Photographing kingfishers Question

[Paul-H]

Hi all

I have noticed a re large number of Photos of Kingfishers appearing on the various Photography forum, It must be that time of year when they are most active.

A quick question

Is it still a legal requirement to hold a licence to photograph kingfishers at or near their nest.

I have been away from photography for a number of years so was wondering if the law had changed.

Thanks

Paul

 

[Neil B]

This should be fun

 

[mex]

You click away mate, its autumn,they will have finished shagging by now.

 

[Joeturner11]

Your be fine as Nigel said they finished doing there business now

 

[Paul-H]

So reading between the lines then a licence is still needed but as its now past Bonking season its fine, is that correct.

Paul

 

[hollis_f]

It is illegal to disturb the birds when breeding. Some people interpret that statement differently to others. For some people daring to get out a camera while in the same county seems to be a hanging offence. Others point out that organisations like the RSPB actually encourage people to take photos of breeding kingfishers (at particular places).

Common sense is much more important than a license (which almost nobody will be able to get). If you think you may be disturbing the birds then you probably are and you should cease and desist. You'll only get a license if you can prove that disturbing the birds will be of some benefit to them. Wanting a pretty picture doesn't count.

 

[The W]

Yes. It all comes down to avoiding intentional or recklessly disturbance at or near the nest. You're okay out of breeding season, far away from the nest (but there is no formal qualification of what counts as far enough away) or somewhere where there is a strong arguement that you're not causing any disturbance (ie a busy public hide on a nature reserve. Whereas a public right of way is unlikely to be sufficient justification if other prople rarely loiter).