Martin's Bird Blog & Nature Photos

Tag: Kingfishers

  • 7th May 2026 – WWT Slimbridge

    7th May 2026 – WWT Slimbridge

    We could see a pocket of fine weather this morning and headed for our “safe place” at Slimbridge on the Severn Estuary.

    We weren’t expecting much activity as not much has been reported here recently – serious birders are probably down on the estuary looking for migrants. However, there was plenty to keep us happy with lots of birds nest-building or, in the case of the geese and coots, looking after their new offspring.

    Greylag geese and goslings

    Greylag geese goslings

    Canada goose with goslings

    Coots and their young receiving lots of attention – not a bad thing with so many gulls around

    Avocets with black-headed gull behind

    Avocet

    Common shelduck causing a rumpus

    Black-headed gull with nesting material

    Mallards flying in synchronisation

    Avocet in flight

    I just can’t resist a robin

    We also saw a pair of common kingfishers fetching food for their young but it was challenging photographing them as we were in a hide behind glass and at some distance. Still a treat all the same.

    Common kingfisher flying in front of tufted ducks

    Common kingfisher in front of yellow flags

    Common kingfisher close to its nest

    Common kingfisher in flight

    The centre has built a new area for school groups to have their packed lunches and the new planting has been very successful and particularly attractive at this time of the year.

    Newly planted area
    A riot of colours

    Ragged robin – lychnis flos-cuculi

    Iris – blue flags

    Yellow flags

    Alpine thrift

    Even the dandelion seedheads were looking attractive

    I even have a soft spot for sedums

    The rain set in early afternoon on our way home – the farmers and the gardeners will be happy.

  • 2nd May 2025 – Eastville Park, Bristol

    2nd May 2025 – Eastville Park, Bristol

    Early morning walk in the park. Much fresher this morning after yesterday’s highs of 27° C. Quite amazing weather for this time of the year.

    Ramsons (wild garlic) in the woods

    Kingfisher leaving nest

    Kingfisher flying up the River Frome

    Kingfisher having a scratch

    Kingfisher just above our heads

    Coot with chick

    Cutelets

    Coot with chick

    Mute swan

    Lesser black-backed gull

    Blackbird