With the run of calm weather – until the last few days anyway – I headed inland to meet to friends of mine, both photographers who enjoy getting out in the Kayaks. What could be better than a good day working away in a great swamp.

We met up at the location, the water was like a mirror with superb reflections.

Our main target was to search for the elusive Azure Kingfisher.

As we moved along we came upon small bays off the main line, any one of them could come up with a surprise. There were a great number of waders about, but our first significant spotting was a Sea Eagle which was watching us. Sometimes they can be difficult to get close to, so we took a number of record shots of the bird before we moved on.

I wasn’t to know at the time but later in the day I managed a good shot of a Sea Eagle flying with an immature bird.

Moving on we came to a small bay where we spotted our first Azure Kingfisher zooming over the water, truly magnificent bird. I had to be patient though, because it was not until quite a bit later in the day before I was able to get close to get a few shots as it sat on a limb bobbing its head before darting into the water at high speed.

Still, I wasn’t close enough to get the shots I was after, even though the images of the bird on the branch weren’t bad.

During the day in one bay I spotted a Darter feeding and thought it might be a good opportunity. Moving slowly to get in close, I was surprised when  a swan suddenly took flight. What’s more it was flying straight towards me. I got some nice shots. 

Needless to say my Darter was gone after the commotion, but was really pleased with the swan images I was able to get.

The rest of the day I spent photographing waders.

But that killer shot of Azure Kingfishers is something I still haven’t quite managed. The mission continues.

Alone or sometimes in pairs, the Azure Kingfisher spends most of its day staring down from its perch on a low, bare branch rarely more than a metre above the water. When it becomes excited it starts to bob its head.

Then, when a suitable fish appears it dives in. Then there’s a flash of its brilliant blue colouring before it returns to its branch, usually with the fish, which it eats head first.

Nesting takes place in the spring. The birds dig holes into the bank and both birds take part in preparing the nest and feeding the chicks.

There’s no doubt the Azure Kingfisher is one of the jewels of the bird world, as are our magnificent swans, especially in flight, which is the image I have included in this article.

A satisfying day all round.

Jim Thomson wins Top Shot 

Peaceful, picturesque dove