Birdwatching for beginners

Pied wagtail

These lovely birds have an element of surprise about them. Either they're popping up somewhere you don't expect, all bobbing tail and bright eyes, or they look as though something has made them jump. They tend to rush with pattering feet along the ground, then suddenly draw to a halt. Wagtails like areas with open spaces, aren't scared of humans, and have a steady, inquisitive gaze that looks almost friendly. Easy to recognise, their overall impression is of black and white stripes, with the ever-twitching long, slender tail. Pied wagtails nest in cosy places, such as ivy, stone walls and roofs. They have a sing-song call, a kind of "tsi tsi wit". The song is similar - a few piped notes with pauses in between. If you're lucky, you'll see them gather together to ward off larger birds with their loud chirping.