KINGFISHER DIARY 2009 (with photos)

[JeffH]

Thanks for all the kind comments since my last update (in August ) - all very much appreciated

I'm sorry not to have posted an update since then and will try to do an 'end of season' report during the next week or two but I'm afraid I haven't visited WAB much in recent months as I decided I was spending far too much time sat in front of the computer and not enough time out there watching wildlife and taking photos!

Jeff

[Lemars]

This will revive your old thread, Jeff !

I'm only sorry that it all ended in 2009 and I can't thank you enough for having introduced me to your wonderful journals about those kingfishers.

The amazing photos and all the things you wrote about your observations (and the details of the techniques and equipment) combine to make a wonderful story.

It took me a good couple of hours, last night, to scour every last word of it all and now, although I completely understand your choice to spend more time `in the field' than on the computer, I'm so sorry that there's nothing further to read.

I can't thank you enough for having introduced me to your kingfisher threads. Is there an owl one too - or has the attraction of the great outdoors completely overtaken your time?

I hope that your wife is in better health than she was a couple of years ago. Your tenacity in the face or adversity was inspiring (and worrying).

Lastly, did you ever write the book ?

C

[JeffH]

Thanks for all your kind words Lemars

I've really no wish to revive my Kingfisher Diary thread - it ran for nearly 3 years and was very well received but I was in danger of repeating myself if it had continued, though I guess some newer WAB members may find it of interest.

Just to briefly bring things up to date - the Kingfishers nested again at our local site in 2010 but were disturbed by some young boys playing nearby and deserted the nest. Unfortunately I didn't learn of this until it was too late, though I'm sure the disturbance was entirely innocent and that boys weren't even aware of the presence of the nest.

Sadly, just a single bird occupied the territory during 2011 and so no breeding took place.

However, the good news is that a pair are now present (and are nesting) again - it's great to see them back - and so my early morning Kingfisher watching will hopefully continue through the Spring and Summer.

In answer to your queries:-

Yes, there was also a Barn Owl Diary - see here - Barn Owl Diary (with photos)

And thank you yes, my wife's health is now much improved.

As for the book, I'm afraid my work on that came to an abrupt (but, hopefully, temporary) halt when two other authors published books on Kingfishers in quick succession. I didn't think the market would stand a third book and so suspended my plans for publication, though I'm hopeful of reviving that project sometime in the future.

In the meantime, my fascination with Kingfishers continues and I now present illustrated talks on the subject ("Kingfishers - up close & personal") to RSPB/National Trust/Wildlife Trust Local Groups, Bird Clubs, Natural History Societies, etc. throughout East Anglia.

Thanks again for your kind words and for your interest

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers and Barn Owls)