I had a wonderful surprise visitor to my garden at the weekend - a kingfisher!
You can tell from its grubby-looking breast and brownish feet that it's a young bird, probably from a nest in the river valley that's not far away. But what a wonderful treat to see one from my kitchen window.
I thought it would have gone away hungry, but I watched it hover and snatch something from the surface - probably a backswimmer, I think.
I freely admit I'm a bit of a serial pond creator. I think I've had a pond just about everywhere I've lived in the past 10 years (with thanks to various people who've helped, especially my mum and dad...). Ponds have provided the most fun I've had in a garden... I've spent many happy hours watching newts and beetles zooming around under the surface, or dragonflies and damselflies buzzing around above it. And birds have come for a drink and a dip (or a meal).
So I'd definitely recommend creating a pond. We've got lots of tips for you, whether you have a big garden or a little balcony. Have fun giving nature a home, and let us know how you get on.
Very Lucky you, i have been trying to get a picture of one for about 2 years. We know where there are sightings but no matter how long we stay they seem to stay away. Kingfishers and i seem to be like the advert on T.V.
One day I will get one fingers crossed