Whilst you are down in the Torrs checking on the progress of the Torrs Hydro project take time to check the waters edge for grey wagtails. Particularly from the weir up stream towards the leisure centre you will find them at the waters edge perching on rocks in the fast flowing waters searching for food.
The grey wagtail is more colourful than its name suggests with slate grey upper parts and distinctive lemon yellow under-tail. Its tail is noticeably longer than those of pied and yellow wagtails.
They have gradually increased their range in the past 150 years and in the UK have expanded into the English lowlands from the northern and western uplands. They are badly affected by harsh winters, and because of recent moderate declines it is now an Amber List species but seems to be at home here in New Mills.
I've even seen them in the last couple of days sat on the yellow bags that have been used to make up the coffer dams.
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