Seen any Kingfishers?

Walkers are being asked to keep an eye out for kingfishers, after fears that many may have been killed off by the harsh winter.

British Waterways are asking people to take part in an annual wildlife survey, which aims to find out if they need help to survive the years ahead.

National ecology manager Dr Mark Robinson said: “The harsh winter of 1962/1963 killed off up to 90 per cent of the nation’s kingfishers. Frozen water and plummeting temperatures may have significantly reduced kingfisher populations, with the possibility that many lost the battle against the cold.

“Now that the weather has warmed up, kingfishers are starting to nest and so now is a great time to see them.”

British Waterways is raising money to improve habitat for birds found on the waterways, including providing nesting tunnels for kingfishers and preserving their perches. To report findings, visit www.waterscape.com

Photo: Kingfisher – Simon Booth Photography