Kingfisher watching

otter lover · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 11:58 AM

Travelled all the way to Dorset to see a kingfisher with my sister who lives here but it has rained non stop all day. So keen to see one perching. I have only just seen a flash of blue in the past.
Hoping rain will stop so we can go out later! Will keep you posted on success rate.

JeffH · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 01:46 PM

Good Luck

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls & Avocets)

otter lover · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 04:45 PM

Absolutely delighted to see a number of excellent viewings of kingfishers whistling and dashing up the river. Also one or two sightings of a male kingfisher sitting on a branch only a few metres away from us, several of it diving for fish and one of it preening itself on a branch close to the bank. Amazing! So exciting. It totally made my day. They are stunning little birds. Have to go back to Kent tomorrow which is just as well or I wouldn't get anything else done!

Lumalee · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 05:05 PM

It has been a lifelong ambition of mine to photograph a Kingfisher, and watching Halcyon Diaries recently has taken my passion for it to fever pitch. There are a number of sites near me in the Ribble Valley , Lancs, where there have been sightings but after quite a few stealth (quiet and with face veil) visits I have still not managed to even see one. For give me if I am being naive here, but I live probably 70% of my life out in the countryside, but on private farms and I am privelidged to have seen many wonderful things in my time from new born fox cubs and parents playing at just 20 yds, to owls perching on my hide, the salmon swimming up river etc etc, but is it the done thing to ask for help from someone on here as to where I might get a glimpse of a Kingfisher in my reasonable locality ? I am in Clitheroe in the NW, in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

Cheers
Lee

otter lover · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 08:19 PM

Are there none at Martin Mere? I have the book of Halcyon River Diaries and when I get home I will look up in there any suggestions as I know there are possibilities all over the uk. Good luck with your search.

Lumalee · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 08:08 PM

Thanks for the info, I have since learned its better to wait until winter for the KF's as they seem to be more active then feeding the young. But still looking for opportunities.
Cheers
Lee

marieturner · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 10:25 PM

Shame we didn't get a photo.Too excited to get the camera out.I don't want to rub it in but I can see them everyday.Otters tomorrow.Does help to live in Dorset.