Pintail, Pheasant, Common Pipistrelle, and a small but mighty Merlin
Stormy weather has ravaged the wetlands, and very few birds have stayed to endure the rain.
Cold and damp days are ahead of us, so wear your wellies and wrap up warm for your next visit!
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 16th – 24th November 2024
Highlights: Pintail, Pheasant, Common Pipistrelle, Merlin
Over two hundred Pintail have landed all over the wetlands this week, making themselves at home on Deep Water Lake, Freshwater Lagoon, Saline Lagoon, and the Dafen Scrapes! Freshly arrived from their migratory journey from their summer breeding grounds in Scandinavia, the Pintail enjoyed some well-deserved sleep on Monday.
Tuesday marked the return of the female Pheasant first spotted a month ago. Making her appearance on the Saltmarsh, this uncommon visitor surprised those watching from the British Steel Hide. Though not as showy as their male counterparts, female pheasants are well camouflaged to ensure that they and their chicks remain hidden from predators, as the males provide no help with raising young.
Three tiny Common Pipistrelle bats have been spotted hunting over the Heron’s Wing Hide bridge. As the smallest bat in the UK, they are able fit into a matchbox! Making use of this ability, they have managed to squeeze themselves into the cladding of the Heron’s Wing Hide where they have been roosting. Not to be underestimated, these pint-sized predators can eat over three thousand insects in one night!
Our final highlight of the week is another little powerhouse, the Merlin. Spotted out on the Dafen Scrapes, nearby Dunlin should watch their backs as the Merlin is a wizard at hunting small birds.
