Re: my first kingfisher sighting. sooo excited.lol

sorry no pictures but i just had to share my joy.lol

we were just sitting in a traffic que  when i spotted the shimmering blue as he dipped in the river i nearly scared the hubby to death going "OOOOO KINGFISHER" at the top of my voice.lol  Good job the windows were shut. am i right in saying i shouldnt go take pics of the shiny little guy.?

Congratulations on your first!

Kingfishers are a schedule one protected species, which means that photography at or near a nest, or while the birds are with dependant young, would put you at potential risk of prosecution if you were judged to have caused disturbance (and Kingfishers can be quite easily disturbed when breeding).

However, outside of the breeding season there are no restrictions to photography - other than the fact that they can be very wary and are likely to fly off well before you are close enough for a photo! At this time of year some Kingfishers might still be nesting, so if you want to try and get photos make sure that you watch from a distance first until you are certain that they are not nesting anywhere near the place where you plan to try and take the photos from. If you are unsure whether there may be a nest nearby then it is best to stay away, and wait until later in the year before trying to get some shots. 

Well done Trisha on spotting your first Kingfisher i fantastic sight aren't they.

Why do you think you shouldn't go and try and photo it?

Get back out with the camera, good luck because they sure are fast lol.

x post with Roy who has given good advice.

Oh a 1st Kingfisher is a great thrill!! I never tire of seeing them. They are so strikingly coloured. It's oftern their call that alerts you their iminant speedy fly past!!

Now you know where they are you can hopfully get another sighting + perhaps even a pic!! I caught one in the spring + have stopped there loads + not aglint there since!! Lol.

doggie, i was aware it was a schedule one protected species but didnt really know if i was allowed to photograph them as id read somewhere you needed a schedule one licience for somethings. i noticed it was pretty damn fast.lol and they may still be nesting as he was in and out of the ivy at the edge of the river. if the weather is good 2moro we are going to go park up and wait to see if it looks like they are still breeding its next to a busy road and on a very large river  so i will observe from the car or the bridge a little further along before i decide weather to take piccies yet or not. thanks for the advice both of you . hopefully pics to follow.x

It seems everyone is seeing kingfishers today!  Hope it will be my turn soon!  Really pleased for you Trisha - I would love to see one.  Good luck for tomorrow.

well after numerous weeks of trying to get a decent shot of the little blue lightening bolt i finally gave up, will wait till i get the new camera at christmas and try again if i see them.x

I know exactly how you feel, that first sighting is amazing. We are very fortunate in that they visit a pond right beside a hide, and I am still taking photos, just love them so much. Roll on Christmas and your new camera and good luck

thanks judiM i cant wait lol

Excellent TRISHA -  so pleased for you

Trisha, that's fantastic!! I'm right pleased for you :)