The Kingfisher's Call: A Day of Photography and Reflection
- Chris Draper
- Sep 17, 2024
- 6 min read
Today, I found myself in the perfect alignment of conditions, both in terms of weather and opportunity. It’s not every day that a photographer is blessed with everything falling into place so beautifully, but on this occasion, it truly did. My destination: Shropshire Photography Hides, and the goal? To photograph the elusive and enchanting kingfisher. What a day it has been – with approximately 25 visits from these magnificent birds, darting to and from the perches just metres in front of me.
To witness the kingfisher in such close proximity feels like a privilege, one I’ve longed to experience for years, though I never quite made the time until today. As I sat in the hide, my camera at the ready, I realised that this was more than just a photographic project; it was a deeply emotional journey, and one I’d like to share with you.
A Lifelong Connection to Kingfishers
My fascination with birds began at a young age, nurtured by the influence of my beloved Mamma Irene. Now, she would never allow herself to be called "Grandmother" – it was always "Mamma", a Nottinghamshire term she much preferred. She had a passion for birds and a particular fondness for the colour blue, so it was no surprise that her favourite bird was the kingfisher.
For me, the kingfisher and memories of my Mamma are intrinsically linked. Every flash of blue that I’ve caught along riverbanks or woodland streams throughout the years has brought with it a surge of nostalgia. The opportunity to photograph these birds today, up close and in detail, felt like a culmination of that long-held connection – something deeply personal and meaningful.
A Day Spent in Solitude
There’s something almost zen-like about spending an entire day in a hide, by yourself, in total peace. It’s a time for introspection, where the hustle and bustle of life fades away, leaving you with nothing but the task at hand. And when that task is photographing kingfishers, there’s no shortage of awe to keep you enthralled.
The silence was only interrupted by the rhythmic sound of my camera shutter or the sudden splash of water as a kingfisher dove for its prey. The birds moved with precision – perching, hunting, diving, eating, preening – and I tried to capture every moment, from their serene patience to their lightning-fast dives.
Of course, there were moments of indulgence, too. Between photo opportunities, I found time to enjoy a mini Battenberg or two (my snack of choice for the day), all while jotting down my thoughts to shape into this blog later on. With no internet to distract me, I was left alone with the birds and my memories.
The Experience at Shropshire Photography Hides
Shropshire Photography Hides is about an hour and twenty minutes from my home, so it’s not exactly local but certainly not out of reach either. I was warmly greeted by Mike, who manages the hides and is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the kingfishers and the local wildlife. After a brief chat with him, I settled in for the day, ready for the magic to unfold.
The hide itself is situated on a private estate, surrounded by nature and blessedly free from human activity. It’s your typical bird hide – a small shed-like structure beside a pond – but it’s well-equipped, comfortable, and perfectly positioned for photographing the kingfishers as they go about their day.
Throughout the day, I had the place to myself, which only added to the feeling of privilege. Sitting there, in near silence, with the sun filtering through the greenery, I felt completely immersed in nature. The trees are still green at this time of year, but I can’t help but think how beautiful the scene will look when autumn finally arrives, and the leaves begin to turn. I’m already planning a return visit to capture the kingfishers in frost-covered branches, diving into icy waters – the thought alone stirs my imagination.
Kingfishers: The Stars of the Show
For today, though, my focus was on capturing a series of images that resonate with my personal connection to these birds. From the moment I saw the first flash of blue, I knew this would be a special day. Kingfishers are often associated with their vibrant, metallic blue feathers, and it’s this colour that immediately brings back memories of Mamma.
My camera clicked away as the kingfishers perched, scouted the water for fish, dove with remarkable speed, and then returned with their catch. They preened their feathers, showcasing the iridescent blues and oranges that make them so mesmerising. It’s hard to overstate just how beautiful they are, especially when you’re able to observe them so closely.
There’s an intimacy in watching them go about their routine, completely unbothered by my presence in the hide. I took photo after photo, documenting their movements, their personality, and that unmistakable burst of colour. And through it all, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment, knowing that I was finally able to fully experience and capture the essence of this bird that has meant so much to me for so long.
Camera Gear and Settings
Before we dive back into the day’s events, I want to briefly talk about the camera setup and settings I used to capture the kingfishers. Feel free to skip this section if you're more interested in the story and photos, but for those who are curious about the technical side of things, I hope this gives you some insight into the gear that helped me get the shots.
For the perching shots from the hide, I used my Sony A7RV paired with the Sony 200-600mm lens. I also borrowed a Sony 1.4x teleconverter, which I’ll cover in more detail later. I took full advantage of the camera’s subject recognition autofocus feature and primarily shot in Manual mode, keeping the aperture as wide as possible. For the still kingfishers, I opted for a slower shutter speed, around 1/125 sec, while the diving shots required a faster speed of 1/1000 to 1/2000 sec. I set the ISO to auto, with a range from ISO 500 to ISO 6400, though I dialed it down to ISO 2000 during the brightest parts of the day. The ever-changing September light kept me adjusting as the day went on.
As for the teleconverter, I’ve read plenty of debates about the trade-offs—specifically the loss of light through the additional optics. Luckily, with abundant light, I didn’t experience any significant issues and shot comfortably at f9 without pushing ISO or shutter speeds too far. The added reach was certainly worth it, and I’m quite happy with the results.
For the diving shots, I switched to my Sony A7iii with the 24-105mm lens, using a Kase CPL filter. I manually focused on a spot above the water where the kingfisher was likely to dive, and kept the shutter speed at 1/2000 sec. I had the ISO set to auto with a max of 12800, but in hindsight, a slightly higher shutter speed might have improved my hit rate. I also used a wireless remote control shutter, but the lag was noticeable—if I were to do this again, I’d definitely invest in a higher-quality remote.
What to Expect at the Hide
If you’re considering visiting Shropshire Photography Hides, you can expect a fantastic day out, whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply someone who enjoys birdwatching. The hide offers an excellent view of the pond where the kingfishers hunt, and because it’s located on private land, you’ll likely have the place to yourself or with just a small group. The atmosphere is tranquil, with little to no disturbance from the outside world, making it the perfect spot to focus on your photography.
For me, this experience has been nothing short of a dream come true. I’ve finally had the chance to photograph the kingfisher in a way that feels deeply personal, and I’ve learned so much in the process – not just about photography, but about taking time to reconnect with the things that matter most.
I hope you’ll enjoy the photos I’ve included throughout this post and that you’ll be inspired to visit Shropshire Photography Hides for yourself. Whether you’re chasing the perfect shot or simply want to spend a peaceful day immersed in nature, this is a place where you can do both.
Upcoming ProjectsWhile this blog focused on my journey photographing kingfishers, I have plenty more exciting projects coming up. Look out for future blogs on themes such as Stag Nightmare, and Guardian of the Sky. Each will delve into new photographic techniques and the stories behind the subjects.
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