Winter Wildlife Wonderland: Discover Spectacular Species at WWT Llanelli
Spend a wonderful winter day out in nature at WWT Llanelli
Whether it’s the sights and sounds of scores of redshank touching down for their daily feast on a bountiful buffet, the flurry of goldfinches flitting between seedheads, or redwings making the most of the season’s berries, winter at WWT Llanelli is the perfect time to engage with nature and spot some truly spectacular species.
The crisp, bright mornings at this time of the year, along with some sensational sunsets, provide the perfect conditions for nature watching. With the backdrop of beautiful light and an expanse of open skies, visitors won’t have to look too far to witness some wonderful winter wildlife.
Being out in nature is widely known to be an uplifting experience and at this time of year when things can often feel frenzied, escaping into the wild, even for an hour, can bring both comfort and joy.
At this time of year, WWT Llanelli is home to an array of delights. Kingfishers, otters, ruffs, curlews, egrets and spoonbills, to name just a few or our star species. It’s also a great time to look out for magnificent birds of prey as they soar above the flocks below. Harriers, merlins, and short-eared owls are some visitor favourites.
Whether you’re a seasoned spotter or just looking for a day out with a difference, there is so much to see and do. While Llanelli has plenty of glorious evergreens, which give the landscape a truly festive feel while also providing wildlife with much-needed shelter and sustenance in the colder months, many deciduous trees have shed their leaves which means spotting birds and mammals is a little bit easier.
In the bare branches of the wintery skeleton trees, a range of birds can be seen busying about to find their daily food supply. And while binoculars are a great addition, visitors will still be able to spot an array of species from long-tailed tits and blue tits to winter visitors like fieldfare, alongside WWT’s beloved waterfowl and waders.
It’s not just the sight of birds that can warm the coldest of days, because while the glorious dawn chorus doesn’t return until spring there’s still plenty of noise going on in nature. The sounds of geese and swans are particularly prominent at WWT sites at this time of year – you can listen to their distinct calls here and of course, the beautiful, evocative song of a robin is never far away.
And if lucky visitors time a visit right, there is nothing like witnessing the phenomena of a murmuration, when a shape-shifting flock of birds come together to form an art installation in the sky before dropping down into their roost for the night. And although it’s mainly starlings that are known for doing this, geese, corvids, waders, wagtails and even gulls can flock together en masse and put on a spectacular show.
Identifying bird calls can add something extra special to a day out in nature and apps like Merlin or ChirpOMatic can help beginners learn what bird is making which sound. WWT shops also stock a bounty of books that will help enthusiasts get better acquainted with our feathered friends.
At this time of the year the everchanging weather can catch people out, so the best advice for a wintery day on a reserve is to prepare for any eventuality. Sturdy boots to keep feet dry, thick socks to stave off cold toes and layers are always the best way to keep warm and dry. And take a tip from snowmen who know all-too-well that a hat, scarf and gloves are essential accessories in winter. Plus a calorific chocolate bar and a flask of warm drink will never go amiss. Though if it does get too chilly, WWT hides are the best place to make a hasty retreat to. Not only can visitors shelter from the dropping temperatures, they also offer prime viewing spots.
And for those wanting to spend some time indoors in a cosy environment, the Kingfisher Café has a mouth-watering, hot winter menu available daily.
Watching wildlife is a great way to spend some time outdoors and WWT is encouraging visitors to share what they see on social media using the hashtag #SpottedAtLlanelli, whether that’s birds and mammals or trees and plants.
Christmas Opening
We’re are open every day throughout the holiday season – aside from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So, wrap up warm, raise your eyes to the skies and see first-hand why winter can be the most wonderful time of the year.
