Monday 18 March 2019

An Update on the Rye Meads Kingfishers

9th March 2019

The famous Rye Meads Kingfishers have been very successful over the last few years, most years raising three broods, so time for a quick visit to see what is going on this year. They are already present around+ the Kingfisher bank and showing all the signs of preparing for the forthcoming breeding season with the male bringing the female fish, both birds visiting the nest hole and mating. But don't let us get too carried away, as they don't normally lay their first eggs until late April/early May.

There wasn't much Kingfisher activity, but while we were waiting a Chiffchaff kept us amused, presumably one of the many Chiffchaffs that over-winter at Rye Meads, complete with shiny ring. One of the advantages of ringing wintering Chiffchaffs is that through a combination of new birds ringed and retraps it allows a more accurate assessment of the over-wintering population.


The female Kingfisher was present at the nest site throughout, but kept hidden in the trees out of the wind waiting for the male to bring her a fish.


However, on one occasion she flew to the Kingfisher bank before entering the nest hole, allowing a couple of shots to be taken.




All looking good so far, so.................

                                                         WATCH THIS SPACE.








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