Construction work is ongoing to replace the old footbridge to the reserve. An alternative route is available, but the Heron's Wing and Peter Scott hides will be closed until the work is complete. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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Bad weather blows rare gull-billed tern off course to WWT Llanelli!

Gull-billed tern (Image credit: Mark Hipkin)

Birders are flocking to WWT Llanelli this week to see an extremely rare gull-billed tern who has taken up residence. It is thought the recent squally weather has blown the bird off course from its usual summer haunts across Europe.

This is only the second record of a gull-billed tern in Carmarthenshire, the first was recorded back in 1996 also at WWT Llanelli. Gull-billed terns breed across Europe in Denmark, Holland, northern Spain and parts of Eastern Europe.

Centre Manager, Nigel Williams, commented: “It is exciting to see such a rarity turn up, particularly as this species has not been seen here in 16 years. The bird is quite happy out on the newly created saline lagoon and has been delighting visitors who can clearly see it from our British Steel Hide. The gull-billed tern also seems to have been adopted by our black-headed gull colony, as he’s taken to roosting with them overnight.”

To keep up-to-date with the latest bird sightings at WWT Llanelli, you can follow us on Twitter @wwtllanelli.

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