How To Attract Kingfishers

One of the most unique looking birds is the brightly coloured kingfisher, with its big head, long beak and striking plumage.There are more than 80 species of this bird.These birds are notorious for being shy around humans so a few gentle techniques are needed to gain their trust.

Step 1: A body of water can be set up.

The bird will wait on a perch before swooping on the fish it wants to eat.By setting up a small pond or water container in your garden, you might be able to lure a few kingfishers to come hunting.If you don't want to dig out a pond, you can buy a large tub at a garden centre.If you buy a tub, fiberglass containers will last longer than plastic ones, but will cost more.If you can, make your pond or water feature deeper than the one recorded by the kerchiefs so they can catch fish.

Step 2: You can perch above the water.

The kerchiefs like to perch.A thin branch can be used to set up a perch.Make sure it is stable enough for the birds to sit on and then place it two metres above the ground so they can easily see the water.A good perch for these birds can be found by washing lines, fencing, and stacked rocks.

Step 3: There are clear plants around the pond.

There are clearings where there is less vegetation to obstruct the view of the water.The more shrubs and trees you have, the more likely you are to attract birds to your garden.

Step 4: The birds should be given small fish and tadpoles to eat.

At your local pet shop you can buy small fish that will be fed to birds.The kingfisher can see colourful fish.Small fish like minnows and sticklebacks are eaten by the ganks.When choosing your prey, keep in mind that the ideal fish is about 23 millimetres in length.crayfish, snails, and frog are eaten by kingfishers.It's more likely that the kingfishers will come and hunt there if you have more biodiversity at your place.

Step 5: Take care of your fish.

Clean the tub or pond every week to keep the fish healthy.A quarter of the water's surface should be clear and visible to birds.If you over crowd your fish, they won't get enough oxygen to survive.It's a good idea to check with your pet shop on the best fish to water ratio.

Step 6: There is a bird table.

If you don't like the idea of having a water feature in your garden, you may want to consider a flat tray style bird feeders.If there is a harsh winter and the birds are hungry, these bird tables can be used.If you give them meat or bread, they will eat it.Birds can see the bird table in the open.

Step 7: There is a burrowing space.

The riverbanks are almost vertical and sparse of any plants.Birds take about a week to build their houses.If you're clearing vegetation be sure to clear the roots as they can interfere with the kingfishers' patterns.A bank with a kingfisher's nest will slope upwards so that rain won't accumulate inside.It will have a chamber of 20–30 centimetres.If you are setting up an area for the birds to burrow in, keep that in mind.

Step 8: A nest box is a good buy.

There are artificial options that may still work to attract a kingfisher if you don't have a suitable area for the bird to nest in.There are online retailers and pet stores that sell nest boxes.The kingfisher would burrow in a tunnel in the wild.The birds will shy away from the next box if it is above the water level of the pond.

Step 9: The nests should be provided for early spring.

In the early spring, kerchiefs will pair up and look to breed and lay their eggs.If you have a nest box ready for the birds, you will have more chance of attracting them.

Step 10: Don't talk and watch the birds carefully.

Make your garden as quiet and peaceful as possible to attract birds.You will have to be very patient because these birds are very wary of humans.

Step 11: You can watch from a hiding place.

If you want to get close to the birds without disturbing them, you should build a hide.A canvas pop-up blind can be used to hide behind as you watch or photograph birds.If it looks natural and hides you as you watch, you can make a hide from large palm fronds placed against poles.It might take the kingfishers about a month to get used to a hide being in their space and they might be wary of it until it becomes a normal sight for them.

Step 12: Animals are outside.

Because of their vulnerability to cats and dogs, kingfishers shy away from areas where these animals live.If you have a cat, you can make an outdoor run for it so it can enjoy the garden, but still be kept away from the birds.