Fishing with the King

Now, a wildlife photographer I am certainly not, but a bit of patience (and some incredibly good fortune) definitely paid off this week when I captured these images of a very active Common Kingfisher.

I arrived at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and headed straight to the West Hide, I took the empty bench in the corner. The hide was busy with folk who had been there most of the afternoon, binoculars and cameras pinned to their faces, only lowered briefly for another sip of tea from the thermos. By about 4pm those around me had departed and I had the place to myself. I settled in watching the many Canada geese and half a dozen or so heron. Nice big targets for me to practice capturing. I've not been photographing wildlife long so starting big and slow seemed like a good place to begin.

Meh! Not the best heron photos but my goal was to practice capturing a bird in flight... check, get it in focus... check, and to keep the whole thing in frame... check. I was feeling pretty chuffed, but a grey bird against a slightly dreary background wasn't filling me with inspiration.

I was very aware that the gates to the car park would be locked at 5:30pm sharp, it was now 4:30pm I was starting to consider calling it a day.

But then, as the dipping sun broke through the clouds, my peripheral vision caught a darting flash of glinting turquoise. I cautiously repositioned myself to the opposite end of the empty hide and patiently waited. I didn't have to wait long. It was back, and it was hungry!

I honeslty couldn't believe my luck! It was exciting to be so close yet it didn't seem bothered by my presence at all, too occupied by dinner I guess. Feeling slightly guilty that those who had waited all afternoon were missing this as they had bailed out early, I settled in and enjoyed the next 10 minutes, just me and the Kingfisher. Every time it left the perch I was convinced it was gone, but straight back it came, fish in beak, it must've had a dozen or so!

Not only was it being the perfect subject, it also had the good manners to choose a spot in the most beautiful light, the vibrant colours and the details popping in the later afternoon sun.

It was such a privilege to witness this tiny expert diving for its dinner, stunning the prey against the branch before swallowing it.

And then, it was gone. Full up and satisfied. I sat for a minute or two before remembering that the deadline for freedom was rapidly approaching! With a ten minute walk to the car and less than fifteen before the car park gates were locked, I closed up the hide and got out of there, with a smile on my face and the sun on my back.

Gear & Settings:

• Sony A7iV Camera Body - 33 megapixel, handheld

• Tamron 150 - 500mm F/5 - F/6.7

• 1/4000 Sec

• F/6.7

• 500mm

• ISO 2000

When & Where:

• Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, West Hide

• September 9th 2023, 16:00