Kingfisher Photographs

[Elton]

Posted on behalf of Luke. Please add all replies to this thread:

 

Hi,

 

Wondering if you fine anglers would be able to help me..... I'm a photographer looking to get some shots of Kingfishers in the wild.

If anyone knows of any Kingfisher nest locations or common sighting locations in the UK please let me know.

 

Many thanks and merry christmas to all!

Luke

www.lukepricephotography.com

[ayjay]

Posted on behalf of Luke. Please add all replies to this thread:

 

 

At this time of year the coast is the best place to find Kingfishers, there's not many (none) nesting in December.

 

[Steve Randles]

Hi Luke if your looking in here, whereabout in the UK are you?

 

Just looked up the bird on the RSPB site http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/...isher/index.asp and the Kingfishers distribution is nearly all of the UK. As ayjay says though, possibly not the best time of the year to be looking for them...unless your getting ready for a spring search for them.

 

Steve...

[lukepricephotography]

Hi all,

 

Yes, I'm aware that spring will be the best for getting the shots, but I'm looking to locate and scout a few good spots before they start to pair up and breed.

I'm currently based in the Midlands, but have no issue with traveling to any location within the UK.

 

Note. although I'm keen to find the nest location, I'll actually be setting up for the feeding perches instead. I'm after a series from perch through to catch back to perch (yep nothing like a challenge). I'm not planning on getting close to the nest or bothering the birds, no need with a nice big 600mm lens

 

I've been to a number of the RSPB reserves and photographed the Kingfishers there, but the shots just don't have that 'in the wild' feel I'm after.

 

Any suggestions much appreciated, and you can email me if you don't feel comfortable posting for all and sundry.

 

Cheers

Luke

www.lukepricephotography.com

[Peter Waller]

Plenty on the Broads. Have two traditional nesting sites at the end of my garden! Many are the times I have just missed a bite through watching the wee beasties!

[chesters1]

plenty around here they feed at the pond breed down the river and the family resulting enthral the anglers back at the pond ,6 last year but never all on the same branch at once when i'v spotted then,oh for a long lense

a sure fire way if theres some in the vicinity is to poke a nice long pole in the bank overhanging the water they soon find it and if foods there they will use it rather than you looking for them they come to you

[poledark]

Luke, have a word with your local tackle shop, most pits have at least one pair of KF and you may get the OK to spend some time taking pics. My local lakes have a few, not as many as a couple of years ago (when I got plenty of pics) right thro the winter. As for nest sites, that may be a lot more difficult, they tend to nest on the sections of bank that are innaccesable.

 

A small river or stream would probably be your best bet, you can "hide" up on the opposite bank. but I think you may need a bit more than 600mm.

 

Have you thought to ask on www.birdforum.net someone on there will help you I am sure.

 

Just to add a word of caution, after getting a lot of pics three years ago, I was aked by a couple of twitchers if they could come to the location I used. Stupid birds haven't obliged since

 

Den

[Alnath]

You should also remember that disturbing a breeding pair near or around the nest in the breeding season carries a £5000 fine and/or 6 months in the clink.

[lukepricephotography]

Thanks guys

 

Alnath, yes I'm aware of the issues, as I mentioned before I'm not planning on shooting at the nest, it's just easier to identify a likely perch/feeding area when you know where the nest is.

 

I've spoken to a few birders around here and have a few potentials to follow up on I'll let you know if I get anything.

 

Cheers

 

Luke

[Alnath]

You don't have to be shooting at the nest, that was my point . TBF kingfishers need to feed each and everyday so there is no need to specifically go for them in the breeding season.