enough again in the afternoon, she turned up for about an hour or so for some fishing.

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Unfortunately I don't have a lens on my camera that could get close enough to her on the other side of the otter pond, but I did manage to get a few record shots. Above she is coming out of the water with a fish in her mouth after a successful dive... can you see her? :-) ...

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... here it is a bit more cropped in. Click on it to make it a bit bigger if you wish.

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She was so settled, and quite happy to have a group of people watching her from the pathway in full view. She even showed no signs of fear with the otters swimming and playing just feet beneath her. Above she is about two thirds up and to the right in the photo, and you can see Elwood in the background, just feet away eating a fish... Wouldn't of surprised me if the kingfisher dived down and tried to steal it from him. That is how bold she was!

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In fact, the kingfisher was such a hit, that even little old Buster was overlooked for the couple of hours she was her.. despite his best efforts in being playful, playing with stones and twigs on the bank close to us and even chasing his tail! I have never seen an otter do that before.

Anyway, in my failure of photos, I thought you may like to see some amazing picture taken of her this weekend. Above is a beautiful portrait of her taken by Steven Whitehead.

And this stunning photo shows her more in her habit, and concentrating on the water below before diving in. This photo was taken by member Gillian Penny.

Thanks to both for allowing me to share their great photos. This kingfishers arrival leads on to good news too... With all the excitement of the weekend, David has decided to move the construction of the kingfisher bank to the top of the priority list... hopefully this way we may be able to catch the season they are looking for mates and a place to nest.