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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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