Came into work this morning to find a recently deceased juvenile Kingfisher on my desk.... Was not feeling pecking so I took some pictures of this stunning little bird that appears to have met its end by flying into a car. Our birds have raised a family this year on the Mardyke although you hear them more than see them. The three bridges over the river are the best places to stop and listen for the high pitched 'pppsssss' 'ppssooooo' call.
I took the opportunity to take some photos including the curious feet. They are a little peculiar being syndactyl (now there is a new word for the day!) which means that the outer two toes of which are joined almost to the end. It is presumed that this adaptation helps them to dig their long burrows on river banks!
19-8-12
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer