The fifth national kingfisher day was in Drenthe this year. The first lustrum was celebrated in Beilen. One hundred interested parties attended this very interesting day. Many fascinating topics were discussed in the lectures about the life of the kingfisher. With, of course, an overview of the condition of the kingfisher in our province.
It is remarkable that little targeted research is being done in Drenthe into the occurrence of the kingfisher. You can observe this blue pearl along many streams and canals. After the harsh winter of 1979, the kingfisher disappeared from Drenthe. In the nineties there were between 5 and 15 pairs here.
The mild winters since 2010 have partly contributed to an increase. The number of breeding pairs is now estimated at an average of 40 for Drenthe. In Southeast Drenthe they have good results with making kingfisher walls. Good nest locations are not available everywhere, so installing nest walls can help.
More city bird
Nationally, the kingfisher is gradually increasing in numbers. A rough estimate is approximately 1000 pairs. The kingfisher does particularly well in cities. About 50 pairs breed in the city of Groningen, as many as in the whole of Drenthe.
There are around 30 breeding pairs in the Helperdiepje stream valley and around the Hoornse Plassen. The kingfisher is also regularly seen in Amsterdam and comes to breed.
The kingfisher has been breeding in the Asserbos along an ever-flowing stream for years. The Asser forest ranger told a nice story about how 12 people regularly stand and watch this wonderful bird. The kingfisher lays 5 to 7 eggs, incubates for 20 days, after which the chicks fledge after a month. From the first egg to fledging takes 52 days. A breeding pair can hatch 2 to 3 clutches annually.
Nest in the backyard
One of the speakers has an annual nest location in his backyard. He does a lot of research and takes plenty of photographs. A kingfisher can reach a speed of 60 kilometers and catches an average of 42 fish per day. The young weigh 80 grams when fledged and are heavier than an adult kingfisher, which weighs 50 grams.
The young are distinguished by a shorter beak and dark brown legs. The male almost always has a black beak, the female an orange lower beak. The kingfisher appeals to the imagination as a dazzlingly beautiful bird. A flash of this blue pearl does many nature visitors good. For beautiful photos, visit www.ijsvogel.nl.
Tags: Fascinating national kingfisher day average forty breeding sites Drenthe
