Advice on photographing Kingfishers

[FUDGEY]

Anyone got any experience? Spent 3 hours yesterday on 2 different stretches af a stream to no avail. One bird flew past, but never used the perch I put up. A few questions to anyone that might be able to answer 1. Is it best to place the perch in an spot its likely to hunt from? ie a slow moving part of the stream or a pool? 2. What depth of water do they prefer to hunt in? 3. Roughly how high should the perch be placed above the water? 4. I am about 200 yards from the nest and I am using a bag hide, is this too close? I know its not too close to disturb them as I am well camoflaged, but do they prefer to hunt well away from the nest? Any advice greatly recieved as I am back up again today.

[hobble]

There is a brilliant Kingfisher thread on here by JeffH, you may glean some good tips from there.
He has been writing a Kingfisher diary for a few years now with great success.

[nutmeg]

JeffH also gives information about the licence needed and gives this reminder:

"As a fairly uncommon and easily disturbed bird, the Kingfisher is afforded the highest degree of legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you “intentionally or recklessly” disturb a Kingfisher (or any other Schedule 1 listed species) whilst trying to photograph it “in, on, at or near” the nest or whilst it has dependent young, and without the necessary Licence from Natural England, you may be committing a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months."

[FUDGEY]

Thanks Hobble, is it on the bird forum? if so was it a while ago so i have an idea how far to route through.

[FUDGEY]

Originally Posted by nutmeg

JeffH also gives information about the licence needed and gives this reminder:

"As a fairly uncommon and easily disturbed bird, the Kingfisher is afforded the highest degree of legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you “intentionally or recklessly” disturb a Kingfisher (or any other Schedule 1 listed species) whilst trying to photograph it “in, on, at or near” the nest or whilst it has dependent young, and without the necessary Licence from Natural England, you may be committing a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months."

TY for that, but what is deemed "near the nest?" Im 200 yards away. Why does it say "whilst it has dependent young" surely the same applies if its on eggs?

[nutmeg]

I haven't contemplated photographing kingfishers so am not fully conversant with the law. I suggest you get advice from someone who is familiar with it - doing a search for 'photographing kingfishers' should also give you plenty of information.

[hobble]

Kingfisher Diary by Jeff H is on page 2 of bird threads, so not too far back to check out.

[ron1863]

I think you should get the license first before you start photographing near the nest, just to keep yourself on the right side of the law.

[Jenny W]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I think you should get the license first before you start photographing near the nest, just to keep yourself on the right side of the law.

Quite right. Thing is, despite what has been said on other threads about the authorities 'knowing who you are' and 'not minding' - if you are caught in breach of the law regarding a Schedule 1 species, you will get prosecuted.

[FUDGEY]

I have decided against photographing them near the nest, I do not have enough experience in this field and realise its best not to try with a shy bird that will be vunerable to disturbance. I might however try set a perch up a considerable distance away when they have young.