As a wildlife photographer based in Lancashire, the UK, I have spent the last 20+ years honing my craft and developing my passion for capturing the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Over the last three years, I have fallen in love with wildlife photography, dedicating all of my photography to capturing the unique and precious moments of the creatures that call the UK home.
One species that has captured my heart in particular is the kingfisher. These small, vibrant birds are known for their bright blue plumage and lightning-fast dives into the water, and I have been fortunate enough to have a family of kingfishers living on the water right next to my house. Over the years, I have spent countless hours observing and photographing them, watching as they nested, raised two broods, and thrived in their natural habitat.
But now, as I prepare to move away from the area, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness and loss at the thought of leaving behind my beloved kingfisher family. While I know that I will always have the memories of the time I spent with them, and the hundreds of photographs that I have taken, it is difficult to imagine not being able to see them every day.
The past year with these kingfishers has been especially memorable. I’ve watched as they raised two broods of chicks, each one more adorable than the last. I even remember one December when the water froze over for 10 days during a particularly cold snap, and I’d been too busy with life to check in on them. It was a tricky time to navigate and when I finally got back to see them, everything was ok!
But despite the sadness of leaving, I am reminded of a phrase that has always stuck with me:
“Don’t be sad about memories, smile because they happened.”
And while I will certainly miss my local kingfisher family, I am grateful for the time that I had with them, and the experiences and memories that I will carry with me always.
I’ll still be able to visit them occasionally over the year and I hope they continue to strive.
Life can take us to new and exciting places, and I am looking forward to the new opportunities and experiences that await me. But I will always remember my time with the kingfisher family, and the moments that I was fortunate enough to capture through my lens. They will always hold a special place in my heart and in my photography.
Kingfisher FAQ’s
Q: Where can I find kingfishers in the UK?
A: Kingfishers can typically be found near freshwater habitats such as rivers, canals, and ponds. They prefer slow-moving water bodies and tend to avoid fast-flowing rivers and streams. They are also known to be found in saltwater habitats like estuaries and creeks. In the UK, kingfishers are relatively widespread and can be found throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, although they are more commonly found in southern and central areas.
Q: What do kingfishers look like?
A: Kingfishers are small, brightly coloured birds. The male has a bright blue back, head, and wings, with a rusty orange breast and a black band around the lower mandible of the bill. The female has a similar blue and orange colouration, but with an orange bottom bill. Both sexes have large eyes, a thick, sharp bill, and short legs. They measure around 16–17 cm long.
Q: What do kingfishers eat?
A: Kingfishers are carnivorous birds that primarily feed on small fish, but they also eat aquatic insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. They hunt by diving into the water from a perch or while flying low over the surface, using their sharp bills to catch their prey.
Q: How can I tell a male from a female kingfisher?
A: Males are typically more colourful than females, with a bright blue back, head, and wings, and a rusty orange breast. The male also has a black band around the lower mandible of the bill, which is a key distinguishing feature. The female has a similar blue and orange colouration, but with an orange bottom bill.
Q: What time of year do kingfishers breed?
A: In the UK, kingfishers typically breed between April and August. During this time, they will construct a nest inside a burrow or hole in a riverbank or embankment. They lay between 5-7 eggs, which will hatch after around 17 days of incubation.
Q: How can I increase my chances of seeing kingfishers?
A: The best way to increase your chances of seeing kingfishers is to visit their preferred habitats during the breeding season. Be patient, and stay quiet. Kingfishers are shy and can be easily scared off by loud noises or sudden movements. Observing them from a distance with a pair of binoculars or a telephoto lens can also be helpful.