yellow wagtail is under threat i believe

stewart · #1 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 08:04 AM

i have read that this bird is under threat so it was nice to have seen this a couple of times lately pictures not brillaint but weather was not very good yesterday as im sure we all know

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 08:08 AM

The photo shows a linnet.

Yellow wagtails are one of a number of birds which have declined over recent history. Habitat loss, changes in landuse, agricultural change and reduction of prey numbers could all have played their part in this.

Naturenutz · #3 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 08:09 AM

youve got a linnet there,still nice birds to see

stewart · #4 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

The photo shows a linnet.

Yellow wagtails are one of a number of birds which have declined over recent history. Habitat loss, changes in landuse, agricultural change and reduction of prey numbers could all have played their part in this.

thank you dogghound yes i seem to have problems uploading but hope you can now see the yellow wagtail as i managed to get several pics of it but not to clear lets hope i can see him many times again as they are a nice bird to see

stewart · #5 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naturenutz

youve got a linnet there,still nice birds to see

yes problems with uploading as usual have now posted the correct bird

anniekat · #6 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 04:09 PM

they are certainly under threat in this area (fenland) as the farmer regularly mows the grass verges during the nesting season. this year there was a yellow wagtail nesting there. no good having a word with the farmer as he is a true agrobusinessman unfortunately.

stewart · #7 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 04:24 PM

Annie sorry to hear that as they are a nice bird to see and a lovely bright colour to see in the fields etc though the picture of this one was outside my house on top of the tree opposite so picture was taken through a window on a dull day so not so good that is if you saw the proper picture of it and not the linnet i uploaded by mistake

Dogghound · #8 (**permalink**) 21-07-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anniekat

they are certainly under threat in this area (fenland) as the farmer regularly mows the grass verges during the nesting season. this year there was a yellow wagtail nesting there. no good having a word with the farmer as he is a true agrobusinessman unfortunately.

If you made him aware of these birds and had evidence of them breeding and he continued to damage the nest, there is possibly scope to get him prosecuted under the wildlife and countryside act.

anniekat · #9 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 07:46 AM

hi - thanks for your replies. yes, next year i will make him aware and 'earmark' the nest site. the pair would come and bathe in our pond most days and then suddenly they weren't there any more. so sad. we also had a pair of buzzards taking nest material into the poplar trees in the field behind our house - but these were also disturbed by bird scarers used to protect the cauliflower crop from pigeons. this would be a first for this part of fenland. so not a good year for us. also had probs with a pair of swallows - but that's another story that i will add to the forum!

KentYeti · #10 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 08:14 AM

Sad such a lovely bird is under threat.

I've seen quite a few in Kent his year. On the RSPB Reserve at Elmley where the farmer whom I believe owns a lot of the land, is said to be almost obsessive about having the right environment for birds.

And on the West Flood side at Oare Marshe Reserve further down in Kent.

The favourite of my piccies is this one of a cheeky fella at Elmley!

Bryan