Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) Hide 2023 blog#4:Exmoor photography kingfisher hide (exmoorphotographycourse.co.uk)I have really enjoyed sharing the Kingfishers with everyone again this week. Lots of great images captured by everyone. It’s been an eclectic mix of cameras from older DSLR (can’t believe I’m saying that) to the latest mirrorless models with eye detection. Yes, the technology does make the ‘action’ shots a little easier but some of my favourites this week were taken with a DSLR. You still can’t beat a person’s knowledge behind the camera. One of the best moments of many for me, was a client who has never seen a Kingfisher before, it was a pleasure to share with her.
Obviously, visits are never guaranteed but as I ask everyone at the morning briefing ‘keep as quiet as possible, silence should mean kingfisher activity.’ This has been the case, so well done everybody.
Kingfishers will toss fish in the air between its beak to turn the fish initially to bash its head and then to turn it so they can swallow the fish headfirst. Very young juveniles fending for themselves for the first few days can often drop the fish while doing this. Its amazing how quickly they learn I have often seen birds dropping fish one day and the very next morning the same bird is striking, bashing, and eating like an expert Kingfisher!
Another thing I have noticed over the years is the mid-air acrobatics. They can hover and often perform body twist and turns when doing a fish strike, 10/10!
Juvenile Kingfishers: Female has smaller orange bib on lower beak, often referred to as its lipstick and muddy orange/black feet.
Male has black beak and muddy orange/black feet. Both young juveniles have white tips on their beaks.
Enjoy
Jack