Nevets question has just reminded me of,,

[Sachs]

a little spritely bird I saw hopping about near the kerb in central Manchester today. Little thing, black and white markings, long spindly legs for the birds size, any ideas anyone? It was really cute!

[bensmum]

Possibly a pied wagtail
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name /p/piedwagtail/index.asp

[Sachs]

Oooh bensmum, I think that was it!! Only tiny things, didn't seem concerned being among the shoppers at all. Thankyou! xxx

[garner]

We get plenty of them at Morrisons ,they are in the car park.Lovely little birds, busy going about their business.g.

[garner]

Should have said... we see plenty.I do not work there lol.

[Sachs]

Hi garner, are'nt they teeny! I'd say about the size of a robin or smaller? Never seen them about in Manchester before! xxx

[garner]

Yes they are, but did you notice their long legs compared to the sparrow ect..g.

[spudqueen]

Pied wagtails seem to love artificial surfaces! You always seem to see them on concrete or tarmac or on a tiled roof. In fact I think I've only ever seen one on grass once!

[garner]

Yes your right spudqueen, I'v never seen them on grass.

[LoftyLottie]

They just love towns. In Norwich they all come in to roost at night in the trees in the town centre and the noise is unbelievable. Delightful little birds.

[yogasun]

Hi LoftyL and all nature lovers!
Yes we seem to get a lot of pied wagtails around supermarket car parks. As you all say they seem to like hard surfaces.

[LoftyLottie]

http://www.novareinna.com/romani/wagtail.html

Gypsy Bird!

[LoftyLottie]

Sorry, hi yogasun - hope you are well. I still have two swallows left, coming home to roost in my porch every night. All the others have left and presumably gone south. I hope mine haven't 'missed the boat' ;o(

[Sachs]

Thanks to everyone who answered! xxxx

[yogasun]

That's great news Lofty! Sorry Sachs to hijack post to chat but sometimes when you spot nature lover's postings and you need to say Hi, you just can't help it!

[Sachs]

Of course! xxx