This morning I was gifted a new big lens. So of course it was off to the canal this afternoon to see if we could spot a kingfisher to test it out on. For three quarters of an hour we sauntered up and down the canal scanning for a glimpse of orange or bright blue. We were just heading back to the car when suddenly I saw an azure jewel skimming low over the water then swooping up into a tree on the far bank.
Here he is, what a beauty! Definitely male, as his lower beak is black, no orange lipstick for him. He has exquisite markings, I love the tiny turquoise beads on his crown.
He flew eastwards going from one branch to another looking for his Christmas dinner. He didn’t seem to be having much luck. Here he is with his back to us, showing off his electric blue back stripe.
We followed him along but sometimes lost sight of him. He is amazingly camouflaged when against a backdrop of a bank carpeted in brown and bronze beech leaves.
At last we saw him take a plunge into the water. Too fast for me to capture the actual dive. I need loads more practice before I’ll manage that.
He came out with a fish in his mouth. Here it is, though not so easy to see amongst the twigs and branches.
Great to see him with his Christmas dinner. I’m off to get mine now. Merry Christmas!
Sarah's Wildlife Watch 