Singing Siskins, Brent Goose, Spotted Redshank, and Water Rail
Another week has flown by, but hopefully these birds will stay around a while
From a mild Monday to a stormy Sunday, the weather has certainly taken a turn
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 21st – 26th January 2025
Highlights: Siskin, Brent Goose, Spotted Redshank, Water Rail
Dull days have been brightened up by the sound of birdsong out on the Millennium Wetlands, and Siskin are a part of the choir. The path to the Peter Scott Hide and the Black poplar Woods are great places to look for these fantastic finches. Flying in mixed flocks with the Siskin, Lesser Redpoll have been seen and photographed recently as well. Both species love to feed on birch and alder seeds, so they stick together to forage in the winter. Another small bird of note out on the Millenium Wetlands is the Reed Bunting. As the name suggests, they like to nest in the Reedbeds between the Lily Pond and Welsh Water Hide.
Out on the Estuary, a number of Brent Geese had flown in yesterday. Looking rather pious with their white collars, these geese feed on seaweed and rarely leave their coastal habitats (so much so that old myth stated that Brent and Barnacle Geese were indeed goose barnacles that had emerged from their shells to fly around!). This species is the smallest of the geese native to the UK, and is only just bigger than a mallard! Also to be seen from the British Steel Hide yesterday – a Spotted Redshank was wading around in the Saline lagoon.
Sightings of Water Rail on the Millennium Wetlands have been on the increase recently. Though present for most of the year, they avoid being seen by running away at the first sign of a human approaching. Though a good tactic for avoiding predators, it does make them rather hard to spot (although their screeching calls tend to give them away regardless). Also trying to stay out of sight were forty-two Snipe out on Deep Water Lake yesterday, perfectly camouflaged against the reeds.
Last but not least, a pair of predators have been on the hunt this weekend – a Merlin and a Sparrowhawk. Despite being on the smaller side for raptors, they certainly pack a punch with their speed and agility.
Featured Photo Credit: Neil Fermandel
