(Common) Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis

One of the most instantly recognisable birds in Europe and probably one of the most photographed. They can be quite shy and difficult to approach, but this one was perching outside a hide at Dinton Pastures. This is a female bird, which can be identified by the red base to the beak, the males having all-black beaks.
 

  

1-3: Lavell's Lake, Dinton Pastures, 10/10/2006.