Tuesday Tweet - the common Kingfisher

Tuesday Tweet - the common Kingfisher

A kingfisher was sighted along the River Wye  in Tintern in the lower Wye Valley. Birds & other wildlife spotted at Reddings Retreat can be viewed on our website: https://reddings-retreat-tintern.webador.co.uk/

Show off your bird photography skills & tag us @reddings_retreat_tintern in your best shot 📷. Don’t forget to mention where the photo was taken!

Common Kingfisher

Photos by Wye Valley Sculpture trail & Andrew McKie, Siegfried Poepperl, & #pi.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Description:

Beautiful little blue-&-orange bird with a long, pointed bill. Often rather shy & inconspicuous despite bright plumage. Found along rivers, streams, lakes, & ponds—almost any fresh or brackish habitat with small fish. As well as small fish, they will also catch insects & even small crabs, waiting patiently until the perfect moment to dive head first at their prey. Often perches quietly in trees over water; most often seen in very fast low flight as a turquoise flash over the water, usually flying away. Easily detected once its high, shrill whistled call is learned, even if the bird itself is hidden. The common kingfisher is very protective of its territory, with both males and females being incredibly territorial.

Speed: 40km (25mph)

Source: Merlin bird ID app