Walking through the SouthGate shopping centre, l was aware that many shoppers had stopped to point their smartphones at the central star-spangled tree.

What was it they had spotted?

I have never seen anything like it in my life. Scores of small birds had gathered to roost in the leaf-bare branches of this dearly-loved tree.

It was difficult in the glare of the decorations to make out which variety it was, but l think l’ll plump for blue tits.

Was it the warmth generated by the illuminations that brought them together? Whatever the reason, they were letting Nature decorate that winter tree, and for those who stopped to watch, a reminder of the real and still beautiful natural world.

Well, it seems i am behind the times with regard to this nightly display.

Thanks to John Ravenscroft, who tells me the birds are “Pied Wagtails I believe. With or without Christmas lights, they are regular residents of the square once it gets dark. Google search of wagtail and Southgate will reveal more info and photos.”

I did that, John and found this on Reddit from six years ago!!

Southgate Wagtail Tree

“Just in case you never realised, Southgate has a tree in the middle. That tree is home to around 300 wagtail birds every night.

They’re more visible in the winter, and with early dusks now, you might see them settling, or later just see them sleeping.

It seems so unlikely and incongruous with so much stone and activity nearby, I guess it’s sheltered and a little warmer than other trees, maybe.

Anyway, next time you’re in Southgate in the evening, look up, those are hundreds of precious little Wagtails in that tree. One of the secret highlights of Bath!”

And from the Bath and District RSPB group: “Urban birding – Pied Wagtail roost

Last updated on: 25 November 2025

A tree used by Pied Wagtails in Southgate Bath proving that they are happy with the festive lights and presumably the heat they emit on a November night. Truly lovely urban birding.”

Well, there you are !!