We’ve finally made it to summer – and so has our wildlife! One of my favourite things to do at this time of year is to go walking, especially in our fantastic woodlands. If you find yourself trailing alongside a stream or river, keep an eye out for a bright, shimmering flash of blue zooming past.

The kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is arguably one of our most beautiful bird species. Over spring and summer, you’re likely to catch sight of them darting down a river in pursuit of fish.

One of my top facts is how easily you can tell the sexes apart by their beak colour: the male’s beak is entirely black, while the female’s has a red underside. Some liken it to a swipe of lipstick – an easy way to remember the difference!

Their burrows can be several metres long

The kingfisher’s elusive nest is found in the bank of a river. Halfway up a steep, vertical riverbank, if you spot a neat, circular hole, you may have found a kingfisher burrow. These tunnels, excavated by the birds themselves, can be several metres long and lead to a nesting chamber where the female lays her eggs.

A brood may contain up to seven eggs, which are incubated for around three weeks before the frantic feeding begins – a job shared by both parents.

This busy bird may raise up to three broods in a single summer. By June, most pairs are already onto their second. Their urgency is necessary: kingfishers typically live for just two years and start breeding after their first.

Tips for spotting

Look for kingfishers near slow-moving water, either flying low or perched on a branch. From a low vantage point, they’ll dive dramatically into the water to catch fish. If you’ve located a burrow, hang around – they’ll likely be back soon!

These stunning birds are found along Gloucestershire’s waterways, favouring quieter, rural stretches. They thrive in clean, unspoiled waters, steering clear of polluted or disturbed habitats.

Take a quiet moment by the river, and you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this shimmering riverbank gem.