EARLY this year, I wrote about the grey wagtail that was frequenting the driveway of my apartment block in Dean Park Road, central Bournemouth, and subsequently, I received welcome communication about this from the readers of the Echo. Surprisingly, over seven weeks later and it is still here.
For the second winter running, it is seen by neighbours and myself, always on the tarmac, never the grass, often accompanied by a wren and a dunnock.
It should not be here, it should be catching insects on a river or stream, and I am hoping that soon, a conscious (or is it unconscious?) trigger of the brain will nudge him, time to be off, time to find a mate.
Today for the first time, he allowed me to approach without scampering away, allowing me close-ups of this lovely bird that belies its name. I do not wish it become too accommodating – there are a couple of cats that will probably salivate at the mere mention of ‘wagtail’. I hope to be saddened to lose such a colourful addition to our home, but I wish it to find its true habitat – for the time being.
IAN JULIAN,
Dean Park Road, Bournemouth
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