I saw a TV programme that said once young Kingfishers have fledged, they are driven out of the territorial area by their parents. So what will happen to the 3 broods this year? Is the reserve only big enough to support one breeding pair? - if so the will young have to "travel" further afield. Following the success of RM in producing an environment for kingfishers to breed - has there been any research or evidence that kingfisher numbers have increased in the local area? Does anyone know how for a young kingfisher might travel to find its own territory?
Any thoughts greatfully received!!
Hi Jeff,
You are correct - the young are only fed for about 4 days, once fledged, before the parents drive them out of their territory.
Territory is very important for kingfishers. Any bird that can't secure its won territory may not survive. It's very important for them to secure their territory before the onset of winter, they start to contest territories by mid-September. A breeding pair will oftern divide their summer territory between them. The size of the territory depends on the amount of food available, and on the bird population in the area. Territories tend to cover at least 1km of river, but may extend over 3/5 km. Any nearby waterbody that provides good fishing will be included in the territory.
Depending on the number of kingfishers in the area the young might be near by - I can't tell you exactly but I suspect that they are up and down the River Lee.
I hope that helps!
Lou
Thanks Lou,
I hope the pair's efforts to successfully raise so many young will mean that we willget to see more and more Kingfishers locally.
Jeff