In February I had started my observations where Kingfishers had bred on two previous years (to my knowledge). Unfortunately last years nest bank had collapsed and it was obvious that they were not going to breed there this year. I had searched for a potential new site and not seen anywhere nearby that I considered to be suitable nor had I even seen a Kingfisher there this year so I gave up to be honest. So today, as Jenny and I walked along we reached the area where they had bred last year. Amazingly I heard and then saw a Kingfisher immediately, then another and possibly even another, obviously young birds recently fledged the nest and this was confirmed when I saw yet another with a fish in its beak. This would be an adult flying in to feed the youngsters. I couldn't wait for the early evening to arrive, I planned to return when it was quieter and when the time came I returned and tucked myself in a bag hide in the general area that I had seen them in the morning. Almost immediately I started to see Kingfishers and it wasn't long before one flew across the river and landed just in front of me. Unfortunately this young female, even though she was only 10 feet in front of me was just obscured by branches and leaves.She was eventually disturbed by dog walkers and flew off without being aware of me. I sat waiting and an hour or so later I heard a bird on the opposite bank and then suddenly there it was just to my right, now only 6 feet away from me but not in front of the camera and any movement would have disturbed it for sure. Eventually off it went and then moments later it returned and spent 10 minutes or so preening. Its been 10 months since I last saw a Kingfisher very close and it was absolutely thrilling to see one again, so beautiful, bright turquoise and iridescent. Its easy to forget how stunning Kingfishers are.

Eventually this bird moved away, calling as it left the perch and when it was quiet I decided to position myself with a clear shot of this perch, still concealed inside the bag hide of course. It is imperative that you create absolutely no disturbance whatsoever and make sure that the birds have no idea that you are there observing them. Stealth, absolute quiet and secrecy is essential. Moments later another Kingfisher called, again from the opposite bank and I watched it settle in clear view, then it disappeared in to a hole in the bank...... I had found the nest! Moments later as I continued to watch another bird arrived and joined the first one in the nest. I took a photo or two and as quietly as I could I left the area and I could still hear young Kingfishers calling in the distance. All in all a great result.