Conventional wisdom tells us that once the juvenile kingfishers fledge from the nest there is a 3-4 day window where the parents will teach the young how to fish, where to fish and will keep them stocked up on tiddlers while they learn the ropes. Then when those learning days are over the parents will aggressively move the juveniles along chasing them off the territory. Last week that window opened for me when the local kingfishers fledged, but sometimes what you read isn’t always what happens!
I first noticed the juvenile were out on Monday evening, The river was very noisy with calling kingfishers as they flew up and down but they didn’t settle and appeared to be just following the adult bird. The juveniles were dotted around on various perchs and the male was around keeping an eye on them before disappearing on a fishing expedition. On his return he landed with a fish and the three young quickly flew in to try and be the one that grabbed the meal.
For a few minutes I had the amazing sight of four kingfishers sat directly in front of me!! The male kept this up for a couple of hours and despite the rain I was mesmerised. I’d read about the 3-4 day window so I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by, after all they would be gone by Saturday, wouldn’t they?I sat on the riverbank at every opportunity and began to notice that in none of my photo’s or on any occasion had I seen the female. It seems as though the male has raised these three on his own.
As the juveniles became more confident I watched them attempt to fish for themselves, repeatedly diving but only occasionally coming up with a reward. But they were learning and if they were to be chased off soon, it was a lesson they had to learn as quickly as possible.
Saturday came and I was treated to another spectacular day but surely they’d be gone soon, the 3/4 day window must be closing.
Yesterday was a week after fledging and they were still around and still being fed by the male. So it seems nature doesn’t always conform to what the books and experts say.
It may be that the loss of the female has meant the males paternal instinct has overridden the need to chase them off, and with no partner to try for another brood has meant he will tolerate the juveniles for a bit longer. I do hope so. As many of you know, I’m a bit obsessed with these beautiful birds and the longer they’re around the happier I’ll be. As soon as they’re gone the riverside will be a lot quieter place.
About the Entry
- Blogger name | Steve Midgley
- Site name | Wildlife Pirate
- Site URL | www.wildlifepirate.co.uk
- Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WildlifePirate/
- Why should someone visit your site? I write about what I see that’s generally on my doorstep. And I don’t shy away from the darker side of nature.
- Entry Number | 34
You can read our bloggers’ full profiles on the Meet Our Bloggers page.
Vote for your Winner!
Did you enjoy the story? If you’d like this entry to win the Wildlife Blogger of the Year Reader’s Choice Award (and get over £1,000 in prizes!) please use the following form and enter the number 34 as your chosen blog entry. Winners will be announced on December 31st 2018!
Please note: The competition is limited to one vote per person. We carefully check every vote for duplicate emails and votes.