500 Roosting Swallows, Cattle Egrets, and a flypast from 3 Glossy Ibis
The lagoons are lively, and migration is in full swing.
We've finally entered the 'ber' months, so keep your eyes peeled for autumn arrivals
Wildlife Sightings at WWT Llanelli from 29th August to 4th September 2025
Highlights: Cattle Egret, Swallow, Shoveler, Ruff, Water Rail, Teal, Kingfisher.
The Heron Wing's Hide Bridge continues to be a favourite basking spot for Common Darter dragonflies, which seem to love the warmth from the wooden handrails, making for a great place to stop and admire these fiery little dragonflies up close.
Deep Water Lake has been aflurry with Great White Egret and Little Egret fishing in the shallows, and the Mute Swan family milling about nearby. Kingfisher sightings remain constant, especially from the Peter Scott Hide. Other familiar favourites spotted over the past few days include Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Water Rail, Gadwall, and Shoveler.
Elsewhere in the Millennium Wetlands, a Marsh Harrier has been spotted fairly regularly, and a Willow Warbler was seen near the Heron's Wing Hide — a sure sign of autumn migration. The Hirudines have also been prepping for their epic return journeys, with Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin feeding hurriedly across the reserve to refuel, and a community of 500 swallows has taken to roosting in the reedbeds as they make their final flight arrangements.
The Freshwater Lagoon highlights this week include Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck and a Green Sandpiper. Autumn is also making itself known in the grounds, and Grey Wagtails have appeared around the collection area ponds — so look out for a burst of citron yellow as you walk through.
From the British Steel Hide, birdwatchers have been rewarded with sightings of up to three Cattle Egret regularly seen doing what they do best and mingling with the cattle. Plus, the three Spoonbill — with their unmistakable sweeping bills and stately presence — Ruff, Shoveler, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, and Greenshank. On Thursday 4th September, three Glossy Ibis were seen flying from the Saline Lagoon across the Dafen Scrapes and up the estuary. Keep a watch over the coming days in case they come in to land!
Also seen from the Steel Hide was a Stonechat, perched up and flicking its tail. Just slightly smaller than a Robin, the Stonechat is so-called because the noise it makes sounds like two stones clacking together. Keep an ear out for this phenomenal noise for your best chance to see one.
Featured Photo Credit: Cattle Egret with Cow at WWT Llanelli by Jay Thomas.
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