Always a nice treat in Norfolk. We don’t have many fast flowing rivers so Grey Wagtails aren’t prolific here. We saw this one in failing light the other day.
Posts Tagged ‘Grey Wagtail
15
Sep
20
Nice Treat
15
Apr
20
Grey Wag
The problem with Norfolk, if it has a problem, is there are few fast running rivers. This has a corresponding effect upon the number of nesting Grey Wagtails, but there are a few. We saw this individual last month taking time out from courting and nest building to have a wash and brush-up.
13
Nov
16
Migrants
Grey Wagtails are not often thought of as migrants … but they are!
21
Jun
14
A tale of a grey day
Grey Wagtails are almost absent in Norfolk; not common at all. To find one you stand the best chance on a fast flowing river or a mill race… or a sewage farm. This male was nesting under a bridge in North Norfolk. Completely oblivious to the hullabaloo and commotion going on above.
24
Mar
12
Rushing Water
Water is the lifeblood of our countryside. It attracts all manner of wildlife; indeed it is essential for its existence. One species which is at home around it, particularly fast running water, is the Grey Wagtail.
I called at the mill race this week to photograph the Grey Wagtails nesting there. Given the dearth of fast moving streams and rivers in Norfolk the species is not common in the county.
Above all it was important not to disturb them. The welfare of the birds always comes first. I hung back to watch for a while getting a feel for their habits. I watched from a distance. Both birds, the male and female, were building a nest within the thatched roof of the building and I didn’t want to impede or distract them. I stood at the opposite side of the mill, the sunny side, out of sight. As the birds were leaving to fetch more nesting material they sometimes briefly stood on the sunlit side of the roof to take off. Completely oblivious to my presence they went about their business. It was a delight to be hidden in the shadows and listen to the rushing of the water as a spring dawn bled into late morning.
I managed, after a few hours waiting, to get one or two shots of these beautiful birds.
Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs, kill nothing but time.
Letter From Norfolk 