Grey Wagtail photographed at Vazon [VAZ] on 13/12/2010 Photo: © Chris Bale (visit site)

Uncommon winter visitor and migrant. Bred in 1977 and 2009.

With their distinctive calls and bright flash of yellow, Grey Wagtails, are a distinctive feature of the islands' water-courses in autumn and winter and they often brighten up a dull day's birding.

Their status seems to have changed little over the years and they can be found on all the major islands in the Bailiwick. They can hold winter territories wherever there is water including streams and douits, along green lanes and around still water bodies. Water is not essential and birds may hold territories in large gardens or in parks with suitable damp areas. Although predominately a migrant and winter visitor, a pair bred in 1977 (Unknown Site) and in 1980 a pair were present on Herm during the whole of June and breeding was a possibility. A pair bred in 2009.

In autumn, the birds start to appear in in August and September but also exceptionally in late July. Numbers build up throughout September and migration peaks in October. By November, migration has virtually ceased and the wintering population remains fairly stable throughout November and December. Numbers drop slightly in January but rise again in February, presumably corresponding with the return migration of birds which have wintered further south. The majority of birds leave in February and there are only sporadic records between March and May, often referring to fly-overs (GBN). In Guernsey, birds can appear virtually anywhere on the island but are regularly seen in the south and west coast valleys, including the Petit Bôt, Saints, Moulin Huet, Talbot and Silbe valleys and also the Vaux de Monel and Saumarez Park.