Bird of month - Kingfisher

In August birds are not so easy to find in the countryside as they stop singing and concentrate on feeding young in dense foliage. So, birdwatching in August tends to be easier around water where the ducks, terns and gulls are more easily found. The Kingfisher is also seen more often at this
time of year, probably because numbers are increased as a result of the breeding season and young birds disperse to wider areas.

The whole of the Blackwater Valley provides opportunity to see the spectacularly coloured Kingfisher as they are very widespread. At Rowhill Copse, an unlikely place at first sight, I have seen Kingfishers at the old brick ponds, often giving
 their presence away with their loud calls as they flash past. At Badshot Lea Lake and the old Tongham Nurseries lake (now known as Tongham Pool) they can often be seen. At Tongham I have spent some time photographing them as they sit on the reeds and shrubs surrounding the lake for many minutes at a time.

All of the fishing lakes through Shawfields, Gold Valley and Hollybush will provide opportunities for the birds to feed and I have often seen them at Frimley Hatches where a nearby nest gave me some pleasurable entertainment this Spring. Further up the Valley, the river at Shepherd Meadows allows sightings of Kingfishers flashing past, whilst at Moor Green Lakes the density of the river vegetation in summer means they are more often seen than heard, although sightings occur on the lakes quite frequently from the bird hides. To the north, a growing river provides more sightings and the confluence with the Whitewater and the area at Swallowfield Park are good places to see them.

Kingfishers are specially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Acts and are a species with a high level of conservation concern in Europe generally. In Britain the population is considered healthy and unlike many other species, they are coping well in modern environments. Cleaner rivers probably have much to do with that and gravel pits that leave water bodies usually attract them. In winter some migrate to coastal habitats but mostly they stay put. Just a few cross the North Sea to Europe but they are exceptional as Europe tends to have much harder winter weather. The main factor affecting Kingfishers is hard winters which, when causing water bodies to freeze, means they have to seek food in milder regions, hence the coastal movements. However, with the apparent global warming recent winters have not had much impact.

Breeding can be achieved several times in a year and each brood may be as large as six, so when populations decline the bird is able to pick up quite quickly. Territories are large so probably only six to 10 pairs may exist in the Blackwater Valley despite the frequency of sightings.

In August, look for the electric blue flash of the Kingfisher, often accompanied by a loud peeping call as it passes. Otherwise, spend a little time with your binoculars checking reeds and low branches around lakes where the Kingfisher may be sitting and its orange breast feathers will stand out and provide the thrill of a sighting to brighten any day.

Colin Wilson

Bird Report Editor & Records Co-ordinator, Reading Ornithological Club. www.theroc.org.uk

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