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Grey Wagtail
Jonno52

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

On 3 December, I posted a shot of this bird in the same place, on our substation parapet, looking immaculately groomed. A fraction of a second later, it gave itself a good shake, allowing this last one before flying off. Looking at its rear end, is that grey mass poop, on its way to join the other marks, and for whatever reason, looking grey?

Thank you for your comments, stay safe and well, and good birding!

John
Click to expand...
Habitat
Breeds by fast-flowing streams in rocky upland areas; more closely tied to running water than other wagtails. In winter, a little more widespread away from water, including in city centres. (Opus)
Location
London, UK (taken from window of 3rd floor flat)
Date taken
1 December 2022
Scientific name
Motacilla cinerea
Equipment used
Canon EOS 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Shutter speed, aperture & ISO
1/500th sec, f/5.6, ISO 800
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Reactions: delia todd and Stanley Jones
bievreJJ
I wonder if it's not just its tail feathers being shaken, John? Excellent, unusual, capture of this beautiful wagtail, love it, many tfs!!
 
Jonno52
Supporter
bievreJJ said:
I wonder if it's not just its tail feathers being shaken, John? Excellent, unusual, capture of this beautiful wagtail, love it, many tfs!!
Click to expand...
Thanks JJ. I did wonder if they could be down feathers, but imagined those would only be found around the body. It's puzzling (to me) that the grey is such an amorphous mass, with no discrete structures discernible. But something's happening and it doesn't look like defecation, so you have to be right. I need a refresher course on the subject!
 
delia todd
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
LOL John - you captured that beautifully. Such pretty little birds these I think.

A fabulous picture my friend - many thanks my friend.
 

Media information

Category
Britain & Europe
Added by
Jonno52
Date added
View count
512
Comment count
9

Image metadata

Device
Canon Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Aperture
ƒ/5.6
Focal length
400.0 mm
Exposure time
1/500 second(s)
ISO
800
Flash
Off, did not fire
Filename
Grey Wagtail 443A6660 standard BF.jpg
File size
280.8 KB
Date taken
Thu, 01 December 2022 12:27 PM
Dimensions
1348px x 843px

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