Kingfishers and bridges.

[Deb London]

In the suburban environment I have observed that the Kingfisher will follow a water course closely when flying up and down the river. So much so that they will often fly under bridges rather than over them. Is this correct? Is there a minimum diameter or maximum length of pipe that they are prepared to fly through? Is there anything else I should be aware of when standing on bridges trying to spot them?

[The Woodman]

Deb, you are correct with your observations. I spend a lot of time standing under Cumbrian bridges of all shapes and sizes and see many Kingfishers hurtling up and downstream, all under the arches.

I usually get a pre-warning of their arrival with that loud "peep" they make.

Earlier in the year I was up to my thighs in water working on a bridge over the river that drains Coniston and three Kingfishers flew upstream in what I think was a territorial chase. My presence spilt the trio, one going behind me and two in front at very close quarters!

I don't know about minimum diameters and maximum lengths but I can't recall seeing one flying over a bridge.

[htcdude]

Can't answer your questions Deb, but the exact same behaviour at Staines and Ten Acre Woods where I've seen them. Staines does have quite a low bridge but it doesn't seem to phase the bird

Nige

[Deb London]

Thanks both for the information.

[JeffH]

Hi Deb,

I too have seen Kingfishers fly beneath bridges of various types and sizes at several locations but I'm afraid I cannot answer your question as to the "..... minimum diameter or maximum length of pipe that they are prepared to fly through?" and I very much doubt that anyone has researched this point.

I've also seen them fly through very small gaps in tree branches/dense foliage at the waterside - perhaps the fact that they are tunnel nesters means that they have no fear of flying through such confined spaces

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

[Deb London]

Thanks Jeff, I guess no one has researched this question.

[RoyW]

They don't always fly under bridges, or follow the water course. Usually they fly close to the water, but they will often cut off a corner rather than follow around a bend, and if they are already flying at roughly the height of the bridge will often go over it, they just don't tend to gain height to do so.

[Deb London]

Thanks for your observations Roy.

[Naturenutz]

Yes agree with roy hear,they fly out seawards under the coastal sluice gate that you can view from but on returning afterwards they often cut the corner and fly around the sluice edge after seeing people above them.I rarely spot them by chance ,more often by the peep call stated by the woodman.

[Deb London]

Thanks NN, interesting.