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Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
In the 20 years I've lived in my house, this is the first time I've had the chance of getting even a half reasonable photo opportunity with a Goldcrest, partly because it's so easy to miss such a tiny little bird as it hides itself in a flock of Sparrows or Wrens.
I certainly didn't expect to see one in the garden this early in the winter.
I suspect it's because I've made a real effort this year to collect rainwater to ensure my pond ended the summer even fuller than it was at the end of last winter, having fixed a leak.
Here it is in all its soaked glory:
The Goldcrest is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers gives rise to its English and scientific names, and possibly to it being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore. Several subspecies are recognised across the very large distribution range that includes much of Eurasia and the islands of Macaronesia. Birds from the north and east of its breeding range migrate to winter further south.
comments (4)
Tell me about it!
Many a blurry mess have a come away with in the past! Posted 4 years ago