Nature Features

A pair of kingfishers have been spotted prospecting in a purpose built nestbank at the Rye Meads Nature Reserve near Standsted Abbots, and now appear to be moving in.

The kingfishers have started excavating a nest hole in the bank. A positive sign is that the male is catching fish for the female, a sure sign that they're mating. Staff are hoping the pair will settle down, lay eggs and bring up their young on the Reserve.

Not only is this an exciting time for the staff at the Reserve, it's also a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to see these stunning birds up close. The pair are flying around, settling on posts outside the hide and parading their gorgeous colours - the difference being the female has a red beak and the male has a black beak.

Rye Meads has a specially constructed artificial sand bank for the birds to use for breeding, just in front of one of the hides, offering visitors fantastic views of these stunning birds.

Louise Moss, RSPB Information Officer, said: "These are amazing birds, I urge people not to miss this opportunity to see them! Kingfishers are truly gorgeous and it is not every day you get a chance to be close to them. Everybody is welcome to the reserve and it is free!"

The reserve is open every day between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm (or dusk if sooner).

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll, and see some amazing wildlife at the same time!

The reserve is on Rye Road between Hoddesdon and Stanstead Abbotts. From the A10, take the Hoddesdon turn, head into Hoddesdon and follow the brown tourist duck signs.