A family trip to Wales yesterday ended up with a visit to Caerphily Castle, one of the largest in Britain. It is surrounded by a moat, obviously well established and a haven, or so it appeared, for waterbirds including Great Creasted Grebe, Mallard, Greylag and Canadian Geese, all (apart from the grebe) in quite large numbers.It was perhaps one of the sunniest days of the year and quite a sight. As we approached the drawbridge a few wagtails by the moats edge, caught my eye. I expected them to be Pied Wagtails – Motacilla yarellii but was very pleased when I realised that they were Grey Wagtail – Motacill cinerea. I was even more pleased when I realised that they would allow quite a close approach. They were around a sluice overflow, feeding and drinking. I shuffled down the steep bank trying not to slip. That would have been a diabolical disaster with a broken collar bone which is healing nicely now, but it didn't happen and I got myself safe and perched without coming to any harm.
I have honestly been waiting to photograph Grey Wagtail for a couple of years. I just haven't been able to get close enough, but I knew I would eventually. Here in this tourist attraction the birds were very used to human activity and didn't care that I was quite near. I did feel a bit odd though amongst the Japanese Tourists and babies in push chairs. I snapped away as they came and went and the light was good, if not a bit harsh. this photography lark is so unforgiving! I am really pleased with the results, the photo shows a female and if you look carefully you can see that she is in moult showing pin-feathers on her head.