A Local Kingfisher, Hertfordshire.

I'm fortunate to live in an area where there are quite a few Kingfishers as I love photographing them. This week, one in particular was posing well close to a very busy footpath. The best thing about this was the number of people who had the thrill of seeing one close up, often for the first time. This included a lot of youngsters and hopefully it may instil something that stays with them in later years, fostering a love for wildlife.

This is an adult male and probably holding territory. It will not be long before hopefully he pairs up to breed. In between feeding, he would often sit in full view for long periods allowing lots of opportunities for shots.

These pictures were taken over a few days in differing light. It obviously chose this spot as there was a plentiful supply of fish, in particular Bullheads. I witnessed it catch a few times and it would take the fish to a nearby branch to stun and kill it before flicking it around to make sure it was swallowed head first.

A wonderful experience to spend a few hours with him!