The Goldcrest is surprisingly common at Wellington but rather difficult to spot. Britain’s joint smallest bird, along with the Firecrest, it nests in the outer tips of the branches of conifer trees. Spend a few minutes gazing up into the branches of the magnificent Wellingtonias on North Front and you may be able to catch a glimpse of these tiny, busy birds.
The Gadwall is a winter visitor to Swan lake. A medium sized duck with fairly inconspicuous grey markings and plumage, it spends its day dabbling (feeding) on the surface of the lake for vegetation and occasionally turning tail up to reach more tender weeds within the lake.
The grey wagtail is a year round resident here at Wellington. Particularly seen in Prince’s Quad and by Swan Lake, it is characterised by its wagging tail and grey and yellow plumage. They have a distinctive bobbing flight pattern.
This bright and unmistakeable duck is often seen on the golf course. Whilst the male is particularly colourful, the female is, as is common with most duck species, a more subtle mottled brown with an attractive green patch over the eyes.
The Lesser Redpoll is a type of finch and an occasional visitor to the gardens of the College. The bird is brown with a red crown. The male has a slightly pinky chest. They feed on seeds and small invertebrates and are often in flocks.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
Keep up to date with the nature at Wellington. We will bring you all things species and habitats, keeping you informed on the latest about Welly’s Wildlife.
