***Check this image with that taken on 4th June. It shows the bird on exactly the same spot in the same tree. ***
I know it seems as though the quality of my photos has declined? This is because I am photographing at my licensed Kingfisher nest site and it isn't possible to get in a position that would ensure that the light is more suitable. Yesterday at the nest, frustration and disappointment are the two words that spring to mind. I sat and waited for 2 hours hoping to see some activity around the burrow, but I didn't see any birds either entering the nest or leaving. However, I heard a Kingfisher calling at least once every ten minutes culminating with the male perching right there as you can see, in the willow tree in front of me. This is a favourite spot in this tree and I have seen the bird in exactly the same place several times and on separate days during the last three weeks. It is not a good place whatsoever for a good photo, hence the disappointing image which does not show the the bird at it's best. I am now almost sure (but not certain) that the nest has failed. The eggs were due to hatch from yesterday onwards, but it's not possible to say when incubation actually started so I am only making an estimation. I haven't come to a conclusion yet but I do believe that the birds are now nesting somewhere else, but until I either find this nest burrow or see some activity at the original nest burrow, I am undecided. The breeding success of a Kingfisher is always uncertain and precarious and as this is the second round and the first round did produce fully independent youngsters then it is not too much of a disappointment. The birds will for certain go on to try again.