Fishing for Kings

[Alistair]

Hi

This is my first real post since joining this forum - I am more one for getting out and about than sitting in front of a computer.
I would like some help or any advice that can be had on the subject of photographing Kingfishers.
I've been photographing birds for a few months now and have definately got the bug; one of the birds that continues to elude me however is this one.
On my local River I have spotted them many times over the last few weeks but everytime I approach the bank it flies off.
Obviously hiding and patience are whats required to get close enough to the blighters but i dont want to buy lots of kit for a few snaps.

Has anyone tried bag hides and would they recommend them?

I've also been told by someone to "set up your photo with a perch". I cant see myself wading out into the river to try and bury a branch into the bed. And conversely doing it on the River bank seems a bit of effort and would probably be damaged/knocked over by louts/weather.

Whats the best time of year to get them? I have been told winter months are good.

Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Thanks

Alistair

Check out ones photos on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/awprentice/

[nightshade]

If you do a quick search for Kingfishers you will find loads of info paticularly from JeffH
Kingfishers in south England

[BillyPilgrim]

If you can't get close to an existing Kingfisher perch you can create one by setting a tree branch in a bucket of concrete. Then all you have to do is throw it in the river a couple of feet from the bank. Remember to position it where there is a nice backround for your shots.

You don't really need a hide. Just a comfortable place to sit, close to the perch. The key is to be able to keep still and not have to raise the camera from the rest position to your eye when the bird arrives. Thus eliminating the movement that will scare the bird away. I find that a tripod is invaluable for this. A camo scrim scarf thrown over the lens/camera body to cover your hands also helps. I also use a piece of foam camping mat to sit on which keeps you dry, warm and comfy.

I've used this method for a while and find that it works well. I once had 4 young Kingfishers keep me company for over 40 minutes whilst I was sat completely out in the open. You can view some of the pictures on my blog if you're interested -

Bungling Birder: Young Kingfishers

[Alistair]

Thanks Guys


Billy?

Your idea about sticking a branch into a bucket of concerete is inspired!

Would never have though of that, thank you.

Your photos are ace by the way.

Thanks also for the heads up nightshade on the aforementioned info.

Ta

[Alistair]

Oh yes...

Forgot to ask. What is the ideal height for a Kingfisher perch? I seem to rememeber someone saying three feet. Any thoughts?

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by Alistair

Oh yes...

Forgot to ask. What is the ideal height for a Kingfisher perch? I seem to rememeber someone saying three feet. Any thoughts?

The one that I made is about 6 feet above the water at its highest but there are some lower branches.

From my experience they like to fish from the high branches but then use a lower one to eat their catch. I suppose this makes sense as it takes less energy to carry the fish to a lower perch?

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by Alistair

Your idea about sticking a branch into a bucket of concerete is inspired!

Would never have though of that, thank you.

Your photos are ace by the way.
Ta

Cheers but I can't take credit for the bucket idea as I read about it on here somewhere.