A Pershore nature enthusiast has captured stunning pictures of a kingfisher hovering over the River Avon. 

Mark Everett posted the breath-taking images on the Worcester News Camera Club after spotting the multicoloured bird while out on one of his regular photography trips last Thursday (December 9).

Evesham Journal:

Mr Everett was hidden in a pop up hide when he managed to snap the kingfisher, which was hovering just 15 feet away from him. 

He said: "I regularly get the kingfishers coming in very close. For me the secret is being as invisible as you can be and as still and quiet as possible.

"Even if I don't use my hide, I get just as close to them using a camouflage net. I put up perches for them and sticks going out over the water, they seem irresistible to them.

"The waiting time for one to come in varies. Today for instance, I had literally just got myself seated when he dropped onto the perch, but sometimes it can be an hour or so.

Evesham Journal:

"They seem to have quite a regular pattern to where they go and where they sit, but it does also depend on what they catch."

Kingfishers are typically around 16-17cm in length and between 34-46g in weight. There are currently around 3,800-6,400 pairs in the UK.

They can reach speeds of 25mph while fishing and can also hover while on the hunt for food, making them extremely hard to capture.

Evesham Journal:

"When they hover it can be a bit hit and miss, sometimes it will only be for a few seconds, sometimes much longer," Mr Everett added.

"As soon as I see them doing it I set my shutter speed at anything between 1/1250th and 2000th of a second and hope to catch them for a few frames at least."

A Pershore resident, Mr Everett says taking wildlife pictures has been a longstanding hobby, and admits his most recent captures may be his best yet.

Evesham Journal:

He said: "I have always taken wildlife pictures, but only really seriously since we moved back to Pershore in 2016.

"I am very fortunate that Pershore is surrounded by so much wildlife and both my job and wife allow me to the time to indulge in my passion.

Evesham Journal:

"I'm sure that some of my recent shots are some of the best I have taken, but there is always room for improvement!"