Kingfishers
Many of you will know that with lots of effort from volunteers we built a kingfisher bank at Gadespring Cressbeds a few years ago. These banks have a vertical face to deter predators and two nest holes halfway up the face. Inside the bank itself is a long tunnel with a nest cavity at the end. Wherever kingfishers put their nests they are always susceptible to rats and weasels, so any help we can give to improve the breeding success of this enchanting bird has to be worthwhile.
Kingfishers are quite choosy birds, and it took a good while for them to try out one of our ‘des res’ homes. We eventually rejoiced when a pair did mate and laid eggs in one of the holes. Alas, the design of the bank was not quite robust enough to deter Mr Rat. Luckily a local photographer was there to snap the villain coming out of the hole otherwise we would never have known but, clearly the eggs were predated.
So, it was back to the drawing board. The Trust has not survived 428 years without demonstrating lots of patience! We found an impregnable solution which is now used throughout the country – a sheet of smooth iron – and 3 years ago that was installed. Until early this spring there had been no interest and we were beginning to wonder if breeding would ever take place. Then Eureka! A pair began displaying breeding behaviour for some while and eventually it was clear that eggs had been laid. We know that at least one young kingfisher fledged from that effort and a short while later another clutch of eggs was laid in the second nest hole. We were delighted when a second successful fledging was achieved!
We all know that suitable habitats for birds and animals are fast becoming depleted. The scale of reduction in many species around the country is extremely worrying. At the Trust we are trying to improve the chances for what we have and to aid the return of various species, including water voles and butterflies, but this is not like flicking a switch. It is fraught with trial and error, but we have support from a fantastic band of volunteers and there is a wealth of advice available nationally. We will keep you updated on other successes in due course.
If you would like to join our volunteers, do please contact the Trust at admin@boxmoortrust.org.uk
We would like to take this opportunity to respectfully remind you all that Kingfishers are a protected species, and it is illegal to disturb them at the nest site.
Gadespring Cress Beds, located off Old Fishery Lane, are open to visitors on the last Sunday of each month between 11am and 2pm. In addition, the Gadespring bird hide is open on Thursday mornings between 10am and 12 noon. These sessions are kindly hosted by Box Moor Trust volunteers.
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As a charitable Trust, we are most grateful to our supporters and beneficiaries who kindly make financial donations towards our work. If you would like to donate then please use the button below. Thanks to everyone who has generously donated so far.
www.boxmoortrust.org.uk
01442 253300
