Cobalt Crust, Otter, Jack Snipe, and a glorious Glossy Ibis
As we say goodbye to a dreary December, we’re hoping the new year brings dryer weather – and new birds!
Happy New Year from all of us at WWT Llanelli! If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time in nature, come on down!
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 23rd December – 3rd January 2025
Highlights: Cobalt Crust, Otter, Jack Snipe, Glossy Ibis
The vibrant fungi featuring as our first blog photo of the year certainly deserves the name Cobalt Crust! Also known as Velvet Blue Spread, this saprophytic fungus grows on dead wood (which is of course abundant around the Millennium Wetlands). Like many fungi, this species produces an antibiotic chemical to kill of competition. Cortalcerone, the chemical in question, is effective at inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes.
There has been an uptick in Otter activity lately, with two sightings on opposite sides of the reserve! Just before Christmas, one elusive Otter poked his head out of the water in front of the Sir Peter Scott hide, and promptly dove back down out of site, after which a Sparrowhawk flew overhead, scaring off the remaining ducks. More recently near the Canoe Safari, two Otters were spotted playing in the water by visitors.
Snipe numbers out on Deep Water Lake have increased to thirty-nine over the past couple of weeks, and they have brought a few Jack Snipe with them! Two were seen on Deep Water Lake Island before Christmas and one out from the Peter Scott Hide on New Year’s Day.
Friday morning’s staff and volunteer bird ID event were witness to many amazing birds, namely a fleeting Glossy Ibis! The Ibis laned on the Saline Lagoon, but only stopped for a few minutes before flying off again. A male Hen Harrier and a Whimbrel were also seen during the event, and the Spotted Redshank from the last few weeks was still around too!
Additional to our highlights, a Pochard has been spotted by a visitor from the Heron’s Wing Hide, A Red Fox was seen sneaking around the Millennium Wetlands, and three hundred and thirty-three Lapwing were seen in the Estuary a couple of days before Christmas!
Featured Photo Credit: Abbie Jordan
