nrigby
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Re:Brilliant looking bird - 2006/07/05 20:43
It sounds suspiciously like a Kingfisher. As a canoeist myself, I've often seen Kingfishers on the river. A canoe probably the best place to see them, as you can easily approach their perch quietly.
Here is some information about it.
Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
AKA: Common kingfisher
Kingfishers are small unmistakable bright blue and orange birds of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water’s surface. They are a vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses. Kingfishers are amber listed because of their unfavourable conservation status in Europe.
Where does it live?
Breeding
Lowland freshwater rivers, canals, lakes and gravel pits where there is a suitable bank for excavating a nest hole, and shallow water for catching prey.
Wintering
Some will move to coasts in winter, and can be seen at estuaries and along rocky bays.
Where to see it
They are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north but following some declines last century, they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas. In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may visit garden ponds if of a suitable size.
What does it eat?
Fish and aquatic insects.
What does it sound like?
A shrill 'chee'
When to see it
All year round.
RSB Reserves to see it
* Fowlmere
* Rye Meads
* Baron's Haugh
* Lake Vyrnwy
* Llyn Efyrnwy
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