Over the summer I posted this photo of a Kingfisher with with its lunch in its mouth, and then forgot about the rest of the photos from that afternoon until I stumbled on them on my computer today!
Back in August it was a nice sunny day in the Midlands, I had some free time and just wanted to go out to take some photos. A quick search on the internet yielded Brandon Marsh Nature Reserves which was less than 15 minutes drive away. Perfect! And here are the results from a quick visit in an afternoon:
Back in August it was a nice sunny day in the Midlands, I had some free time and just wanted to go out to take some photos. A quick search on the internet yielded Brandon Marsh Nature Reserves which was less than 15 minutes drive away. Perfect! And here are the results from a quick visit in an afternoon:
Just reached the main part of the Reserve and saw some Greylag Geese fly off in formation
A Grey Heron came to join the party at one of the ponds
Made my way over to the Kingfisher pool and spotted one surveying the waters!
I moved to the hide to get closer, someone had planted this branch in the side of the marsh for them to perch and dive from, about 20metres from the hide. Thank you good sir/madam!
This little guy is a poser haha
Stretching his wings and sorting his feathers
Their dives are spontaneous (I couldn't see any warnings) and happens so fast! This is the best one of him diving I have....
Calling out for his friends, and there were often answers back. Maybe they are discussing where the best spots for hunting are?
He was fluffing out his feathers, adorable!
I thought he was going to dive again but it was a false alarm, just stretching... Most of the time it was full of suspense, whether he was going to dive or not, and every twitch looked like he was diving!
One of the last shots before he's had enough to eat after three dives and went home. Take care bud!
After spending hours with the Kingfisher I moved on, saw a Grey Heron on the prowl (could it be the same one?)
Very much in his elements there
Was on my way back to the car park at this point, although spotted a Coot chilling by a branch. Liked the reflections in the water so I grabbed this shot
I always wanted to see a Kingfisher and it was my lucky day! So I spent most of the afternoon in the hide, with my finger hovering over the shutter button waiting for the Kingfisher to dive. As a result, I didn't see half of the reserve and unfortunately I couldn't stay any longer when the light was beginning to fade. Will definitely make plans to come back and explore the rest of the Reserve that I didn't get to see!
Would whole heartedly recommend this for a great (family) day-out. The reserve is just off the A45, surprisingly close to Coventry. More information can be found at the official Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve page and the unofficial guide to Brandon Marsh (they have loads of information on bird watching there).
​Thanks for reading :)
Would whole heartedly recommend this for a great (family) day-out. The reserve is just off the A45, surprisingly close to Coventry. More information can be found at the official Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve page and the unofficial guide to Brandon Marsh (they have loads of information on bird watching there).
​Thanks for reading :)
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