Not the Daily Telegraph Kingfisher, but....

[colincurry]

There was an amazing picture published in the Daily Telegraph this week of a kingfisher brandishing a fish in its mouth. Apparently, the photographer sat for seven hours waiting for the shot. All power to his elbow; but I could not do that.

On my regular walk, there is a spot on the river where we have seen kingfishers; usually as a malachite flash and blur, although I did manage to snap one perched on a branch a year or so ago.

I was in this same spot yesterday when I saw a kingfisher cross the river obliquely ahead of me. I crept along the bank just as a pleasure boat came upstream. I assumed that this would disturb the bird and kept a careful lookout but did not see it. I havered about continuing upstream or retracing my steps to see if the bird had returned to its roost. I decided to go back. I usually rely on the naked eye but, this time decided to use my bins.

To my delight, there was the bird tucked away and perched on an upright branch with the intervening foliage waving up and down in the strong wind.



This following snap is now my PC and mobile wallpaper



These two snaps show how difficult it was to draw a bead on the bird





Very shortly afterwards, the bird flew into the adjoining foliage and I could not find it.

Scientifically considering further action, I had a cup of coffee, two pieces of apple cake and a longish chat with a passing dog walker before I decided that I had been lucky enough for one day, and went of my way rejoicing.

Serendipity rules

Colin

[SpikyPhasmid]

That is a lovely bird. I love the sharp look in his eye.

[shenk1]

Beautiful - its all in the timing of the walk and realizing what amazing creatures are around you

[kotsyfi]

Congratulations! I too was very lucky today, in that I saw my first kingfisher that wasn't a vague blueish blur. In the time it took to realise what I was looking at, he had flown off of course, so no picture to show off... You should be very proud of yours!

[JeffH]

Nice pics and a nice story to go with it - well done Colin

Originally Posted by colincurry

...... the photographer sat for seven hours waiting for the shot...... Colin

...but 7 hours - is that all? - that man's got a long way to go

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