Are Kingfisher numbers increasing?

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.

  • thanks for this i seen first kingfishers for 20 years this year great shot of juvenile too  would love to get invoved with conservation of this bird do you happen to know of any conservation projects in this country

  • Hi shutter man, welcome to the forum.

     

    there is a number of projects that people can become involved with, without knowing your location and what level of commitment you would like to give, eg: time, voluntary work, money etc then the advice I personally can give is somewhat limited.

    Firstly if you are not a member of the RSPB, then becoming a member will generate vital funds to help not only the Kingfisher but many other species that are endangered.

    The link below is to the RSPB information guide on Kinfishers.

    http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/k/kingfisher/index.aspx

    Joining a local birding group could also be of benefit, register with the British Trust For Ornithology Bird Atlas so you can report your own observations.

    http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/

    There is also a number of other governing bodies that you could become involved with, regarding conservation. The link below is to a paper that was published a number of years ago by the Conwy Gov and their action plan that was put in place for the Kingfisher.

    http://www.conwy.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/48/Kingfisherv2.pdf

    It will give you some idea about the efforts that are been put in place to help promote and increase the habitat of this beautiful endangered bird, that is now on the amber list.

    I hope this helps and good luck with your efforts.

    Regards Buzzard

    Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way

  • hi buzzard thanks for all kind advice i am rspb member and i live in kent  we have stream very near to my house where kingfishers  used to nest but this was many years ago i hve never seen one alone this stream but back in september my son did!! and aparently quite a few other people have to so have been looking myself but to no avail anyway i noticed the stream was very polluted with rubbish which had overspilled from a recycle point in the steam i have manged too clean up all rubbish from the stream and local enviroment agency and council promised to do monthy inspection and clear rubbish, there are plenty of small fish minnow stickelbats and banks are about 8ft high back in summer when water level was lower i got down into stream and walked for about quater mile along i noticed long since disused nesting holes so kepping my fingers crossed would be good if they came back to nest in stream,anyway again thankyou for your kind advice

  • Anonymous
    0 Anonymous 19/12/2009 22:27 in reply to Buzzard

    Hi Buzzard

    Thank you for your very informative post, and all the facts about Kingfishers

    I really hope that the Kingfishers will be alright in this prolonged cold spell in the UK (I understand it could go on until Xmas day at the moment!)

    Your pictures are superb, and to handle a Kingfisher would be a dream to many.

    Thank you

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

  • Rockwolf said:

    Hi Kezmo!

    Catlady posted a fabulous photo in the galleries! Also a couple of mine (not so good!!) there, and here's another I haven't yet uploaded to the galleries. Taken at Venus Pool.

     

    Hi MarJus

    Can't believe I missed this thread!  Thanks for taking the time to load your kingfisher, it's a beautiful shot - apologies for the delay in appreciating it.  What did you promise it to pose for you? LOL

     

    Buzzard your info on the Kingfisher is fantastic as are your photos - such a beautiful bird.  I'm forever hopeful I will get to see one.

  • Anonymous
    0 Anonymous 20/12/2009 03:24 in reply to Rockwolf

    hi MarJus

    Great shot of your Kingfisher (he/she is a beauty}

    For some reason I am having trouble posting on this particular thread at the moment.

    I have a blue tide line at the top of my page {eekk}

    Anyone else have this problem?

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave