Wintering Wagtails in Endon.

Generally I don't see Pied Wagtails in Endon during their breeding season, however once the summer comes to an end one or two arrive to spend the winter here and usually spend part of the day searching for food on and around the roofs of houses in my street. I am not sure if these are migrants who have flown from further north where the winter weather may be harsher than here, or perhaps birds that have bred in the local countryside and overwinter nearer human habitation in order to benefit from warmer temperatures and more easily available sources of food. In recent years post-breeding gatherings of Pied Wagtails have been seen at Tittesworth Water and Cheddleton. This species is also noted for forming communal roosts in towns and cities during winter. Its near relative, the Grey Wagtail also overwinters in the Endon area. Both species feed on small insects and are usually found near water. Links to more info. on Pied Wagtails https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/p/piedwagtail/ and http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/a-z-garden-birds/pied-wagtail and Grey Wagtail
http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/g/greywagtail/

Pied Wagtail on house roof taken 17/011/14

Grey Wagtail on Caldon canal overflow Endon 30/09/13