Birds

From soaring Red Kites to shy and secretive Wrens and Firecrests, the diverse habitats at Wellington allow many bird species to visit or set up home here. From woods to hedges, islands on the lake and bare ground on the heath, and in the crevices of the magnificent old buildings of Wellington, there are places that many species will find to nest and roost each year.

Whilst many birds are resident all the year round there are several that only come here in the summer and winter. Winter visitors on the lakes include Goosanders, Gadwall and Little Grebes, whilst a sighting of a Marsh Harrier one day last year caused great excitement! In the summer, as well as Swifts, Housemartins and Swallows, the air can be filled with the rhythmic call of the Chiffchaff and its cousin the Willow Warbler.

Through the bird nesting season there are a number of bird boxes around site with cameras in them allowing people to see how the various species fare with bringing up their young.

Latest Updates

Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is one of two woodpecker species that we have here at Wellington, the other being the Green Woodpecker.

Goldcrest

The Goldcrest is surprisingly common at Wellington but rather difficult to spot.

Greylag Goose

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.

Latest Updates

Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is one of two woodpecker species that we have here at Wellington, the other being the Green Woodpecker.

Goldcrest

The Goldcrest is surprisingly common at Wellington but rather difficult to spot.

Greylag Goose

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.

Wren

The Wren, one of Britain’s smallest birds, is a resident here at Wellington College.