Yellow-browed Warbler, Avocet, Fieldfare, and Peregrines hunting
Our winter residents are moving in, but careful watchers will still spot rare visitors on their migratory journey
Cooler days are approaching, but our avian friends are staying warm thanks to their fluffy feathers.
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 2nd - 8th November 2024
Highlights: Yellow-browed Warbler, Avocet, Fieldfare, Peregrine Falcon
A scarce autumn passage migrant, the Yellow-browed Warbler has been an exciting sight at the wetlands this week. Spotted on Saturday, the pint-sized passerine was certainly a favourite with visitors. Sporting distinctive yellow eyebrows and light green upperparts, this little bird often looks quite grumpy but that is easily offset by its ‘s-weet’ song.
A lone Avocet made itself at home in the Saline Lagoon on Monday, taking advantage of the brackish water to feast on crustaceans and insects lurking below the water. Although attempting to blend in between two Black-Headed gulls, this pied bird was easy to spot thanks to its characteristic upturned bill. Once extinct in the UK, the Avocet is a symbol of species recovery and the importance of conservation.
Two Fieldfare were spotted snacking on berries outside of the British Steel Hide on Tuesday. These birds are rarely seen at our site, but stay for the winter in the UK before heading back to Scandinavia in the spring. You may hear their ‘chack-chack’ call before you see them, as Fieldfare are rather noisy birds. Beware, their volume will increase when trying to defend their berry bounty!
Another striking sight from the British Steel Hide was a pair of Peregrine Falcons out on the Saltmarsh on Thursday. The two adults were attempting to hunt for other birds but were unsuccessful – despite being the fastest animal on Earth.
If you have a sharp enough eye, you might just catch a few Snipe sitting on the freshly-cut bank out from the Sir Peter Scott Hide. On Thursday, six sat neatly in a row, perfectly camouflaged with the dry reeds around them.
Featured Photo Credit: Neil Fermandel
