I remember walking with my Mum as a child, seeing a Kingfisher was a rare occurrence. Today when I walk the dog along the same stretch of river I always see a Kingfisher if not more.
Last summer I found two nesting sites along the four mile stretch we walk, only yesterday I sat watching one fish for a good twenty minutes (sadly I didn’t have a camera).
It could be that I know where to look or I’m more observant now but I’m sure there are more than there used to be.
Build it and they will come.
Can't answer that WF although I have the same feeling, but like you, wonder whether it's just being more observant! It would be great though if they really were on the increase!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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I do agree with you that kingfisherrs have become more visible. We have noticed there are more people fishing on our local small river. I don't know the answer but we thought the river did look cleaner, therefore more fish, therefore the kingfisher has been breeding more than in previous years. Probably way off track but just a thought.
That sounds extremely plausible and logical to me, Brenda. I cannot comment on numbers though as I haven't seen any for years.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
In short, the answer is that the population is "stable" at around 5-8,000 pairs across the UK, Mainly England and Wales.
"The UK Kingfisher population declined along waterways (its principal habitat) until the mid 1980s, since when it seems to have made a complete recovery. The decline was associated with a contraction of range in England. Kingfishers suffer severe mortality during harsh winters but, with up to three broods in a season, and up to six chicks in a brood, their potential for rapid population growth is incredibly high. Amber listing of conservation concern for this species in the UK results from its 'depleted' status in Europe as a whole, following declines between 1970 and 1990". - BTO
We're really disappointed this year. When at Kirkcudbright, as we every other weekend we always stop off at Cumstoun bridge and without fail we see one either perched on the branch of the fallen tree over the water about to fish, OR the usual blue flash as they fly down the river. Not once this year have we seen one there. Don't know what has happened unless we have just been really unlucky. We did have an Osprey fishing ,unsuccessfully, a couple of times.Still see others where we would expect them but haven't particularly noticed an increase
We have seen kingfishers at Barnwell Country Park this year and in previous years. As there have always been 2 or 3 nests there I dont think they have increased but population is stable.
For anyone living in North London you can see some fantastic views of kingfishers at 'Bird Sanctuary' Pond 15 at Hampstead Heath as they have been nesting there for the last few years and stick around for the rest of the year. The RSPB will be there this weekend for one of their Date with Nature events
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This is a bird definitely on my list, I have never seen one. When we paid a visit to one of our local wildlife centre's recently apparently there was a sighting of one but we sat for ages without seeing it. For those that do get to seem them, some photos would be great.
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Thanks Lloyd, that does explain it, the dates work.
Kesmo, I’ll do my best to remember to take my camera next time I do that walk, it will probably be sods law that if I take my camera I won’t see one.
Thanks WF, LOL I know what you mean - I wish you luck and look forward to seeing them.