Wagtail mating dance

in Photography Lovers2 years ago

Wagtail approaching another wagtail

I was on the beach with my family when I noticed a wagtail. As I already had my camera with me, I thought I could take some photos, even though a wagtail on the beach is not really that interesting. I mean, white wagtails (Motacilla alba) can be seen anywhere in Finland, as it's one of the most commonly seen birds, as they aren't really afraid of people.

Quickly I saw another wagtail which was approaching the first wagtail. Not very interesting though, as it's not a new thing to see two birds the same time.

Wagtail approaching another wagtail

I didn't see anything funny even when the second wagtail started to walk around the first one.

Wagtails tend to run around a lot.

Wagtail approaching another wagtail

Wagtail mating dance

But then I saw that the second wagtail opened it's wings and kept on walking around the first one. The first wagtail was still, so I knew they weren't fighting, but I took as many photos as I just could.

Wagtail mating dance

What seems to be a wagtail male is trying to make himself look as large as possible to impress the female wagtail.

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

The above photo is my favorite in the set. You can see how the male wagtail has buffed himself up and is doing his best, but the female wagtail seems.. unimpressed.

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

Wagtail mating dance

And the female wagtail opened her beak and said:
"Sorry I'm already dating an eagle"

Wagtail flies away

I'm assuming it wasn't a success for the male, as he decided to escape.

Wagtail is further away

Well not entirely escape, but the female stood up and the male flew a bit further away.

Wagtail in some reeds

Soon one wagtail was in the reeds nearby.

What I'd love to think is that the male got so ashamed what he had done OR the female thought he was so creepy she had to hide.

"My god hope they'll leave soon so I can come out".

Wagtail out of reeds on a rock, holding bugs in it's mouth

But in reality, they had just been catching some bugs.

Sort:  


The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @apsu ) sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.

Birds dance... Best timing you took shots.. lovely collection... Keep it up.

Thank you, I'll do my best and try to keep up. Hope I'll get lucky again :)