Grey Wagtail ( Motacilla cinerea )

A very leisurely morning and then out to lunch.  After lunch, we headed for the Water of Leith Conservation Trust visitors centre.

When we arrived a strong cold wind was blowing so it seemed sensible to start with coffee in the welcome warmth of the centre.  Clickychick had a chat with one of Kat's colleagues while I examined the books on sale.  Then we decided to bare the weather and have a walk along the river.

We hadn't gone far when I spotted movement on the other side of the river.  There were two Grey Wagtails flitting about.  One decided to stop and forage along the bank just opposite so we got some shots.

Grey Wagtails have been moved from green to amber on the conservation status.  This is because of "Long term moderate breeding decline".  It is sad to see how many species in the UK have got amber or even red gradings when in Europe they are green.  We are doing something wrong and it is time we found out what and stopped!

The blip shows what I am tentatively calling a female, I am not terribly familiar with the winter plumage, so if you know whether it is male or female do tell me.