Once more we find Christmas Eve upon us, but it’s hard to imagine a greater contrast with what we were experiencing twelve months ago. Where last year there was snow on the ground and temperatures were struggling to get above freezing we now have extremely mild conditions and almost torrential rain. Nevertheless we tried to get out for a bit today and started off by heading over to Kidwelly Quay. On the way we got superb views of a Merlin in Llanelli. It first shot across the road ahead of us and then proceeded to fly through the hedge that borders Tesco as we drove parallel. Not what you’d typically expect to see at the local supermarket!

At Kidwelly the rain was very persistent at times but we still managed to pick out a Peregrine Falcon and a Kestrel on the marsh. Closer in and Lapwings were the most numerous species present along with thirty Teal, seven Greenshank, several Redshank and a Little Egret that was having quite a bit of success in its hunting. We walked a short distance along Kymer’s Canal in the hope of spotting a Water Rail but had to make do with some very loud vocalisations from one instead.

Next up was Sandy Water park which to my surprise was almost devoid of waterfowl with the exception of a few Pochard and Tufted Duck. A Little Grebe was fishing very close to shore but it was so overcast that it wasn’t worth getting the camera out. The assembled Gulls were split roughly fifty fifty between Black Headed and Herring, but it was nice to see at least ten Common Gulls in amongst them. It seems like only yesterday that the lake was completely frozen over and we were watching a Bittern at close range.

23794 - Sandy Water Park, Llanelli

I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas (Nadolig Llawen).


8 Comments

theconstantwalker · December 24, 2011 at 4:35 pm

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Adam.

Best wishes from a very mild Cheshire (I has no water for days last year as my feed was frozen)

Take care.

TexWisGirl · December 24, 2011 at 5:16 pm

well, wish we had your rains (torrential) here! we are getting sprinkles today so that helps!

merry christmas, adam!

holdingmoments · December 24, 2011 at 5:34 pm

Mild here too Adam.
How different from last year.
All the best for Christmas.

Bob Bushell · December 24, 2011 at 9:44 pm

Have a Merry Christmas my friend, and keep sending those photos.

Sondra · December 25, 2011 at 12:52 am

hope you have a peaceful holiday..
ITs so warm here one of my shurbs is in bloom…it normally blooms end of Feb.

J · December 25, 2011 at 1:58 am

Last December 24th I was watching a Waxwing near my house. Here's hoping for a cold spell to bring a few in. Merry Christmas!

Victoria · December 28, 2011 at 7:08 pm

I'm en route to Montana at the moment and wanted to stop by to wish you a Happy Holiday (since I'm late with Christmas wishes) and give you my best wishes for a terrific New Year… I've been largely absent from both posting and visiting others but hope to be more present in the new year. I do enjoy my visits to your blog! (a holiday post is up on mine but was posted AFTER Christmas instead of before as I'd originally planned)

Adam Tilt · December 31, 2011 at 9:11 pm

Thanks all and Happy Christmas to everyone!

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