There are two things I need to define here; firstly, what is a willy wagtail? The link below will provide you with some information:
http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Rhipidura-leucophrys
The second thing to define is wash-house. Don’t worry, I didn’t know what a wash-house was either once upon a time. The best way to define this phenomenon is to simply describe our wash-house. Okay, from a distance, it looks a bit like a cute little chalet adjacent to the main house. In reality, however, this is a small octogenarian shed which houses a washing machine, a couple of sinks, an old copper and a multiplicity of junk, some of which Husband assures me could be valuable and probably is. The only trouble is that I wouldn’t have a clue what these objects of antique art actually are; the only thing I recognise is a screwdriver which doesn’t actually cooperate the way screwdrivers should when you really need them so it, like other tooly objects, sits in one of the many piles, waiting in vain hope to be rescued by Sothebys.
I have become so used to doing the washing in these somewhat primitive conditions that it doesn’t bother me in the least, except in Spring when the willy wagtails build their nests. They build these nests everywhere of course but the most elaborate of these is the one in the wash-house. Every year there is a nest, eggs, babies and so on and, despite the fact that I love all of that, those willy wagtail parents give me hell when I am trying to do the washing.
You see, they screech, then dive bomb me and, even though they are so tiny, they are very good at head-butting and (I know this is going to sound ridiculous), I am terrified of them!
Hence, I am very much behind with the washing. I mean this is one hell of a scary looking bird, wouldn’t you agree?
jmgoyder 
I see what you mean, he looks a feisty little chap, another area for you to wear a hard hat I reckon. Smashing post, you’ve made me smile, thanks.
I’m steeling myself to go out and put a load of washing in – ha!
Birds can be very mean when they defend their nests!
I’ll say!
O
One step up from washing the clothes on a rock in the river. When do you think youi might bring your laundering into the 21st century? M.L..
Haha – good question!
I can picture your wash-house exactly – my Grandmother had one on their farm (where we spent all our summer school holidays when we were small). I used to love the copper where I vaguely remember my Grandmother heating water for our baths in the deep old fashioned bath. At that time, there was no hot water plumbed into the bathroom which had been built onto the side of the farmhouse. You might like to read my article below.
http://healthylivingandme.blogspot.com/p/childhood-holidays-on-my-grandmothers.html
We didn’t have Willy Wagtails in my Grandmother’s wash-house – they really are small Julie, you just have to get over your fear (otherwise you’ll run out of clean clothes every Spring LOL).
I photographed a Wagtail yesterday which I’m about to put on my PhotoBlog.
I’m looking forward to reading your article – thanks. Also isn’t it fantastic that three times now you have photographed the same bird I’m posting about!
Oh Victoria – what a wonderful article – thank you!
I find co-incidences in life rather fascinating. There are two photographers who follow my blog (& vice versa) who post photos the day before I plan on posting a similar photo – makes me reluctant to post mine (in case they think I am copying them).
I was planning to post a Guinea Fowl photo from Melb Zoo the day I believe you posted one (my memory is terrible). So in fact, there were 4 times (not three).
Synchrony!