Kingfishers Raise Chicks in Home I Built Specially For Them |4K| Discover Wildlife | Robert E Fuller

The bank these kingfishers were nesting in collapsed, so I built them something more substantial and they raised a family in it!
I've been studying the kingfishers at some nearby lakes for years, and they're fabulous to watch. But when the bank they nested in collapsed, I decided to help build them a more permanent home.

Artificial nest bank
I placed a hide in the water and then built up the outer wall so that it resembled a natural bank. Inside, I re-created a kingfisher nest.

Kingfishers arrive
It was amazing to watch as the pair returned to the site and began their courtship routine. Kingfishers are naturally solitary birds and only come together to mate - watching them overcome their aversion was fascinating.

First egg
I couldn't believe it when the female laid the first egg, right before my eyes.

Kingfisher chicks hatch
Then, one by one, I got to watch six chicks hatch out. It was fascinating to see the male turn up with fish in his beak and offer it to his tiny, featherless brood.

Kingfisher chicks feeding
Even more amazing was to see the minnows through the translucent skin of the chicks as they gulped them down!

Kingfisher sound
I absolutely loved the sound the adults made as they encouraged them to feed.
---