The Backwater, Hemingford Grey, 7 May 2020

The Hemingford Grey backwater is narrow, fast flowing and twists through the meadows from the weir opposite the regatta meadow. In places sharp bends reveal crumbly cliffs, ideal for tunnels. Access by small boat (no engine) allows quiet observation from a respectful distance at anchor with binoculars – and a lot of patience. These are brief notes from an hour-and-a-half’s viewing.

Photograhs by Nigel Sprowell (different occasion)

‘The bird came in low and fast (as they always do) like an arrow from far right. It disappeared into the foliage of the large collapsing willow opposite the hole. After a few seconds it reappeared and alighted just below the hole and then, in a flash, it was in. This cautious approach was a recurring theme. The hole’s exact location is not to be revealed. After a varying amount of time, the bird would reappear, splash down into the stream, immediately arise, dip down again and then fly off immediately up upstream. What was happening? I checked the book. The kingfisher nesting chamber is a tight smelly place. Feeding birds need to cleanse themselves after delivering food.’

Trustee Ian Jackson