Kingfishers in Surrey...Where?

[superblue]

Hi Everyone........

Well this is my first post I love wildlife & nature photography & posses long lenses, I'm not really a birder as such but i do love birds of prey, who doesn't .............however, it's always been my burning desire to capture a Kingfisher, I live near Thorpe Park in Surrey & was wondering if anyone knew where in Surrey I might have some luck I will soon own a portable hide & often get days off during the week when it's usually quieter at ponds etc, if anyone has any info, please post here, many thanks

Martin

[aeshna5]

Wraysbury Gravel Pits are not too far from you + it's possible to see them there; also seen them on Staines Moor. Almost any lake or river in the area should yield one.

[Kev-B]

Hi Martin ..

Welcome to WAB ...

I used to live in Laleham .. & one place I've seen them regularly is on the private fishing lake (the one which used to be owned by Roger Daltrey) on the B376 Shepperton Road, Laleham .. (it use to have a big Union Flag flying from the Restaurant) ..

If you pop in & make yourself known at the restaurant .. you'll probably get a warm welcome (certainly that was the case 5 years ago, before I moved up to Lincs .. The proprietors welcomed Birdwatchers ,as they served as additional eyes and tended to deter Fish thieves) ..

PS .. the restaurant there is quite nice for an evening meal too ...

Good luck ..

Bye for now ..

Kev ..

Usual caveat applies .. "I have no connection .. etc,etc" ...

[superblue]

Thanks very much guys, I know that lake in Laleham time to check out those places, thanks again

Martin

[Adam Cheeseman]

You could also try Bedfont Lakes Country Park or pretty much any stretch of the Colne or Crane Rivers.

Cheers,

Adam

[superblue]

Thanks Adam.............I wonder if lippy would let me come to his place in Dorset & take a picture of his Kingfisher

Martin

[Kev-B]

Hi Martin ..

If you're prepared to travel outside Surrey .. I'd recommend RSPB Rye Meads .. there's a Hide there, appropriately enough called "Kingfisher" where sightings are almost guaranteed .. well, as much as anything can be "guaranteed" in Birding ..

The hide is situated quite high above the pool where the Kingfishers nest & has a very long viewing slot, ideal for photography .. they've even put artificial perches in the water in the best spots to catch good pics ..

Also .. please check your PM's ..

Good hunting ..

Bye for now ..

Kev ..

[superblue]

Cheers kev, got your PM as well thanks for that too