Kingfisher

The kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is one of a relatively small number of birds that the layman can readily name. Its striking orange and electric blue plumage makes it noticeable even though its fast, direct flight gives only brief glimpses of the bird. It is easiest to photograph as it sits in waterside branches scanning the shallows for any small fish. Capturing the bird in flight requires patience and skill as well as an appropriate camera and lens. This obliging kingfisher sat in riverside willows for about thirty seconds or so before moving on. Time for me to fire off several shots of which this is the best.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon P950

Kingfisher, River Wye

The Covid 19 lockdowns have severely curtailed my photography in as much as I cannot travel as widely as I would like and consequently I am selecting from a narrower range of subjects. I am also taking more photographs of some subjects, particularly birds. My photographic equipment was never selected with serious bird photography in mind - I am much more of a generalist. But a couple of my cameras allow me to get reasonably close to avian subjects and the kingfishers on the River Wye have been quite accommodating recently. This male bird was performing for people passing by on a footpath only 20 metres distant. I didn't know its sex until I was prompted to find out by a member of the public who asked me if I knew it. Apparently the male's bill is all black and the female has a pinkish-orange tinge to the base of the lower mandible.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2