Kingfishers on the Lagan (Photograph by Lagan Valley Regional Park)
I’ve learned a lot since I started volunteering at the RSPB, with special responsibility for meandering through the Lagan Valley Regional Park and reporting what I see (no great hardship!) But one of the first things I discovered is that the bird on all the Park's signs, vans and leaflets, is the kingfisher! (I know, showing my ignorance!) Park icon (and royal resident) in a sparrow-sized package.
Ever since my major discovery, I’ve been on a mission to spot this elusive beautiful little bird. I asked the Park experts, who tell me the kingfisher is notoriously shy. Don’t expect to see it perched on a branch, I was warned. ‘You’ll know it when you see it’ seasoned spotters say. With a bit of luck I just might catch an unmistakable streak of vivid blue out of the corner of my eye.
So far, I have yet to get lucky. In a way, I’m reluctant to disturb this vulnerable little creature. Why else would kingfishers retreat to the quieter stretches of the Lagan, except to avoid pesky humans? Also, these birds have a large territory – they’re few and far between.
The kingfisher tops the list of birds for the Park’s recovery programme. Together with the RSPB, the Park has been selecting safe nesting sites. Unusually for birds, kingfishers nest in the riverbanks, burrowing a passage which ends in a cosy nest chamber. The Park are hoping to boost breeding success by installing bespoke nest tunnels next spring after the risk of floods is past…just in time for breeding season. So watch this space!
In the process of searching for that flash of blue, I now have a better idea of what I’m actually seeing when I stroll the towpath and beyond. And I usually spot something fascinating. Today’s find - a red squirrel. Who says it always has to be birds?
P.S. Here’s a clue for anyone desperately seeking kingfishers. This summer they’ve been seen at various spots up from Shaws Bridge towards Edenderry such as Eel Weir, Gilchrist Bridge, Minnowburn/Purdysburn, also Lockview, probably attracted by plenty of delicious small fry (tiddlers to you and me).
Be our eyes and ears! You can help the Park’s bird recovery programme by reporting any sightings of key species. 11 miles of river plus parks, woodlands, meadows and swamps is a lot of territory to cover, so your local knowledge as you walk the dog, commute from work or go for the daily jog is invaluable! This month, we welcome any news about: kingfishers, barn owls, spotted flycatchers, swifts, linnets, tree sparrows, reed buntings, skylarks.
Contact: david@laganvalley.co.uk
great article, I often see kingfishers on the area from Drumbeg to the Eelweir as well, I have seen Goldcrests close to Drumbeg Bridge, Pheasants and at the Eel weir you can often see Dippers and I am sure Grey Wagtails.
I was lucky enough to capture a photo of a Kingfisher resting on a branch at this strip of water
Killeaton
Nice photo and article but it's perhaps worth reminding people (especially those "...desperately seeking Kingfishers") that these birds are offered special protection under the UK's wildlife legislation making it a criminal offence to 'intentionally or recklessly' disturb the birds whilst 'in, on, at or near the nest' or whilst they have dependent young and without the appropriate licence to do so.
Hopefully everyone who really appreciates these vulnerable birds will watch and enjoy from a respectful distance! Kingfishers are one of the species receiving special conservation measures at the Park. Glad you liked David's photo. It's brilliant! Siobhan