Wagtails and Pipits in the Reading area...

[EmHeath]

Hi all - I'm hoping someone can help me please!!

I need to track down species of Wagtail and Pipits around the Reading area, or if not further afield in Berkshire.

Is anyone able to give me any tips? I'm doing my own field research but any pointers will be appreciated.

Many thanks!

[aeshna5]

From this time of year you are most likely to find Grey + Pied Wagtails (most Yellows will have gone through now) + Meadow Pipits in your area with maybe the odd Rock/Water Pipit, but these will be far + few between.

Theale Gravel Pits isn't far from you + possible to see these there. Town centres- especially places like large shopping car parks- often produce Pied Wagtails. Grey Wagtails often by water but also feed in town centres- if you familiarise yourself with their calls- they can be surprisingly common in town centres often feeding on roof tops, etc.

At this time of year Meadow Pipits can be found in almost any open grassland type habitats- many passing through on passage currently, but some flocks will remain through the winter.

Good luck, the 3 main species mentioned shoudn't be too difficult to track down. If you learn the calls it will be a lot easier!

[Guinnessman1974]

Find any fast moving rocky streams / rivers, these are good habitats for grey wags. Autumn is a good time to see Pied Wagtails which are often found in car parks and town centres and often form large communal roosts of sometimes 50-100 of these birds!

[thebeard]

I've noticed a lot of pied wags in nottingha town centre lately, ever since a few weeks ago when there were loads flying amongst the rooftops and coming to roost near the theatre. once you've heard their calls in town a few times, you realise they're everywhere.

no black redstarts though