Wagtail mating dance

I was on the beach with my family when I noticed a wagtail. As I already had my camera with me, I thought I could take some photos, even though a wagtail on the beach is not really that interesting. I mean, white wagtails (Motacilla alba) can be seen anywhere in Finland, as it's one of the most commonly seen birds, as they aren't really afraid of people.

Quickly I saw another wagtail which was approaching the first wagtail. Not very interesting though, as it's not a new thing to see two birds the same time.

I didn't see anything funny even when the second wagtail started to walk around the first one.

Wagtails tend to run around a lot.

But then I saw that the second wagtail opened it's wings and kept on walking around the first one. The first wagtail was still, so I knew they weren't fighting, but I took as many photos as I just could.

What seems to be a wagtail male is trying to make himself look as large as possible to impress the female wagtail.

The above photo is my favorite in the set. You can see how the male wagtail has buffed himself up and is doing his best, but the female wagtail seems.. unimpressed.

And the female wagtail opened her beak and said:
"Sorry I'm already dating an eagle"

I'm assuming it wasn't a success for the male, as he decided to escape.

Well not entirely escape, but the female stood up and the male flew a bit further away.

Soon one wagtail was in the reeds nearby.

What I'd love to think is that the male got so ashamed what he had done OR the female thought he was so creepy she had to hide.

"My god hope they'll leave soon so I can come out".

But in reality, they had just been catching some bugs.