Yellow Wagtails at Coopers Green GP, Herts. 1st May 2026

It had been a while since I had made the short trip to Coopers Green GP on the edge of Hatfield and the process of turning the gravel pit back to farmland is rapidly progressing. Sadly, this will limit the number and variety of birds present, but it still attracts some good birds. The first of these was this male Wheatear, probably the Greenland race which arrive a bit later.

The many posts and wires make ideal perches, firstly for this Greater Whitethroat.

And of course the Skylarks!

The birds I had really come to see and photograph were Yellow Wagtails and there were probably six birds chasing each other and setting up territories. At first they were distant as this shot shows, which also gives an idea of the amount of work that has been done.

This female was more confiding, perching up high, more traditionally.

And then on a gate!

This super looking male choose barbed wire instead.

Always great to have these birds back for the Summer and good to have a chat with patch birders Rupert Evershed and Steven Pearce.