Unlicensed fishing, Curlew Sandpiper, Spoonbill, and great numbers of Black-tailed Godwit
Don't worry, this angler was a very welcome sight!
Godwit numbers have been building steadily, with lots of surprises to be found among the crowds — and the dapper ducks are starting to appear for the winter!
Wildlife sightings at WWT Llanelli from 22nd September to 27th September 2025
Highlights: Godwit numbers, Teal, Osprey, Glossy Ibis, Ruff, Greenshank, Shoveler.
A particular standout moment for Reserve Manager Dr Brian Briggs this week was seeing an Osprey fishing in the Deep Water Lake on the Millennium Wetlands side of the reserve. In all his years at WWT Llanelli, this was a first for Brian. When we normally see Osprey — which isn't very often — they tend to be flying over the marshes or hunting out in the estuary, so it was a treat to witness this powerful bird hunting inland and closer to our binoculars.
The Saline Lagoon and scrapes have been packed with birds during recent high tides, with numbers reaching impressive levels. Just shy of our site record of 1247, the reserve team counted a staggering 1187 Black-tailed Godwit this week. Among them were 5 Curlew Sandpiper, 51 Greenshank and 2 Ruff.
Not to be outdone, the duck flocks are growing by the day as we head into the winter months. Duck highlights this week included 200 Teal on the Dafen Scrapes, with 75 Shoveler and 11 Wigeon counted, too.
The 3 Glossy Ibis have been hanging around and putting on a good show, much to the delight of our regulars — and indeed a plucky young Peregrine Falcon who was intent on trying something new for lunch...
Also this week, the Spoonbill flock has grown, seeing up to 11 birds join already this season, and an early evening bat survey on 22nd September saw two very late Swift passing through the wetlands.
Other highlights have included lots of Red Admiral butterflies and various late-season dragonflies making the most of any sunshine, and the numerous Kingfisher sightings — a beautiful privilege you can never tire of.
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