Here at Kingfisher Lakes Glamping in East Yorkshire, we’re lucky to share our peaceful surroundings with all kinds of wildlife — from dragonflies and swans to the dazzling bird that inspired our name. The kingfisher might be small, but it’s full of surprises! Here are six fascinating facts about these incredible little birds:
1. Their feathers aren’t actually blue!
That shimmering turquoise colour isn’t pigment — it’s an optical illusion. Tiny structures in the feathers scatter light in a way that makes them appear blue, especially in sunlight.
2. They’re lightning-fast hunters.
Kingfishers can dive at speeds of up to 25mph to catch fish, using a transparent third eyelid as built-in goggles.
3. Small but mighty.
Weighing less than a Mars bar, a kingfisher can eat its body weight in fish every day.
4. Home sweet burrow.
Instead of building nests, kingfishers dig tunnels — up to a metre long — into riverbanks to create safe, cosy burrows for their young.
5. A symbol of calm and prosperity.
Across cultures, kingfishers are seen as symbols of peace, abundance and calm waters — perfectly fitting for our tranquil lakeside haven.
6. Heard before seen
Kingfishers are masters of surprise. Often, you’ll hear their sharp, high-pitched “che-kee” call before catching a glimpse of their dazzling turquoise flash zipping past the water. At Kingfisher Lakes, we love pointing out this little auditory clue to our guests — it’s a magical moment of connection with nature.
📸Thank you to our lovely guests Wendy & Rhys who stayed here in September and got this great shot!