I had been watching a family of Kingfishers near my home for 2 years, their presence adding an iridescent touch to my everyday surroundings. I’d camp out in my hide for hours, time melting away as I watched their antics, their fishing rituals, and their vibrant life.
This specific morning was a chapter straight out of a fairytale. The world was still waking up, doused in the soft palette of dawn. Suddenly, a flash of vibrant blue and orange landed on a broken branch just 15 feet from me. It was the Kingfisher, a dazzling jewel against the morning backdrop.
As I held my breath, the Kingfisher cocked its head, its bright, keen eyes fixed on the shimmering water below. There was a moment of perfect stillness, a snapshot of nature holding its breath. And then, in a blink, the Kingfisher dove, a blue arrow aiming for its unsuspecting prey.
I’d already pressed the shutter to get this shot and just before the Kingfisher prepared to take the plunge. The resulting photograph was a celebration of nature’s vitality and elegance, a Kingfisher poised between tranquillity and action, embodying the wild, untamed beauty of life by the water.
Interesting Facts:
- The Common Kingfisher is a small bird with dazzling, jewel-like plumage. Its top feathers are iridescent blue, while the underparts are a brilliant orange.
- Known for their exceptional fishing skills, Kingfishers can spot their prey from high above the water. They dive swiftly to catch fish and aquatic insects.
- Kingfishers nest in burrows that they excavate in riverbanks. Both parents take part in raising the chicks.
- Despite their vibrant colour, Kingfishers can be surprisingly difficult to spot. Their blue upper parts blend in well with the water, helping them stay hidden from predators.
Habitat:
Kingfishers are found near slow-moving or still water where they can spot and catch their prey. They can be seen by the lakes, canals, ponds, rivers, and coastal waters. They are found across the UK but are least common in mountainous and dry areas.
