GO WILD WITH ERIC PAYLOR
THOSE attractive birds the pied wagtails are in evidence all over Cleveland at the moment.
Judging by the huge number of juveniles among them, they have enjoyed a very successful breeding season. Pied wagtails traditionally lay between five and six eggs, which explains the current profusion of these familiar birds.
Pied wagtails are black and white birds and are easily identified by their long tails, which constantly bob up and down.
To the untrained eye, the juveniles can appear to be a little confusing because they are brownish-grey above and lack the obvious black and white head comparisons.
Pied wagtails are found in a variety of places, more often than not near water, while in the winter they spread out into urban areas where the males defend feeding territories.
On an evening, however, they gather together in huge roosts, often near street lights, which in Cleveland can number a couple of hundred birds.
Readers in more rural areas will also be familiar with the grey wagtail, which has a grey back but is best noted by the bright yellow coloration on its breast and under its tail.
Grey wagtails tend to be seen on our streams and rivers. I spotted two at Stokesley the other day.
The third wagtail we may see occasionally is the yellow wagtail, which is a summer visitor to our region and breeds in water meadows and pastures.
Yellow wagtails are preparing for their long trek back to Africa and are gathering in lowland areas.
There were three spotted together at RSPB Saltholme last week.
Another bird that is all set to fly to Africa is the cuckoo. The adults have already left these shores, but juveniles have been collecting along the
Cleveland coast, fattening up on last-minute caterpillars in readiness for the first leg of their journey.
Two juvenile cuckoos were flying around North Gare last week and attracted a host of birders.
Another bird currently at North Gare is a canary, which keeps appearing from time to time among a small flock of linnets. The canary, which has obviously escaped from captivity has taken full advantage of the birdseed which thoughtful birders have been putting down.
The canary clearly has no problems living the outdoor life during the warm weather but I fear for its survival chances when the colder weather arrives.
If you have noted any interesting wildlife sightings in and around Teesside and Cleveland lately, contact Eric on eric.paylor@gmail.com