24 December 2009

Clockwork Kingfishers


Location is the key for so many wildlife shots, and these kingfisher images are certainly proof of that. My friend who works at my local RSPB reserve had told be about a pair of kingfishers that were regularly fishing from the beck - often along the same short stretch, providing incredibly close views. I was more than delighted when my first morning provided a number of kingfisher sightings at fairly close range, but not quite close enough to photograph. My second visit was similar, but you can't fail to be overjoyed at watching these birds - and the fact that they were so regular made it even more amazing. The kingfisher was never away for more than about 15 minutes, and every time it was back to one of the same perches... you could almost set your watch by them..!It was third time lucky for these pictures, when one beautiful frosty morning, this female kingfisher decided to perch on just about the only clear branch close enough to photograph. I saw her heading for the perch and was ready. The next few seconds were manic as I fired off exposures, bracketing and re-composing to make sure I didn't end up with the miss of the year!! She stood still... posed, turned around, posed again and then finally flew off. A stunning experience - whether with or without a camera.!

4 comments:

  1. Awesome photos!

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  2. Amazing shots Paul! Some of the best Kingfisher shots that I've seen. They're incredibly sharp, I love the frost on the branches and the background colour is just perfect.

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  3. Stunning photographs!

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  4. Hello friends,

    Really, amazing shots you have taken of the kingfishers! Kingfishers are a group of small to medium sized brightly coloured birds in the order Coraciiformes. They occupy a wide range of habitats. While they are often associated with rivers and lakes, over half the worlds species are found in forests and forested streams. Thanks a lot....

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