Pied wagtail ( Male ) - Motacilla alba - Taken at Bradgate Park / Leicestershire - UK
This morning, a gentle breeze stirred as intermittent sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the landscape. Understanding the importance of sunlight in nature photography, I attached the NikonTC14EII Teleconverter to my Nikkor500mm lens, eager to capture close-up shots, particularly of the industrious robins as they hurriedly built their nests. With the impending responsibilities of egg guarding and shared nutrition looming, these days were crucial for the avian community amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
As I entered Bradgate Park, my attention was immediately drawn to a jackdaw meticulously collecting nest materials. Further along, although the green woodpecker pair remained distant, I seized the opportunity to capture a rare moment of them side by side. Beyond the breeding season, these woodpeckers are solitary feeders, making the encounter all the more special.
After a rewarding three-hour excursion, on my way back to the car, I chanced upon a little egret. Concealing myself, I observed as it skillfully hunted amidst the flowing waters of the River Lin. With deft movements, it startled small fish, seizing its prey with precision before swallowing.
However, my primary focus for the morning was the beloved robin. Patiently, I watched the pair as they foraged, allowing them to acclimate to my presence. Finally, capturing one of their favorite poses beneath a "KEEP CLEAR" sign, I immortalized the moment with three captivating photographs.
With that, I conclude my nearly four-hour journey, sharing with you the highlights of my photo tour.
The Pied Wagtail, scientifically known as Motacilla alba, is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae. Here's some detailed information about this fascinating bird:
Physical Description:
The Pied Wagtail is a slender bird with a long, black-and-white tail that constantly wags up and down, hence its name.
It has a distinctive black and white plumage, with a black head, throat, and upperparts, and white underparts.
Its wings are dark with white wing bars, and it has a black bib or breastband, which contrasts sharply with its white throat and belly.
Both males and females look alike, although males might have slightly longer tails.
Habitat:
Pied Wagtails are highly adaptable birds and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas, parks, gardens, farmland, riversides, and wetlands.
They prefer open areas with short vegetation, such as grasslands, fields, and lawns, where they can forage for insects and other small invertebrates.
Behavior:
As their name suggests, Pied Wagtails are known for their distinctive wagging tail movements, which are believed to serve various purposes, including communication, balance, and flushing out insects.
They are active birds, constantly moving about as they search for food. They have a characteristic walking gait, often bobbing their heads as they walk.
Pied Wagtails are generally social birds and are often seen in small flocks, especially during the non-breeding season.
Diet:
These birds are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and worms.
They often forage on the ground, picking insects from the grass or soil, but they also catch insects in mid-air during aerial pursuits.
Breeding:
Pied Wagtails typically breed from April to July. They construct cup-shaped nests made of grass, leaves, and moss, lined with softer materials such as feathers and hair.
Nests are usually built in a concealed location, such as in crevices, among rocks, or in vegetation close to water bodies.
The female usually lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which are pale grey or buff with darker speckles. Both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation Status:
The Pied Wagtail is widespread and abundant throughout its range, and its population is considered stable.
However, like many other bird species, it faces threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and predation by domestic cats.
Overall, it is not considered globally threatened, and its conservation status is of least concern.
Cultural Significance:
In folklore, the wagtail's constant tail-wagging is sometimes seen as a symbol of restlessness or nervousness.
In some cultures, the wagtail is considered a harbinger of good luck or prosperity.
These birds are also popular subjects in literature, art, and poetry, often celebrated for their lively and distinctive behavior.
Overall, the Pied Wagtail is a charming and adaptable bird, known for its distinctive appearance and behavior. Its presence in various habitats makes it a familiar sight to many people, whether in urban or rural settings.
I hope you'll enjoy the my images as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Thank you so much for visiting my stream, whether you comments , favorites or just have a look.
I appreciate it very much, wishing the best of luck and good light.
© All rights reserved R.Ertug Please do not use this image without my explicit written permission. Contact me by Flickr mail if you want to buy or use Your comments and critiques are very well appreciated.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Pied wagtail ( Male ) - Motacilla alba - Taken at Bradgate Park / Leicestershire - UK
This morning, a gentle breeze stirred as intermittent sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the landscape. Understanding the importance of sunlight in nature photography, I attached the NikonTC14EII Teleconverter to my Nikkor500mm lens, eager to capture close-up shots, particularly of the industrious robins as they hurriedly built their nests. With the impending responsibilities of egg guarding and shared nutrition looming, these days were crucial for the avian community amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
As I entered Bradgate Park, my attention was immediately drawn to a jackdaw meticulously collecting nest materials. Further along, although the green woodpecker pair remained distant, I seized the opportunity to capture a rare moment of them side by side. Beyond the breeding season, these woodpeckers are solitary feeders, making the encounter all the more special.
After a rewarding three-hour excursion, on my way back to the car, I chanced upon a little egret. Concealing myself, I observed as it skillfully hunted amidst the flowing waters of the River Lin. With deft movements, it startled small fish, seizing its prey with precision before swallowing.
However, my primary focus for the morning was the beloved robin. Patiently, I watched the pair as they foraged, allowing them to acclimate to my presence. Finally, capturing one of their favorite poses beneath a "KEEP CLEAR" sign, I immortalized the moment with three captivating photographs.
With that, I conclude my nearly four-hour journey, sharing with you the highlights of my photo tour.
The Pied Wagtail, scientifically known as Motacilla alba, is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae. Here's some detailed information about this fascinating bird:
Physical Description:
The Pied Wagtail is a slender bird with a long, black-and-white tail that constantly wags up and down, hence its name.
It has a distinctive black and white plumage, with a black head, throat, and upperparts, and white underparts.
Its wings are dark with white wing bars, and it has a black bib or breastband, which contrasts sharply with its white throat and belly.
Both males and females look alike, although males might have slightly longer tails.
Habitat:
Pied Wagtails are highly adaptable birds and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas, parks, gardens, farmland, riversides, and wetlands.
They prefer open areas with short vegetation, such as grasslands, fields, and lawns, where they can forage for insects and other small invertebrates.
Behavior:
As their name suggests, Pied Wagtails are known for their distinctive wagging tail movements, which are believed to serve various purposes, including communication, balance, and flushing out insects.
They are active birds, constantly moving about as they search for food. They have a characteristic walking gait, often bobbing their heads as they walk.
Pied Wagtails are generally social birds and are often seen in small flocks, especially during the non-breeding season.
Diet:
These birds are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and worms.
They often forage on the ground, picking insects from the grass or soil, but they also catch insects in mid-air during aerial pursuits.
Breeding:
Pied Wagtails typically breed from April to July. They construct cup-shaped nests made of grass, leaves, and moss, lined with softer materials such as feathers and hair.
Nests are usually built in a concealed location, such as in crevices, among rocks, or in vegetation close to water bodies.
The female usually lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which are pale grey or buff with darker speckles. Both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Conservation Status:
The Pied Wagtail is widespread and abundant throughout its range, and its population is considered stable.
However, like many other bird species, it faces threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and predation by domestic cats.
Overall, it is not considered globally threatened, and its conservation status is of least concern.
Cultural Significance:
In folklore, the wagtail's constant tail-wagging is sometimes seen as a symbol of restlessness or nervousness.
In some cultures, the wagtail is considered a harbinger of good luck or prosperity.
These birds are also popular subjects in literature, art, and poetry, often celebrated for their lively and distinctive behavior.
Overall, the Pied Wagtail is a charming and adaptable bird, known for its distinctive appearance and behavior. Its presence in various habitats makes it a familiar sight to many people, whether in urban or rural settings.
I hope you'll enjoy the my images as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Thank you so much for visiting my stream, whether you comments , favorites or just have a look.
I appreciate it very much, wishing the best of luck and good light.
© All rights reserved R.Ertug Please do not use this image without my explicit written permission. Contact me by Flickr mail if you want to buy or use Your comments and critiques are very well appreciated.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -