Kingfishers in heavy rain

[FUDGEY]

After getting my 1st kingfisher photographs yesterday I went against my instincts today and went back up to try get more photos. I knew I was wasting my time, but I'd rather sit up there in those conditions over daytime TV. Anyhow I was proved right, not a sign of any in 3 hours. Does anyone know how active they are in such conditions? Do they hunt from cover out of the worst of the weather or will they just sit on a sheltered perch somewhere waiting for the rain to abate? I'm sure they will have to feed at some point, but are they hunting much less regularly and not worth the effort & getting soaked?

[valleyforge]

Hi Fudgey,

I'm sure you're aware that kingfishers are primarily 'sight' fishers ... that is they will perch and wait, or hover momentarily, to catch sight of a fish before plunge diving for it.

However, when the surface of the water is being disturbed by heavy rain (or strong wind for that matter), the bird will not only not be able to see the fish, but also wouldn't see any subsurface obstacles that might injure it.

While the weather remains unsuitable for fishing though, the kingfishers can often be found along and under the stream/river banks, searching out shallow pools for aquatic invertibrates, or even sheltering aerial insects.

[FUDGEY]

A very interesting reply. It does not surprise me that they consume underwater invertebrates, but I never realised they fed on insects as a subsitute. Thanks for that.

[El Neilio 10]

Hi Fudgey,

Majestic birds, aren't they! Sure they'd take invertebrates and I'd hazard a guess at them even taking small amphibians too even (or at least larger related species would). Especially if weather conditions prevent them fishing as valleyforge pointed out. That beak's some weapon, after all, isn't it and when they're hungry, they've got to eat.

I used be lucky enough to enjoy regular sightings of a small population along a tributary of the River Roch near where I used to live. I could watch them for hours (though never quite actually did!).

They'll be back tomorrow, and the day after, no doubt.

Stay dry!