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Kingfishers (surely the star bird of Rye Meads) - what is going on?

Simon Hurwitz
05/09/2013 01:41
Does anyone know what is going on with the Kingfishers third brood? No follow up to Joan's blog has happened. Bit worried something has gone wrong. They were supposed to have hatched 2 weeks ago, yet hardly any sightings have been reported. I have heard from other people that there has been virtually no activity. It is a long way for me to come and take time off work so I need reliable information to plan a visit. Over the last 3 years I have been many times and lucky enough to witness most fledgings - saw the 1st this year but not been since - not much information, the 2nd not really reported. Hope all ok.
  • 05/09/2013 03:20

    Yes, you are right, the blog did say that, I have been down 3 times in the last two weeks, when a bird was seen it was the male, at no time did he have fish - sorry

  • 05/09/2013 05:07

    I was at Rye Meads last weekend 31st Aug 1st September. I did see the Kingfishers I saw them about four times in a four hour period. There was a heron sitting on the post and on the roof of the nest bank which I thought might have put off the kingfishers but by 2.30 pm I saw a change over, the female kingfisher leave the nest and the male flew into the nest. I left the hide about 4.30 pm and I did not see them in those last two hours. I am not sure but I think that it is possible that they are still incubating the eggs, the times that I did see them they did not have any fish. I am going back to Rye this coming weekend If I see anything I will post. It also could  be that the clutch has for some reason failed I hope not, wish this was better news.    

  • 05/09/2013 06:52 in reply to sky blue

    Thanks for the information gentlemen. Must admit I have been fearing that the brood has failed for some reason. It was reported that they had hatched 2 weeks ago but maybe not. Something is wrong. I'll keep looking for news. There must be people observing there but not reporting to Centre or the video not working. Crossing fingers!

  • 05/09/2013 15:02

    Hi I went on Tuesday and did not see the kingfishers. As the blog stated previously the 3rd brood had hatch but if they did there was no sign of them being fed. Also on Tuesday the Draper hide was closed although there was nothing on the website or at the visitor centre on arrival to say so.

  • 05/09/2013 15:51 in reply to ChristchurchBob

    Hi everyone

    Thanks for your mails about the kingfishers. The honest answer is that we have no more idea what is going on than you! The pair is still active around the bank but there is not as much activity as we would expect, yet if the brood had failed we have expected them to leave. It's just a case of watching and hoping and seeing what happens. I'm afraid I don't have more news than that at this stage. Please everyone keep us posted with news from the kingfisher bank.

    Thanks

    Joan

  • 08/09/2013 18:20 in reply to Joan Childs

    Hi everyone I was at Rye this Saturday 7th September I was in the Kingfisher hide from midday to four in the afternoon I saw the male kingfisher at 2.50 he called and entered the nest I did not see the female,  when I left at 4 he was still in the nest, he did not bring any fish. If anyone has any more recent news would really appreciate it Thanks.  

  • 08/09/2013 18:48 in reply to sky blue

    Sadly, I think we now all have to face the fact, somehow or another, the third brood has failed!!!!

  • 11/09/2013 06:10 in reply to rayk

    Thank you for the observations from fellow visitors. Can only sadly agree that the brood has failed. It's a shame that I could not get answers/observations from anyone at Rye Meads who are on the spot and with cctv.