Species - Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Location - Haweswater Nature Reserve
Grid Ref - NY 50810 12682
Although I have seen Pied Wagtails all over the UK and at all times of the year, I have selected the above location as this is where I remember seeing quite a few here, they all looked healthy and they were all showing quite well. They are probably the most common wagtail in the UK, the others, Yellow and Grey Wagtails can also be seen in most places of the UK, but not in as many numbers.
You are likely to see them in farm yards on piles of manure, and I also regularly see them at RSPB reserves on the waters edge feeding off insects.
The name ‘Pied’ indicates Black and White, i.e. Magpie, and Pied Flycatcher. Among their most conspicuous behaviours is a near constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the birds their common name.
To watch a video of these gorgeous little birds visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIayTkU3GRY
