A kingfisher at the Montrose Basin wildlife reserve in Angus has baffled experts with its unusual behaviour, appearing to hang fish out to dry on a branch. Photographs captured by Ron Mitchell show the bird using the spines of sticklebacks to pin three fish to its perch.
Kingfishers typically kill sticklebacks by striking them against perches to soften their spines, making them easier to swallow. However, this particular bird seems to have taken the process a step further, leaving the fish impaled on the branch.
Anna Cheshier, Angus ranger at the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve, said the kingfisher visits daily. She noted that the photographer did not realise what he had captured until he reviewed the images the following day.
“It's hard to tell if the kingfisher has hung the fish on the branch accidentally or on purpose, but this is really unusual behaviour that no-one seems to be able to explain,” Cheshier said. The reserve is appealing for anyone who has witnessed similar behaviour to come forward.
Kingfishers are typically found around lochs, ponds, and rivers, relying on clean water to dive for small fish and aquatic insects.
