The Pied Wagtail is more commonly known as the ‘Willy Wagtail' and as the name suggests its tail is continually wagging! It can be seen in many places, urban and rural collecting insects, its favourite being flies and caterpillars. The Wagtail constructs a cup shaped nest in holes of walls or in disused nests. The female will lay between 3-7 eggs which are pale grey in colour with dark grey spots. Both birds take turns to incubate and both look after the feeding.
Rosetta Avenue is on my route to Belfast. I have driven past it on many occasions. The old Victorian tiles caught by eye and I felt compelled to capture a little piece of history of paper.
Pied Wagtail: Species of least concern Interesting fact: Pied Wagtails gather in large roosts particularly in cold weather. As many as 200 can be seen in a variety of different places. Although reed beds would be their natural roosting ground, areas such as supermarkets, power stations and hospitals provide warmth and protection for this little bird. Next time you are visiting the Ulster hospital look out for the Wagtail roost in the courtyard near the children's ward!
