Kinver South Staffordshire, bird seen over the Staffs and Worcester Canal. (1 Viewer)

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GillieB

Member

• Apr 23, 2014

• #1

About 5.45 tonight I saw a bird hovering over the canal, its wings were moving so fast I first thought of a humming bird but then realised they are not native to the UK. I think anyway.

It had a yellow back, and two long streamer like tails which were white. I couldn't see the front of the bird.

Its size was in between a robin and a blackbird, it all happened so quickly I couldn't take a picture, wish I had. I have looked in my bird book, no luck, gone onto RSPB bird identifier site, no luck, I am beginning to think I imagined it.

Sure it is a common sight for some, but I have lived on the canal now for 17 years and never seen a bird like this before.

Here is hoping somebody can identify it for me, so I can sleep tonight. Thanks

 

Samuel Perfect

Well-known member

• Apr 23, 2014

• #2

Grey Wagtail comes to mind. They don't have tail streamers but their tail is long with white outer tail feathers which would have stood out against a dark background, thus appearing as tail streamers. Contrary to the name, they do have some bright yellow tones on them too http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Grey_Wagtail

 

Phil Andrews

It's only Rock and Roller but I like it

• Apr 23, 2014

• #3

Samuel Perfect said:

Grey Wagtail comes to mind. They don't have tail streamers but their tail is long with white outer tail feathers which would have stood out against a dark background, thus appearing as tail streamers. Contrary to the name, they do have some bright yellow tones on them too http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Grey_Wagtail

Click to expand...

That was my first thought as well

 

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GillieB

Member

• Apr 23, 2014

• #4

Thanks for this Samuel, does the Grey Wagtail use their wings in a furious way when they hover?

 

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GillieB

Member

• Apr 23, 2014

• #5

Well if two of you experts are saying Grey Wagtail then I must concede, though I was thinking that I had discovered a rare bird in the UK and would be making copious cups of tea and coffee tomorrow for all the 'watchers' who were visiting hoping for a viewing.... Oh well at least I can now sleep.

Though this has sparked my interest in looking more closely at the bird life around here of which we have plenty.

Thank you both for your time.

 

condliffen

Well-known member

• Apr 23, 2014

• #6

I don't have anything better to suggest, but am curious that you say the bird's back was yellow and couldn't see the front. GW is yellow at front but not back!

 

phil baber

Clipped Wing

• Apr 24, 2014

• #7

Grey Wagtail does have a striking yellow rump which reaches up the back.

http://parrotletsuk.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ef87d4088330177444e0380970d-750wi

Here's some video also...

http://youtu.be/EmhEYmwlAKg

 

Last edited: Apr 24, 2014

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GillieB

Member

• Apr 24, 2014

• #8

Thanks so much everyone, the pictures and particularly the video was really useful. Shame it was a wagtail really as that is what my husband said it probably was, and I had to concede he was right......

Will continue to watch and try and get pictures next time.

Cheers.