How can I avoid being mugged while photographing kingfishers?

[PMG]

I think this is a concern for most of us 'lone' wildlife photographers of any age and both genders - none of us would be a match for three or four intent on robbing .......... its sad but it has too be considered - I too know of a kingfisher spot on a river in a dodgy spot and I won't go alone - no matter how much I want to photograph a kingfisher! But of course I've got a car and can travel to safer spots to indulge my wildlife photography - that's one of the good things about being 'older' ...... I also have a 'mate' a friend who does photography on a smaller scale than me but she is keen and will go wherever I suggest! It might be a case of you doing something safer until you are old enough - but the thing is to get to that level without doing anything dodgy and being attacked - cos no photo is worth that ........

There's always that famous 'pester power' that you youngsters are famous for - I'm not exactly suggesting you drive your parents daft to accompany you - but maybe show them this thread and they may realise how important it is to you - if I was your mum I;d be over the moon that you were doing photography when so many kids lose their way early on and find less good things to pass their time with ..........

If all else fails be patient (and quietly determined!) alll things come to them who wait and keep their eye on the endgame!!! Its taken me 40 years almost to get a decent kingfisher shot - so panic yea not - there's a lot of enjoyment in front of you yet

[darrenm]

Your local Nature Reserve with hides and a stretch of water or land locked pools seems the best bet and pester your parents into taking you. You will also get the chance and added bonus to photograph other species whilst waiting for the Kingfishers but do your research first to see if any of your local reserves have Kingfishers present or use the site to feed on. If you can join your local Birdwatching group or local RSPB group and you will be surprised how many people of all ages share your passion and are willing to offer help.

[vole-woman]

I so agree about hooking up with an adult who's also interested in natutre photography. Parents may not have the patience to go out again and again, but someone who's keen to get shots of a kingfisher will be.

Fear of mugging's a problem for people of all ages and in most locations: I live in a fairly sleepy Shropshire market town and I've been harrassed by gangs in the past. There are places I just don't go now.

But there are always ways round such problems, for the dedicated nature-lover, and you've had plenty of great suggestions in this thread. Make sure you post some of your pictures for us, Lucio, and good luck.

[Lucio]

Thanks, all, some great tips here. I shall make sure to go with an adult to this spot and hopefully get some good pics (I'll be sure to post any I get into the Gallery right away!) Surprisingly, although in a rough area, this stretch of river is a Local Nature Reserve, but is not particularly well upkept, it must be said, with no hides or facilities, despite a huge array of wildlife, e.g. kingfishers, water voles, firecrests, lesser spotted woodpeckers, etc. but enough of my ranting ! Just wanted to say many thanks for the tips and will consider my options very carefully, with the wellbeing of the kingfisher(s) at the forefront of any decisions, of course.

Lucio.

[jcurtis]

Hi,
I havent read all of the posts in this thread so I could be repeating what other have already said,already said, already said!

I would speak to your local Wildlife Trust and see if you cant photograph on a local reserve. This should be more secure.

If that isnt an option then yep get an adult to go with you!


Good Luck

[Toby]

sounds a bit like Crane Park near me. At your age I wouldn't go alone flashing a tele lens unless you own a big dog but that would doubtless scare off your subject.

[BloomingMarvellous]

Whilst walking along Leeds river yesterday, which is in the middle of Leeds we spotted a Kingfisher flying under this bridge.



We felt very lucky to see it 3 times flying up and down the river, a first sighting for both of us.

We returned today but failed to spot it.

I can fully understand the fascination of watching this little bird Lucio, the way they fly so fast over the water, just catching that colouring in the reflection of the water... Very exciting, hope we can go back tomorrow.