I popped down to Llanelli foreshore after work on Thursday and managed to luck into that magic hour that only comes with a high tide and the setting sun. And yes I do mean sun as after another week of rain we did get a few late rays before the cloud once again moved in. The view out across the Burry was dramatic to say the least.

Angry Sunset at Llanelli
Angry Sunset at Llanelli

Out on the water a pair of Great Crested Grebes were fishing close to shore, whilst an evening roost of twelve Little Egrets reminded me more of the Florida Everglades than South Wales. As I walked over to the Machynys development a Grey Wagtail called loudly from the rocks below before my attention was taken by a flock of two hundred plus Oystercatchers flying up channel. They looked stunning in the evening light and were unusually quiet for what must count as one of our most vocal waders. With them lost from sight I stepped down onto the beach just in time to see a large flock of Dunlin vacating the same area. Unfortunately the presence of several dogs off the lead had led to their disturbance and they spent the next few minutes circling the small bay in an agitated state. They never did manage to land and instead disappeared over the breakwater back towards the foreshore area. Whether they all made it or not is in question however as a Sparrowhawk shot past me in stealthy pursuit. Once I’d clambered to the top of the breakwater I could see it perched on the other side of the channel, so we may indeed be one Dunlin down. Further along and three female Wheatears were hopping across the sand, quite possibly the last I will see here this year. Several Gadwall were also nearby against a soundtrack of calling Curlews just starting to take advantage of some freshly exposed mud. Who needs TV when we have even better dramas playing out on our doorsteps.


4 Comments

TexWisGirl · September 30, 2012 at 12:22 am

that 2nd shot is glorious!

Bob Bushell · September 30, 2012 at 9:03 pm

It maybe angry, but, for me they are beautiful, well done Adam.

Gillian Olson · October 2, 2012 at 4:20 am

Beautiful captures.

Adam Tilt · October 4, 2012 at 11:04 pm

Thanks all for your comments.

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