Fun Fishing

Streaking downstream the iridescent flashes of sapphire blue were a fabulous sight this afternoon and made for an exciting day on the River Salwarpe!

Settling down to watch this tiny colourful bird on the river bank was a positive joy as it flew taking advantage of the small fish such as minnows and tench in the shallow pool. Going backwards and forwards holding the fish by the tail to feed it's young presumably in the nest, it did also manage a rather large portion to gulp down for itself!!

Kingfishers are liable to starve to death in hard winters when their food supply is cut off by frozen waters. In 1964 there was only one breeding pair on the River Thames every 20 miles whereas in 1961 there was 1 pair every 2 miles.

It's bright colouring is a defence strategy as predators have learnt to leave it alone as it's flesh tastes foul........ apparently! I would add that this isn't a personal observation! :))