Thursday 9th.September 2010

I decided this morning to have another go at getting some Kingfisher shots , and headed for Sevenoaks KWT reserve . I went straight to the hide where I saw three birds last visit , and had the hide to myself . Unfortunately , the Kingfishers couldn't have known I was waiting for them , as not a single sighting was had over a one and a half hour watch . In fact , apart from close sightings of very big Carp in the shallows , the only other interest was this Moorhen , collecting material and making a nest near the hide . If they weren't coming to me , I would have to go looking , and headed for the next hide . On the way I found a very fresh Green-veined White , nectaring on Water Mint . Reaching the hide and looking out , I found a very close Green Sandpiper , no more than 10 metres straight in front , but still no Kingfishers .
In sunny areas around the lakes , were good numbers of Common Blue Damselflies , still with one thing on their minds .Another sunny area produced a very autumnal looking Comma .Usually very difficult to photograph as they never keep still , I must have photographed at least 5 different male Brown Hawkers , and saw many more .Apart from a few Common Darters , Migrant Hawkers like the male above , were the only other dragonflies recorded .Heading back the way I had come , I returned to the Green Sandpiper hide , to find two Grey Wagtails , once again , just out front .And now the Green Sandpiper had been joined by a Pied Wagtail . Whilst in the hide , I had two fly-by Kingfishers , both heading for the first hide , so that was where I headed .
I got sightings almost immediately , but , as with my last visit , they were at distance .
One did fly a bit closer , but on the wing , the AF was working overtime to try to get a shot . After 10 minutes , the sightings finished when a Grey Heron flew in to where I had last seen a Kingfisher land . The Heron stood preening for a while , then did something I've never seen one do before . It flew across the lake , and landed in deep water . I don't know how deep it was , but it almost looked as if it was swimming . Then it lowered itself even deeper into the water , moving slowly foreward . In a flash , that dagger like bill was in the water , and out it came with a good sized fish , which it swallowed before flying back to the bank .
A quick look at another hide , just before leaving produced a Common Sandpiper .
After eating my lunch , I decided to have a look up on the Downs on my way home , but I'll post that on a quiet day .