An unexpected and unconfirmed Pallid Harrier, Spoonbills galore, and a late but welcome Golden-ringed Dragonfly
A beautiful bird of prey, more accustomed to the skies of Kazakhstan, may have graced us with a visit
A Pallid Harrier was spotted by an anonymous reporter from the British Steel Hide on Sunday 5 October, so all eyes are on the skies to see if we can catch another glimpse and confirm this very rare visitor to Britain.
Wildlife sightings at WWT Llanelli from 28th September to 7th October 2025
Highlights: Pallid Harrier, Spoonbill, Teal, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Kingfisher, Curlew Sandpiper, Pintail.
Other birds of prey spotted recently include a Peregrine Falcon and Marsh Harrier scouting the flocks of waders and ducks.
Our grazing herd of cows has been hard at work keeping the vegetation cropped out on the saltmarsh, with their dung providing an insect buffet for three Cattle Egret.
In insect news, one of our volunteers recorded a Golden-ringed Dragonfly — our first of the year and better late than never! This species holds the title of Britain's longest dragonfly and is always a striking sight.
On Monday 6 October, we held our annual High Tide Watch event. Against dramatic dusky skies, attendees were rewarded with the sights and sounds of hundreds of waterbirds pushed close to the British Steel Hide. Highlights from the event included:
- Numerous Kingfisher fly-bys, flashing electric blue across the water.
- A hunting Peregrine Falcon scattering flocks.
- 8 Spoonbill sweeping their bills through the shallows.
- A peak count of 11 Curlew Sandpiper recorded.
- Freshly arrived Pintail and Wigeon.
- Ruff.
- Lots of Bar-tailed Godwit.
- Plus huge numbers or our regular autumn favourites, including Redshank, Teal and Black-tailed Godwit.
A Green Sandpiper was also seen on the Freshwater Lagoon this week, and the reserve team were treated to a sweet discovery of a Harvest Mouse nest in the Millennium Wetlands.
Featured Photo Credit: Kingfisher from Jessica Crumpton
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