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Willie Wagtail's Cosy Love Nest

Willie Wagtail

Today's post was a difficult one as I did get some nice crisp photos on this photography walk, however the shots that really tell the story are rather lacking in the sharpness I would like.  

Although I am not particularly thrilled by the quality of these shots the subject matter is one that I have never before had the pleasure to see in person and so I simply have to share it with you. I am relying on the fact that the lack of sharpness will be less evident by the time these photos have been reduced to internet size. 

When we arrived at the lake we saw Willie wagtail swooping magpies. 

Willie Wagtail swooping a magpie


Maggie mostly ignored Willie's efforts. 

Willie Wagtail swooping a magpie, but Maggie isn't particularly concerned.

Then we saw a Willie gathering spider webs.

Willie Wagtail spider web gathering to build her nest

Willie Wagtail spider web gathering for nesting materials

Spider webs are the very thing for nest building!

Willie Wagtail uses spider web to build a strong nest

Building a cosy nest is apparently a shared task. 

Mr and Mrs Willie Wagtail discussing the finer points of nest building

Mr and Mrs Willie Wagtail discussing the finer points of nest building.

I was able to stand on a small foot bridge to get these photos of their nest. 

willie wagtail underbelly

You can sort of see how close the tree was to the foot bridge in this shot of Willie about to take off. Willie came to gather spider webs from off the bridge whilst I was standing on it. I tried to get a shot but Willie wouldn't stand still. They are so fast!

willie wagtail silhouette

spider web mixed with feathers make for a nice soft willie wagtail nest

willie wagtail nest construction is serious business with serious construction



Comments

  1. Cheryl Pasquier18 October 2015 at 16:52

    What a fab series of photos - you were very privileged to get so close :) #MySundayphoto

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:24

      I certainly feel privileged. It's not something I expect I will ever have the chance to see again.

      Delete
  2. sherry M18 October 2015 at 17:41

    i love these shots stella and am jealous that you got to see all this beauty. well done.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:25

      It was such a chance thing. We have never ever gone to this park before. We couldn't have been luckier!

      Delete
  3. Unknown18 October 2015 at 17:54

    What an amazing collection of photos, so stunning

    Thank you for linking up

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:30

      Thank you so much for your wonderful #Mysundayphoto linky party every week http://onedad3girls.com/my-sunday-photo/

      Delete
  4. Coombe Mill - Fiona18 October 2015 at 19:42

    Wonderful close up's as ever, you are so clever at these

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:31

      I do a lot of heavy cropping truth be told. It's the best thing about my DSLR.

      Delete
  5. Unknown18 October 2015 at 22:05

    lovely! guess spiderwebs aren't sticky? otherwise, Mrs. Willy would get stuck to the nest lol. Love how you get those action shots!

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:43

      I guess she has her secret ways! She ads little feathers too for making it soft and cosy for her chicks.

      Delete
  6. TwoPlusCute19 October 2015 at 03:01

    I think you did a great job with the photos. The subject was super fast and yet you got excellent shots that told a whole story.
    Really nice. :)

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:45

      I took a gazillion shots! I'm pleased I was able to get a couple.

      Delete
  7. Adventures of a Novice Mum19 October 2015 at 08:34

    What lovely pictures, though you wish it was sharper. Love the 3rd picture ... what a tender capture of the Willie's wings. I didn't know there was more than one kind of Magpie. Wow, what a wonderful world, hey! #CommentLuv

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle19 October 2015 at 19:29

      That is my favourite too! One in a million (for me anyway). Yes, our Aussie magpies aren't even related to the European magpie. I guess they just reminded the early settlers of the one from home and that's how we came to call it a magpie. (I'm guessing though) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_magpie

      Delete
  8. Anonymous21 October 2015 at 02:21

    Amazing subject indeed! I love nest and its my dream to own one. I find them wonderful! #mysundayphoto

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:56

      There seems to be something magical about nests and guess they are in their own way ensuring lovely little chicks grow up.

      Delete
  9. Phoebe @ Lou Messugo3 November 2015 at 16:01

    The lack of sharpness doesn't show! They're amazing photos. How long did it take to get the nest to that size I wonder.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 19:57

      I wondered the exact same thing! I wish I knew. Days I think.

      Delete
  10. Erica Price3 November 2015 at 19:13

    Lovely to get close enough to take these shots and to see a range of behaviour.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle3 November 2015 at 20:04

      It surely was Erica. I doubt I'll ever have such a wonderful opportunity again.

      Delete
  11. Ersatz Expat5 November 2015 at 01:47

    Some really lovely photographs and a compelling story.

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  12. Lisa19706 November 2015 at 03:24

    A great set of photos...I know he was too fast but I really like the shadow! :)

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    1. Purfylle17 November 2015 at 14:48

      I'm sort of glad he was too fast, I'm not sure I would have noticed the shadow other wise =)

      Delete
  13. A Green and Rosie Life6 November 2015 at 14:45

    Aw, these shots are fabulous and I love the fact the wagtails use spider webs in their nests. How lucky you were to get so close. I am looking forward to your summer posts to keep us all warm on #AnimalTales as we, in the Northern Hemisphere, head into winter now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle17 November 2015 at 15:29

      I promise to bring you lots of lovely sunshine right through all your cold weather!

      Delete
  14. chickenruby9 November 2015 at 19:12

    what a lovely selection of photographs, i particularly like the one with the shadow

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  15. Ela13 November 2015 at 23:52

    Oh, these are so gorgeous shots !!! Beautiful birds ! I like those white accents on their feathers !!
    Greetings

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    1. Purfylle17 November 2015 at 15:31

      These are truly one of my most favourite birds ever. They just have so much personality and they're so fearless. You have to admire them.

      Delete
  16. PurpleSlob17 January 2016 at 12:00

    So beautiful, and a love story to boot!

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle20 January 2016 at 12:38

      I think Willie wagtails are my number one favourite bird - such a little bird, such a big personality.

      Delete
  17. Darlene Nemeth17 January 2016 at 14:25

    That large bird in the second and third photos is freaky looking. Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds really did a number on me.Scary stuff.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle20 January 2016 at 12:40

      I've never heard of 'The Birds' before, I think I'll steer clear. It's an Australian magpie.

      Delete

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