thanks to steve and ian for their input on this one. thats the kind of response that gets you reaching for the id books, regards mike
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jun 2 4:11 PM, 2010
Steve,
White Wagtails don't generally breed in the UK and certainly not in Greater Manchester. Juveniles of White and Pied Wagtails are extremely similar in plumage and in all likelhood your bird was a juvenile Pied Wagtail.
steve ashworth said
Wed Jun 2 2:15 PM, 2010
hi mike i was the chap that you spoke to about the wagtail. i found it in one of my books and i have seen it since it is a juvenile white wagtail.
Dave Thacker said
Tue Jun 1 6:28 PM, 2010
Ian's most likely correct about the bird being a juvenile Pied wagtail Mike as there were at least 5 of the youngsters flying around Rindle and Astley moss over the weekend.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 31 5:25 PM, 2010
Have you checked field guides Mike? It's really too vague to give any definative identification and any suggestions will only ever be speculative.
If it were grey all over with a black tail one would ask why it were not a Pied Wagtail, pale female or even perhaps a juvenile?
mike haylett said
Mon May 31 5:06 PM, 2010
the sighting occured today about 4.00pm on Astley Moss. it was on the track bend past the feeding station off rindle rd. it was definately an adult wagtail but was totaly grey with a black tail. i saw it and another chap who appeared quite an experienced bird watcher, but we both were at a loss. anybody out there with any ideas, regards mike
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 31st of May 2010 05:20:33 PM
White Wagtails don't generally breed in the UK and certainly not in Greater Manchester. Juveniles of White and Pied Wagtails are extremely similar in plumage and in all likelhood your bird was a juvenile Pied Wagtail.
If it were grey all over with a black tail one would ask why it were not a Pied Wagtail, pale female or even perhaps a juvenile?
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 31st of May 2010 05:20:33 PM