An Unbelievable Garden Tick

I've been digging a lot in my garden recently to make way for building a low retaining wall. Most of the garden is underlain with solid clay and so drainage is a problem as there's nowhere for the water to escape. Hence I've had quite a lot of standing water in some parts and this has attracted what for me is a most unusual bird to see in my garden - a beautiful Grey Wagtail. I really couldn't believe it when I first glimpsed out of the corner of my eye and so I was very pleased when I got a better look.

In fact, the first time I saw it through my patio windows there were in fact two birds, but they were very skittish an unapproachable and flew off as I got near the window. After this first viewing I didn't think I'd see them again, but in fact one bird did return on several occasions over the following few days. It never stayed very long and I couldn't get near it but I did at least manage this photograph today.

Grey Wagtails have a slate grey back and lemon breast and under-tail and a long tail. They feed on flies, insects and invertebrates along water courses and it looks as if my puddle of water was briefly a potential food source.

Unfortunately the water has now dried up completely and so I doubt if they'll return again. But it was great while it lasted and an incredible garden tick for me here in Tyldesley.