Kingfisher Diary (with photos)

[Ollie]

Great news Jeff that the chicks are ok. As I was reading this I was actually hoping and praying that those chicks hadn't been abandoned. An excellent report and photos again. I look forward to the next report, and the best of luck in the competition.
Roger

[glsammy]

Another report that had me riveted to the screen. Superb stuff again Jeff, your dedication and perseverance should get your just rewards when you win that comp!

[smartie]

Yes, another one to make my breakfast tea go cold through neglect. What a drama. I hope the chicks make it after all this. Fascinating stuff, Jeff - thanks again. I don't know how you can bear to leave them to go to work.

[buzfuz8149]

I am stuck for words (not like me ) I completely endorse everything that has been said, I was glad to read the parents were once again feeding and seemed settled let's hope you don't have anymore trouble, awaiting the next wonderful installment.

Carol.

[Kymba]

Wow jeff, More fantastic Photo;s and updates on Your Kingfishers. You write it all so amazingly that I feel like I am there watching it with you ( wish I was )
This is the first Post I look at Daily. Thankyou so much.

[demicav]

Hi Jeff, I'm so glad all seems well with the chicks. At one point I was thinking " please, not again ". Fantastic photos once again, can't wait for the next update.

Lorraine.

[wwatling]

Jeff, amazing diary, thanks so ,uch for all your trouble! Are the pair nesting this year again?

What type of nesting bird shots did you take to get your Schedule 1 licence? Did you also have to get a letter of recommendation from another photographer? How did you handle that? Any suggestions?

William.

[jdoherty]

Great set of pics. You are extremely fortunate to be so close to this amazing wildlife experience.

John

[JeffH]

Many thanks to everyone for your kind words and your continuing interest in this thread. I'm delighted that so many of you seem to be enjoying not only my photos but also the reports of the ups and downs of the life of these amazing and beautiful birds.

Originally Posted by wwatling

What type of nesting bird shots did you take to get your Schedule 1 licence? Did you also have to get a letter of recommendation from another photographer? How did you handle that? Any suggestions? William.

In answer to William's questions (and for the benefit of anyone else thinking of applying for a Schedule 1 Licence from Natural England):-

1. Unless you have held such a Licence before your application must be accompanied by photos of at least "...6 different non-Schedule 1 species at the nest..." and featuring "...one or more adult birds showing normal breeding behaviour." This is to demonstrate that you have developed the necessary skill and fieldcraft to be able to photograph nesting birds without unduly affecting their chances of breeding success.

As I said in one of my earlier posts, I have generally made it a life-long rule not to take photographs at nests. Fortunately however, I was able to put together the necessary 6 photos of nesting birds (mainly from shots taken in my own garden) and the subjects were - a female Blackbird sitting on the nest; a Robin flying into its nest with food; a Green Woodpecker feeding at its nesthole; a Great Spotted Woodpecker entering and leaving a nestbox; a Blue Tit feeding young at a nestbox and a Great Tit doing the same.

2. No, I didn't have to get a letter of recommendation from another photographer. I spoke to the staff of the Licensing Division at Natural England (who were extremely helpful throughout the process) and explained that I didn't actually know any other Schedule 1 Licence holders personally. However, I did have to produce two written character references from people familiar with my photographic work and commenting on my suitability to hold such a Licence. Here again I was fortunate in having two colleagues (solicitors) who are interested in wildlife, who know of my passion for wildlife (and Kingfishers in particular) and who had seen many (probably far too many ) examples of my earlier photos of Kingfishers in my garden. One of them is a prize-winning amateur photographer himself,though not of wildlife, and was therefore able to comment authoritatively on my photographic skills - such as they are

I hope that's helpful William.

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder)

PS. as to the question - 'are the pair nesting this year again?' - this Diary is about this year's nesting activity

[John]

Well answered Jeff and it certainly opens your eyes up to what is need if you want to apply to photograph Schedule 1 birds.

John