Kingfishers in Dublin Area Question

Fruit1985

Hello,

I was in the Botanic Gardens today and I saw a kingfisher swimming up and down Tolka river a few times accessible via the back. [Link to location.]

I couldn't take a photo of the little fecker as he moves so fast.

Two Questions:

• Any tips on finding them somewhere static so I can take shots of them? Is there a specific location they hang out?
  
• Also any tips on where *exactly* in Booterstown Marsh where I will see them? From the Dart station? From here?

Thanks in advance,

Kieran

P.S. There are so many birds up in Botanical Gardens these days. URL="https://secure.flickr.com/photos/fireglo/"]Shameless plug[/URL I saw a Dunnock, Long Tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Goldfinches, Mistle Thrushes and the usual Herons, Blackbirds, Blue Tits and Chaffinches

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

They use favourite branches to launch dives from. Stake out the area you saw them in and you should spot one on a branch overhanging the water.

Tiercel Dave

One tip used by photographers is to actually place a branch sticking out from the riverbank where Kingfishers are known to frequent. Focus the camera on this and then sit and wait. Good 'fishing', Dave

Fruit1985

Thanks for the advice Srameen and Tiercal Dave.

I'm more of an amateur bird watcher. I like to take walks and see what I can spot rather than camping out all day. From your replies, I think not going to spot one casually, rather will need to seek one out.

Thanks for the tips.

Kieran

Fruit1985

So I've been trying and got some really good tips from hanging in the right area but to no avail.

Anywhere else other than the Dodder and National Botanic Gardens in Dublin people would recommend I can try please?

Thanks,

Kieran

P.S. I did see a Belted Kingfisher in San Francisco at the start of the year and that tied me over a bit

Hondo75

I spotted my first 2 kingfishers this year, at lunch time up from the dropping well Milltown on the dodder close to the weir and the other out at ticknevin bridge beside the grand canal