Advice on Kingfishers

[ExposingTheWild]

Hi peeps,

Could you give us some advice on Kingfisher photography.

We have set up a perch and a tank with minnows in it under it. We have spent a couple of days watching and had nothing. We are getting reports of KF activity further along the river (photography conditions not as good), do you suggest we should move along or persevere with our current spot.

Kind regards

ETW

[Beekeeper]

Hi ETW, i would be a bit surprised if the Kingfisher did use your tank unless it is quite large and has been in place for a while, all birds learn their territory and its gegraphical features and if it changes overnight via your tank it would probably be a while before it is accepted and explored.

Then again i could be wrong and it will be interestng to read what the other folk think of your idea.

Ian

[MagpieMick]

Firstly the birds well-being must be paramount over a image !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How big is the tank ?

If the bird catches a wing on entering the water because the tank isn't big enough and breaks a wing !!

Have you got gravel on the bottom ?

Without it i would say that it would struggle to judge depth of water and again risk injury to the bird !!

I feel that you need to think this through and plan it very carefully before proceeding with this idea, unless you are after underwater shots why do you need a tank set-up..............

Mick..

[Elizabeth B]

Originally Posted by ExposingTheWild

Hi peeps,

Could you give us some advice on Kingfisher photography.

ETW

I believe you need to have a licence before you are allowed photograph kingfishers. I suggest that you contact the BTO before you do anything.

[ExposingTheWild]

Hi there peeps,

Thank you for the advice, views and comments.

Regarding the tank size, it is definitely big enough. I am not sure of the exact dimensions but an osprey could get in there and out without touching the sides.

In regards to the license, it is not illegal to photograph Kingfishers, it is illegal to photograph them on or near their nest (which we certainly aren't).

Ok, why do we need the tank? We obviously would like to photograph them and having a ready supply of food (minnows in the tank) we figured it increased the chance of the Kingfisher stopping, fishing and hopefully returning.

I had read on another post about someone successfully using a similar technique but with chicken fencing (very small holes) to keep the fish in the area as appose to the tank. We thought we would go for the tank as if successful relatively early on in the project we could look for a way of filming underwater.

However after thinking long and hard about the morals of baiting these lovely birds with live minnows we have decided to change tack. Basically back to the drawing board. We will release the fish currently there, but keep some others to film and photograph some of their behavior.

As for the Kingfishers please keep your fingers crossed :-) we will per-server with a perch and hope!