Masked Wagtail
'Maskeerle'
Motacilla alba personata

This stunning first winter male Masked Wagtail was found at Lista at the southwestern tip of Norway in November 2003. It wintered at the site, and disappeared eventually during early April 2004. The personata subspecies (Masked Wagtail) breeds in Central-Asia, and normally winters at the Indian Peninsula. There is only one previous European record, from Cyprus in September 1966.

When these photos were taken, on 7 March 2004, it was feeding together with three Grey Wagtails, some Rock Pipits and one Water Pipit. They fed on insects at islands of sea tangle washed ashore on the sandy beaches. The most welcomed vagrant was acting aggressive towards Grey Wagtails, and did with several occations chase them away from its favourite patch.

Lower picture: Danish and Norwegian visitors at the site, 7 March 2004.