Kingfisher photos

[RobinP]

These are so good they are almost unreal! How did she do that?

Dinner? It’s fast food from the deep freeze | Mail Online

[Hedge Witch]

They are fascinating shots, aren't they. I'm guessing the photographer made the hole in the ice and waited until hunger got the better of Kingfishers. Must have taken a lot of patience.

[JeffH]

I saw these shots earlier today in the paper and, whilst undoubtedly great photos, I'm guessing that a certain amount of trickery has been employed here.

For instance, I suspect that the first photo (the underwater shot) was achieved by using a fish tank baited with small fish - those rocks look just a bit too clean to be natural This is an established technique and has been used by several other photographers. Personally, I think it exposes the bird to the danger of injuring itself but that's just my opinion.

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

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by JeffH

I saw these shots earlier today in the paper and, whilst undoubtedly great photos, I'm guessing that a certain amount of trickery has been employed here.

For instance, I suspect that the first photo (the underwater shot) was achieved by using a fish tank baited with small fish - those rocks look just a bit too clean to be natural This is an established technique and has been used by several other photographers. Personally, I think it exposes the bird to the danger of injuring itself but that's just my opinion.

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

That was my very first thought Jeff when I saw them. I suspected a tank of some sort. I'd rather not get them in the wild if you know what I mean!

[wrogers]

Jeff you are correct about the "underwater" shot...
have a look at the reflection in the background!!!

despite this they are great shots and must have required quite a bit of skill and luck in equal measures!!

Will

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by JeffH

....For instance, I suspect that the first photo (the underwater shot) was achieved by using a fish tank baited with small fish....

Absolutely correct.

If you look carefully at the first image, (just to the left of the eye/bill), you can faintly but clearly see a reflection of the bird's bill, complete with fish, on the back glass of the fishtank.

The third photo also looks to be from a different shoot, with only the second and fourth pics. being shot at the ice hole.

(Stunning photo's nevertheless ).

Regards
Mike.

[wrogers]

aha the evil double post strikes again!!!

Will

[JeffH]

Yes Will, I'd also spotted the reflection of the rocks and, as Mike suggests, the photos are from at least two different shoots with the 1st and 3rd shots clearly showing a female (with orange underbill) whereas the 2nd and 4th shots appear to show a male bird (with all black bill).

I've posted a suitable comment on the Mailonline page but whether or not it gets through their moderator is a different matter

Just goes to prove you really can't believe everything you read (or see!) in the papers

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

[BillyPilgrim]

I didn't spot the fake one until I read the explanation

They are good photos but I reckon many people on here could come up with just as good or even better in the same circumstances.

To be able to set up in good light and be guaranteed where the bird will enter/exit the water to within an inch or two would be absolutely priceless.

[ron1863]

I reckon it was Keenteen

[Gill Catton]

even the ice hole shots don't look right somehow........
can't put my finger on it.....

beautiful shots but just somehow too unreal for me

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I reckon it was Keenteen

Nice one Ron

Jeff

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I reckon it was Keenteen

He's probably bored again cos of the snow

[RoseStones]

Completely agree with this, a tank I would presume. But they're pretty amazing nevertheless.

BTW Andy Rouse said in a talk I heard him give that he used a tank for some of his kingfisher shots too - after days on end of blazing away with the motor drive at point of impact and getting knowwhere he resorted to it. Not a problem in my opinion if it doesn't hurt the bird, the fish are humanely kept prior to their "sacrifice" and it means even one more person is turned towards wildlife conservation as a result of some inspiring photos

[Birder101]

Impressive photos indeed

[gez]

I think all the shot are a bit suss really. for a KF to catch 3 fish in one dive must be impossable?. & re the fish tank i not for me to afraid the KF would do itself some serious damage. gez

[NicolaB]

I was feeling really jealous about those shots compared to my kingfisher ones........ until you spotted the cheating!!

They're still pretty impressive images though. LOL at the KeenTeen comment!!