THIS stunning shot of a kingfisher was captured at an Otley nature reserve last week.

Resident Jim Ashton spotted one of the notoriously elusive birds at Gallows Hill on Thursday, January 5.

The 58 year old, a semi-retired plumber and keen wildlife photographer, regularly visits the riverside site to walk his dog.

He is always on the lookout for kingfishers at the reserve but admits they are hard to spot - and even harder to capture on camera.

Mr Ashton said: "Many people ask what I'm looking for whilst I'm on the river bank and tell me they have never seen a kingfisher, much to their chagrin.

"I advise them to go to the RSPB web site and listen to the kingfisher call and try to memorise it.

"Then, on hearing it by the river, just keep your eyes fixed to the water - there will be enough warning, in general, to catch a glimpse of a beautiful blue flash.

"The birds are much smaller than you think, starling size, so you need to be on your toes and if you're lucky you may see one 'park up'."

"I am no expert but love photographing our wonderful flora and fauna!"

He added that the bird shown here is probably a male, as the females have predominantly orange-red lower bills.