The last week has been really interesting. Since the extension to the concrete slip-way got underway I have had to restrict my Kingfisher watching, photography and filming to early in the morning and late afternoon. At theses times the light is not as good as it would be in full sunlight obviously. The quality of the film has not been as good as it will be when the sun is shining. However, I have had some great views of the bird and captured some good footage. Here is a short excerpt for you to enjoy. have a look at the bathing behavior which is very interesting to observe. I have seen this on several occasions and I feel that when he enters the water he does it with a bigger splash than when hunting. He dives in repeatedly and returns to the same perch every time. This always takes place after a catch and then is accompanied by lots of preening. I have noted some interaction between Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher. To be blunt they don't seem to tolerate each other and when a Kingfisher hears a Wagtail he will call back and vice-versa. On one occasion I watched the Kingfisher fly at the Wagtail to drive it out of the immediate area. Also of real note, when the bird has successfully caught a fish it will always fly to it's favorite perch to deal with it. Small silver fish are swallowed almost immediately but large fish, that is as big as 3 inches are beaten repeatedly and then an attempt to swallow it will take place. On one occasion this took several minutes as I watched it repeatedly trying to get it down.
Today, after a heavy downpour overnight, the Brook is in full spate. My hide is half submerged and I am waiting for the levels to drop before I can return to carry on filming.