Sighted by Jean James this afternoon at Battlebridge Basin a Kingfisher – it’s probably the same one that has visited the basin in previous years. British Waterways national ecology manager Mark Robinson said only yesterday:

"As well as being a strikingly beautiful bird, kingfishers are an important indicator of the general health of the waterway ecosystem as, like the big cats on the African plains, they are at the top of the waterway food chain.

"And good populations of kingfishers – even in urban areas – show the important role waterways have in greening our towns and cities by providing wildlife corridors which help sustain populations of a variety of both common and endangered species including bats, water voles and otters."

British Waterways is planning a number of improvements to kingfisher habitats at locations including Regent’s Canal. If you spot any urban wildlife in and around King’s Cross, do send your sightings and photos (if any) to KXnature@cookie.org.uk and well get them posted up.