The appearance of yellow wagtails in Britain is always welcome since it signals the approach of summer. Some might turn up in late March, but the main influx occurs in April and more arrive in early May. Mostly seen on the ground, yellow wagtails are usually found in grassy areas walking and flitting around the legs of cattle in a search for insect food. They also perch on low bushes, gates and posts and breed in pastures, meadows and marshes. Grass length is vital: not too short and not too long. A single pair can produce up to a dozen young in two broods. Among the best times to see yellow wagtails is late summer when family parties join up in loose flocks which can number around 50 birds. They begin to leave in August and the last birds migrate in September, some to France and Portugal or Spain then to North Africa, possibly crossing the Sahara desert. Often confused with the grey wagtail, a British resident which also sports yellow underparts but is distinguished at all times by its dark grey head. The yellow wagtail population is estimated to have plunged by 50% in 25 years. See yellow wagtails at Stodmarsh, Oare Marshes and at Elmley RSPB where they can be numerous, especially along the entrance track.

Eric Brown

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Public contact: Tony Banks
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