That's not surprising. A kingfisher will relocate at even the hint of human intrusion, except perhaps in those rare locations where kingfisher and pedestrian traffic have coexisted for years. There is a lot of traffic on the main path that follows Highland Creek within Colonel Danforth Park and kingfisher are almost always plying the creek, north and south, and yet even these birds will spook whenever one detects movement on the main drag. At least where the main drag is within viewing distance of the creek. Getting a perched kingfisher shot along the creek requires staking-out one of the most utilized perches while remaining well concealed, but that technique requires patience and is not recommended once biting insects arrive.
This morning I was camouflaged and therefore hoping that the kingfisher would make a close approach. I have very little time so it's not like I can stake-out a spot for hours. At one point the kingfisher flew directly toward me but then suddenly veered away while only about 8 meters distant. That maneuver suggested it may have detected me under the camo netting. It's hard to tell one way or another what motivated that move. They must have amazing eyesight.
