While we go fishing to catch fish, it also gives us the chance to immerse ourselves in nature and it is fair to say that anglers see much more than those who don’t fish. Simply being by the bank for our own peace and solitude often allows us to observe local wildlife uninterrupted as animals go about their lives, with many anglers witnessing nature at its best.
From time to time, being in the right place allows us to assist animals in need. Anglers often face unfair criticism for going fishing, even though we are frequently the ones who help maintain the environment that allows wildlife to thrive. In this instance, Michael Sutton was fishing with his dad when he noticed a kingfisher in distress and thanks to his quick intervention, he saved it from drowning.
"I was fishing a stretch of the Upper River Trent with my dad when I noticed something blue splashing around in the shallow water near the bank," Michael informed us.
"Upon closer inspection, I realised it was a kingfisher that was struggling in the water. What had happened to it, I don’t know, but I knew I had to help it."
"I climbed down and, using my landing net, gently managed to scoop the bird up. Carefully, I placed it onto my hand, where it stayed for a while, almost like it knew I was there to help and not harm it," he recalled.
"I checked it over to see if it was hurt, but there were no obvious signs of damage. Afterward, I set it near a tree to recover and when I checked on it later, it had gone."
"I have never been so close to a Kingfisher before, they are magnificent birds and I am just glad that I was there to help this one," he concluded.
IF YOU ARE OUT ON THE RIVER, GET YOURSELF ONE OF THE BEST BARBEL RODS TO GO FISHING WITH!
