Kingfisher

One of the best places that I can almost guarantee seeing a Kingfisher (and it's not a particularly easy bird to pin down) is back at my Mum and Dad's in Loughton, Essex. I spent my childhood, youth and young adulthood here. I spent a lot of time on the Roding Valley Nature Reserve, but at that time it was usually spent playing football or riding a bike. Now when I go back to visit, I go on foot and seek out all the delights that nature has to show me. There is plenty to be seen, and knowing the site so well, I have an advantage in understanding what will be where.
There are several spots that I concentrate on for the Kingfishers, and at this time of year they are a bit more active. My first sighting was just a brief one as it called and then flew in front of me and into the sun. Not very helpful. The next was a whole lot better.
An early morning walk before disturbance by too many other people, and I caught sight of a red flash banking right towards the river. Having crept to a vantage point where I could see the bank, I put my binoculars up. Sat on a branch looking back at me was a cracking little bird. I think it was a juvenile.
I was able to watch for a good five minutes or so before the first dog walker of the day shouted 'Good morning' and scared it off. Great views all the same and at quite close quarters. One of my favourite birds.

Regurgitating a pellet.