Grey Wagtail, (Male) “Motacilla cinerea”
Beautiful clean fast running rivers is the preferred habitat for these birds, especially in the summer. Being a keen fly angler, it is also my preferred habitat. Often though, I will swap the fly rod for my camera and try to capture a wildlife image rather than a fish.
Grey Wagtails are insect eaters and are constantly on the move searching along the river edges and wading into shallow fast water to catch all kinds of invertebrate prey. Their Latin name ( Motacilla cinerea ) comes from “mortare” which means “to move about” i.e. characteristic of them in general and expressive of their constant tail wagging movements. The second part of the name “cinerea means “ash grey”, from “cinis” or “ashes”. They are striking birds and always a pleasure to see whether I am trying to catch fish or images !
It was so nice on this occasion to be blessed with a photograph as the beautiful male Grey Wagtail stopped still for just a second, and looked straight down the lens - a memorable moment captured.
Thank you for having a look at my photos. Comments or faves are very welcome and much appreciated.
Grey Wagtail, (Male) “Motacilla cinerea”
Beautiful clean fast running rivers is the preferred habitat for these birds, especially in the summer. Being a keen fly angler, it is also my preferred habitat. Often though, I will swap the fly rod for my camera and try to capture a wildlife image rather than a fish.
Grey Wagtails are insect eaters and are constantly on the move searching along the river edges and wading into shallow fast water to catch all kinds of invertebrate prey. Their Latin name ( Motacilla cinerea ) comes from “mortare” which means “to move about” i.e. characteristic of them in general and expressive of their constant tail wagging movements. The second part of the name “cinerea means “ash grey”, from “cinis” or “ashes”. They are striking birds and always a pleasure to see whether I am trying to catch fish or images !
It was so nice on this occasion to be blessed with a photograph as the beautiful male Grey Wagtail stopped still for just a second, and looked straight down the lens - a memorable moment captured.
Thank you for having a look at my photos. Comments or faves are very welcome and much appreciated.