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Kingfisher at Cole Park Allotments???
Kingfisher spotted fishing on the Crane. A rare treat indeed.
Kingfishers are small unmistakable bright blue and orange
birds of slow moving or still water. They fly rapidly, low
over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally
hovering above the water's surface. They are a vulnerable
to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution
or unsympathetic management of watercourses. Kingfishers
are amber listed because of their unfavourable conservation
status in Europe.
Where does it live?
Breeding
Lowland freshwater rivers, canals, lakes and gravel pits
where there is a suitable bank for excavating a nest hole,
and shallow water for catching prey.
Wintering
Some will move to coasts in winter, and can be seen at estuaries
and along rocky bays.
Where to see it
They are widespread, especially in central and southern England,
becoming less common further north but following some declines
last century, they are currently increasing in their range
in Scotland. Kingfishers are found by still or slow flowing
water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas.
In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast.
Occasionally they may visit garden ponds if of a suitable
size.
What does it eat?
Fish and aquatic insects.
What does it sound like?
A shrill 'chee'
When to see it
All year round.
Maximum lifespan: 15 years
Length: 16-17cm
Wingspan: 24-26cm
Weight: 34-46g
UK breeding: 3,600-6,000 pairs
As a fairly rare, easily disturbed bird, the kingfisher
is afforded the highest degree of legal protection under
the Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
It is an offence to take, injure or kill a kingfisher or
to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young. It is
also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the
birds close to their nest during the breeding season. Violation
of the law can attract fines up to £5,000 per offence
and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months.
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