Snowdrop, Hen harrier, Pintail, and swooping Siskin
Early blooms are signalling spring’s approach
It’s been a cold and windy week, but winter is almost over!
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 10th – 16th February 2025
Highlights: Snowdrop, Hen harrier, Pintail, Siskin
Although it's not feeling any warmer, spring is certainly on its way! We’ve seen Snowdrops and Daffodils sprouting up around the Millennium Wetlands, bringing a spark of life to a cold February. Though non-native and introduced sometime before the 18th century, Snowdrops are naturalised in the UK and have the beautiful Welsh name of ‘Eirlys’.
Reappearing from last week, the Male Hen Harrier was seen again on Monday, out from the British Steel Hide. Joining it that day were a nearby Merlin, and Sparrowhawk on Deep Water Lake. It was quite the day for birds of prey (a terrible day, however, for the poor Snipe pursued by the Sparrowhawk).
Pintail have been popping up all around the wetlands this week, with sightings on the Saline Lagoon, Dafen Scrapes, Freshwater Lagoon, and Deep Water Lake. Not only are they all over the wetlands, but they’re also all over the world - Pintails have been spotted on every continent, apart from Antarctica, due to their globe-spanning migratory routes!
The Spotted Redshank is still around on the Saline Lagoon, often joined by the eight Spoonbill that frequent the area. This winter, we’ve seen the Spoonbill group grow to as large as seventeen – matching last year’s record. However, with February nearing its end, we’re sadly doubting that the record will be beaten this year. A few Oystercatchers were also visible from the British Steel Hide on Thursday, but you’ll have to bring a telescope if you want to catch a glimpse on your next visit!
There have been plenty of passerines out on the Millenium Wetlands this week, with Siskin, Nuthatches and Reed Buntings scattered around the Reserve. The feeders near the Heron’s Wing Hide bridge and the Peter Scott Hide have been particularly popular with the Nuthatches if you’re looking to find them.
Finally, The Peter Scott Hide is the place to head this week to catch the Great Crested Grebe out fishing, or a Water Rail scuttling into the undergrowth.
