Nightjar
07/01/2021
The arrival of the Nightjars each year from Africa cause great excitement amongst the ornithological community at Wellington. A ground-nesting nocturnal bird, they arrive on the heathland each May where they hunt and nest.
A very distinctive bird with its pinkish-orange bill and pink legs, the Greylag Goose is a new visitor to Swan Lake, making its first appearance in the Spring of 2021. Grazing on the grass at the front of the lake, they will allow people to get relatively close before returning to the safety of the water should they feel threatened in any way. Described as having a call as a very traditional “honk”, they can often be heard as they fly around the lake networks at Wellington.
The arrival of the Nightjars each year from Africa cause great excitement amongst the ornithological community at Wellington. A ground-nesting nocturnal bird, they arrive on the heathland each May where they hunt and nest.
The Wren, one of Britain’s smallest birds, is a resident here at Wellington College. It is more likely to be heard than seen and its tic-tic-tic and strrrrrrr call indicate that they are around.
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.
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.