Little Ringed Plover, Peacock Butterfly, Great White Egret, and Lapwing displaying
The wetlands are alive with the sound of music!
It’s that time of year where the birds start their “who can scream the loudest?” competition
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 16th – 23rd March 2025
Highlights: Little Ringed Plover, Peacock Butterfly, Great White Egret, Lapwing
Out on the Dafen Scrapes this Wednesday, three Little Ringed Plover decided to go for a splash in the water, and with the sunny weather, who could blame them? Though, one would imagine that the weather would be much nicer in Africa, from where they migrate to the UK in the spring and summer. A relatively recent breeder in the UK, the Little Ringed Plover first nested here in 1938. They prefer gravel areas to breed, but will also go for sandy riverbanks and reservoirs.
The butterflies are emerging in full force across the site, with a Peacock as our most recent addition. They’re not the only species that have been fluttering around though, as Red Admirals, Commas, Speckled woods, and Brimstones have all been seen in the last week.
Strutting its way across the Western Scrapes this morning, a Great White Egret was looking for the perfect spot to do a little spear fishing. Fish, frogs, or invertebrates – none of them stand a chance against the Egret’s sharp bill and patient stillness before striking!
Our final highlight for this week are the Lapwing scattered around Deep Water Lake and the Dafen Scrapes. You may have heard the sound of a metal detector… or is it a synthesizer? Or maybe an episode of The Clangers playing really loudly? Nope! It is of course the sound of Lapwing making their electronic calls as they swoop around in display flight. Keep an eye out for these delightful birds as you wander the reserve, and while you’re listening out for Lapwing, also notice the namesake song of the Chiffchaff, marking the arrival of spring!
(It's good to note, however, that the lovely birdsong may be drowned out by the screaming of over two hundred Black-Headed Gulls that are currently holding the Stone Islands in front of the Peter Scott Hide hostage)
Some additional sightings of note include a Water Rail near the Peter Scott Hide bird feeders, an additional Pheasant joining her friend from last week out on the Dafen Scrapes, and four Pochard paddling around Deep Water Lake.
And finally, stalking the Saltmarsh from the skies, a Peregrine and Marsh Harrier have both been spotted from the British Steel Hide during the week.
