King Fishers & Otters

[wizzo]

Hello everyone! New member here (great forum by the way!). I'm hoping to photograph a Kingfisher and possibly even an Otter. I live in Bristol and was wodering if anyone knows what might be the best possible place to go and do this. I understand that I may need to get permission? Any advise would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[ChrisJB]

Not sure about kingfishers in your neck of the woods Wizzo, but for otters, you can't be too far from Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, on the Somerset Levels, near Glastonbury. Early morning, it's great for otters. I saw my first ones there a few years ago. Viewing from Noah Hide is perhaps your best bet. It's a fantastic reserve, with tremendous starling flocks in winter as well.
Have fun.

Regards, Chris

[ron1863]

Hi wizzo and a warm welcome to WAB. Good luck with the Kingfishers and Otters.

[Chas]

Kingfishers are very territorial so once you have seen one there is a fair chance that you will see it again. But, if it is aware of your presence then forget it! My advice would be to walk quietly along a likely (quiet) stream and once you have located your Kingfisher return with a chair hide and be prepared to wait for hours and eventually it may show again. If you have a look at my Blog here Wildlife in a Suburban Garden you can read about my observations during the last month.
There are a few real experts on here, read Jefs diaries for example
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...earchid=704940

[welshcameraman]

You could take a trip up to the wetland centre in Slimbridge. They have got a brilliant hide there for kingfishers, and its a great day out.

[wizzo]

Thanks for the warm welcome folks! Great tips too. You're correct about Glastonbury and Slimbridge and I will follow that up and let you know. Just one more question, if that's ok? Would a Sigma 70-200mm zoom be long enough from these hides do you think? Thanks again.

[wizzo]

Chas, what wonderfull Shots, especially the Kingfishers and Grey Wagtails. You're obviously a pro' photographer. What equipment/lenses do you use for these close ups of the birds and butterflies. Also, don't you worry about people 'stealing' these pictures for publication? I hope you don't mind, but I've 'nicked' a couple for background pictures on my laptop. Hope this is ok with you. Well done again, I've been inspired!!

[Chas]

Thanks for your compliments Wizzoo, my main weapon and plan of action is to be as patient as I can and sometimes, today for instance that might be 4 hours and nothing to show for it! I was sat in cold water with waterproof trousers and waders on until I couldn't stand the cold any more!
As far as equipment is concerned, I use a Sigma 50-500 zoom, and sometimes a Pentax 200 sdm but only if I am going to be very close. My insects are taken with a Tamron 1:1 Macro lens.I get as close as I can to my subjects from the hide and sometimes that will be inches! That way you will capture detail. I wear camo gear, always go alone and shun anywhere where I may not be alone. Sometimes, in one of my permanent hides which is in quite a well used walk I have had people stood next to me for 10 minutes taliking without even being aware that I am there. Be prepared to ditch 99% of all the photos you take.
I am quite pleased with a few of my photos but I want better and better and better and every photo I have ever taken there is always another photo taken by someone else that is better in every way, but I keep trying.
My Kingfisher encounters this last month have been the most rewarding wildlife experience of my 59 years.
I am sure people do steal my images but what is the point of taking them if you don't show people and share your work which hopefully inspires other people to take care of the environment. In the main, people ask if they want to use any images. The RSPB have used an image recently for example, incidentally they didn't even say thank you which hurt to be honest.
Don't mind you using my images on your lappy, thanks for mentioning it, I am flattered.
Please keep looking at my Blog and PBase Gallery which I am so very proud of. I have had visitors on my Blog from 101 different countries. All reading about the great things we have to offer here in the UK

[JeffH]

No offence Wizzo but whilst I have some information about the location of both Kingfishers and Otters in the Bristol area I consider it unwise to put such precise information into the public domain for fear of adding to the disturbance problems already being experienced by these shy and sensitive creatures, particularly in urban areas, and often by people simply trying to get photographs of them.
Personally, I take the view that if someone has to ask how/where to find Kingfishers then they probably don't know enough about the species to be able to photograph them without causing some disturbance. The exception being, of course, by using public hides on recognised nature reserves - as ChrisJB and welshcameraman have already suggested.

Jeff

[Chas]

I agree with everything you say Jeff, disturbance is a real issue which you are, of course, correct to point out. But there is a real dilemma also and whilst not wanting to appear contrary you have a quote on the front page of you Web Site by Sir David Attenborough "People will not value or care about something unless they see and understand it". Of course here is the crux, how does Wizzo see and understand..... it is a massive dilemma.
On a personal level, have you any issues with what I am doing at present? That is, covertly studying my local Kingfishers, not in the breeding season of course, and taking some photographs along the way. In a few weeks I am giving a talk locally and will be using my slides to illustrate. Of course I will not be specific about the territory but I think it is quite important to let like-minded local people know how important this small "oasis" in my city is and hopefully this will help to protect it. But should I just keep quiet and not interact with anyone?