Scozmo's Photery

July 29th 2026 – I was on one of my walks on the Fife Coastal path when I met a local expert out on his rounds with his wee broon dug when I mentioned I’d been looking around the area for Yellow Wagtails, he told me where I needed to be to guarantee seeing them. I was on my way back when we met so after a wander into town I took a drive up the road to see what I might see.

I had never seen a Yellow Wagtail before but kept seeing other’s photographs in specific areas of Scotland and had heard mention of them in this area. It was just after 14:30 when I parked up and walked maybe half a mile to the site where they were allegedly nesting. As I walked along the lane, I was scanning the fields on both side of me but I didn’t have to scan too far or for very long.

A female landed on the Wheat on my right and not very far away at all. I realised I must be fairly close to her nest so didn’t hang around for too long and moved a little farther on.

I didn’t know, at this point, that this was a female, I did the research later but I did know that she was quite agitated, hence moving away a little.

On one side was this field of Wheat and the other was a field of Brassica and that’s where they were nesting, it made for pretty good camouflage for them.

Not great shots but I’d finally spotted the male at a distance, preening on some Cabbage leaves.

The birds were flitting a lot and the light was getting low with dark clouds gathering, I guess they were trying to feed hungry mouths as much as possible and they’d disappear entirely for periods while I stood watching.

I caught what I think are two males on the Wheat, I had seen more than just two birds while I stood there so I was beginning to believe there were at least four of them, probably more. Having never seen any before this, it was great being in this location with so many around, albeit not perfect conditions for photographs.

Maybe you can see what I mean about the camouflage now? I just realised that I didn’t see the males carrying any food …. hmmmm.

I did finally get some better shots, of the female again as she landed nearby and started singing / calling.

We have Grey Wagtails in my usual area, not often but they were there this year and they can look similar but definitely less yellow on them.

I was starting to feel raindrops, the sky was darkening and I was keeping an eye on that.

I was also realising that the males were keeping their distance.

I was also already planning on another visit, the birds are obviously not leaving this patch any time soon but there’s always that, just one more shot thing 🙂

The females definitely came closer to me, I was standing on a farm lane a few feet from the edge of both fields.

I was starting to move towards the walk back, grudgingly 🙂

A few final shots for the night …

OK enough. Sorry, not all great shots but a first for me, it’s been a good year for lifers 🙂

I had been keeping an eye on the weather while I was there.

These dark clouds were moving my way and that’s where the rain started coming from but, out over the sea, there were these strange cloud layers forming over the Isle of May.

I think it is time to leave. 🙂 Maybe I’ll come back tomorrow?