Kingfisher family caught on video for the first time on our reserve
A kingfisher family has been captured on video for the very first time at WWT Washington Wetland Centre.
The incredible footage confirms that this often-elusive species is breeding here on site, something wardens had only been able to assume until now.
Filmed by a motion sensor camera over three months earlier this summer, the series of clips show a pair of kingfisher courting and nesting, before successfully rearing and fledging two chicks.
They offer a unique insight into the family’s waterside world, with highlights including the adults bringing fish to the nest burrow during the night and enticing the young along a branch as they take their first flights (above).
WWT Washington reserve warden Andrew Diamond first set up the trail camera near a possible nesting site in February, after the adults were heard calling to one another.
He said he felt “blessed” to have finally captured evidence of kingfisher breeding activity – from the scraping out of the nest burrow, to the male courting the female and providing for her as she incubated their eggs, then eventually the fledging event itself.
“Here at WWT Washington, we are fortunate enough to enjoy fabulous and regular views of kingfisher using our ponds, lakes and lagoon to hunt out their favourite prey”, he said.
“From late August through to early March, these often-elusive birds are frequently observed from the comfort of our Lagoon View Hide, catching fish within the lagoon and the river reed bed.
“Once the scent of spring is fresh in the air however, they become increasingly difficult to see and it was thought that they were going to some place off site to breed, although there was always a suspicion that they could be breeding here. Now I know for sure!”
“And thanks to the trail camera steadily providing me with wonderful footage from March till June, I was blessed with all their comings and goings throughout the process.”
Kingfisher are one of the most popular bird species among visitors to WWT Washington’s wild reserve and in autumn, sightings of them steadily increase.
Though it can take a lot of patience to actually see one, the first time you spot that flash of bright blue and hear their strident call is a definitely a wildlife watching moment worth waiting for.
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Kingfisher Q and A with reserve warden Andrew Diamond
- When did you first realise that kingfisher could be breeding on site?
“Our excellent reserve volunteers actually heard the kingfisher calling to each other whilst carrying out one of our weekly group habitat management sessions in late February.
“Kingfisher pair up in early spring through an elaborate courtship ritual, which culminates in the male providing the female with his prize catch of the day.
“This activity from the male is proving to the female that he is up to the job of providing for her whilst she is incubating her eggs.”
- How did you go about setting up the camera and capturing the footage successfully?
“Once I was sure that the birds were where I thought they would be, I set up a motion detection camera so that I could potentially obtain video footage of their breeding attempt.
“I set the camera up in late March and left it in place right through to the end of June. Some amazing footage was obtained, although the initial camera angle was a little off (but not by too much!) so I rejigged the positioning and got it perfect.
“The incubation period for kingfisher eggs is 19 to 21 days before they hatch and then begins the Herculean task of keeping them well fed!
“The parent birds were videoed delivering fish up to six times an hour and even though this meant they were going back and forth on a very regular basis, they were still incredibly difficult to see.
“Two chicks fledged from the nesting chamber and the parents seemed very keen to encourage the chicks out of the area.
“The parent bird would sit alongside a chick, enticing it with a freshly caught fish. As the chick made a move towards the fish, the parent bird would slide along the perch keeping the tasty snack just out of reach!
“Once at the end of the perch the parent bird would fly off to another perch close by, with the fish, and draw the fledgling along with it.”
- Where would visitors be able to see kingfisher on site right now?
“Kingfisher are one of the most popular bird species among visitors to WWT Washington’s wild reserve and many patient birdwatchers and photographers are successful in their vigil, but when this bird wishes to remain unseen it can do so with remarkable success.
“So make the most of the easy viewing that our spectacularly panoramic lagoon hide provides of kingfisher as they go about their daily business of stealing the limelight from the many other wildlife stars that WWT Washington has to offer.”
“And you can also visit our blog for hints and tips of where best to find kingfisher at WWT Washington this autumn
