First Kingfisher

1D2n, 600mm f4 is x2.0TC, 1/160s, f10, iso 400.

Had a good weekend in Yorkshire, but not enough time for birds! Thanks for the tips on where to go. This was taken at Fairburn Ings. 2 complete strangers nearly hugged each other when this appeared as neither of us had ever seen a kingfisher. Yes, a nice reed would have been better than a wire, and it might have caught a fish, but, hey, I don't care!

I'm on a mission now to see more.

Good stuff Ian Great positioning in the frame.
looks a little dark on my gear
Cheers
john

Thanks John

"looks a little dark on my gear "

That's funny - my son said exactly the same! Hope this is brighter.

nice one Ian, I've still never managed to photograph one. The re-post looks better.

Matt

Nice shot Ian, repost looks better, where abouts on the reserve did you take this ??

Andy...

Ian,

Nice first catch And I know the feeling because a couple of weeks ago, I managed to photograph one for the first time too. It is very special. Your re-post looks better by the way.

Sandra

Thanks Andy

"where abouts on the reserve did you take this? "

I asked the warden where to go and he actually walked with me to the best spot, a minute's walk from the centre - by the sluice, over the walkway, next to the area under development. I went back next day as it's possible to get closer, but he didn't re-appear. I got a couple on a natural perch, but not close enough. They frequent other areas too and I sat for a while beside a lovely little pool, but no luck. As Matthew kindly said, a little owl was also showing very close to the centre, but I didn't get a shot. Saw lots of other firsts for me - water vole, tree sparrow, willow tit etc. A great day out!

Congrats Ian, you mention you had a few on a 'natural perch but not close enough' have you tried comping them up as 'enviro' images. I have found from previous posts on here that the bird does stand out well in a large background. Just a thought.
Robert

Hi Ian

Repost better - nice colours and BG. A more natural perch would have been good but still very nice!

David

Maybe not the ideal perch but I'll trade you your first Kingfisher photo for mine...my Kingfisher was the 4 blue pixels and the 3 orange ones in the centre of the frame, so you've done a fine job over me

Thanks for that Ian, I know where you mean, I'll give it a go, cheers.

Andy...

Good picture Ian not the easiest bird to capture even harder than a long eared owl.Ha

Great job getting such a good shot on your first Kingfisher sighting. I`ve seen loads, but never managed a decent shot. The second shot for me, I think.

Lovely Ian, still waiting for my first sighting of one of these, nevermind a decent shot! Far from the perch being a downside, I quite like it and the position in the frame is great