It was over to the Met Office and their radar maps on Sunday 9th in an effort to spot a gap in the series of weather fronts blasting their way across south Wales. My best option seemed to be early afternoon along the north shore of the Burry so it was no surprise that I arrived in perfect synchronicity with a torrential downpour. I guess there’s still a long way to go yet in improving our weather forecasting accuracy! At least the delay was brief and I did get to enjoy an impressive display as the clouds first obscured then slowly revealed the landscape before me.

P1100112 - Llanelli

The first rays of sunlight started to poke their way through only a couple of minutes later allowing me to pick out an impressive count of 368 Redshank on the mudflats above. Mixed in were a few Teal and Curlew plus a lone Little Egret but despite much searching I couldn’t turn any of the floating debris into a Phalarope. Believe me I tried. Nearby a trio of Carrion Crows looked suitable glum as I made my way across to Llanelli’s north dock.

P1100114 - Carrion Crow, Llanelli

By the time I’d completed even this short walk the sky had cleared bathing the whole area in strong, warming sunshine. Talk about changeable. Making the most of conditions were a pair of Mute Swans and a somewhat dubious domestic Goose, all of which were preening themselves vigorously.

P1100126 - Mute Swan, Llanelli
P1100119 - Dubious Domestic Goose

Moving on to the beach I had to disappoint a lady carrying out research on Welsh speakers. I think my accent to her first question probably gave the game away more than the words it contained. At least she didn’t seem too disappointed and after a brief chat I was left to enjoy hundreds upon hundreds of Oystercatchers roosting out on the sandbanks. Their constant calling and shuffling reminded me that the tide was rising rapidly but I still had just enough time (and more importantly sand) to make it out to the end of the breakwater. Along the way a flock of Ringed Plovers put in an appearance before this lone Oystercatcher took my attention.

P1100129 - Llanelli
P1100134 - Oystercacther, Llanelli

Several Reed Buntings and Greenfinch of all things were in the bushes at the very end before an approaching shower sent me trotting back to shelter. Needless to say I arrived just as the rain stopped and with the sun once again reappearing went for a walk around the dock itself. Whether it’s down to all the rain of late or a conscious management choice I can’t be sure but the water levels within were higher than I’ve seen previously and had attracted a good selection of gulls including three Great Black-backed. Nothing too unusual there but as I scanned the edges a small wader popped into view. Closer inspection revealed it to be a Common Sandpiper, a late individual locally with most sightings normally drying up once summer is over.

P1100147_2 - Common Sandpiper, Llanelli

Judging from its avid feeding behaviour there was certainly plenty of food available and I wouldn’t bet against it sticking around a while longer if conditions stay as they are.


6 Comments

sunshine · November 11, 2014 at 7:29 pm

A wonderful area and great birds.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure · November 11, 2014 at 7:48 pm

I don't think I have even seen as many as 368 Redshanks all in one place before and this is a lovely place to see quite a number of different species. Loved the lose up shots of the Swan and Goose.Love the shot of the long stone beach and the Sandpiper

FAB · November 11, 2014 at 10:56 pm

A nice diverse sighting list Adam. I understand the Met Office are spending a few millions on a new super computer … but will you trust it when its up and running!

Paul Seligman · November 11, 2014 at 11:20 pm

Nice to see common sandpiper, Adam. I just looked at BTO Map Store, where all the maps from the new-ish atlas can be accessed and there are quite a lot of squares with winter records around Llanelli approximately. Not sure if this link works directly http://blx1.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet?id=215 , you would need to select the Winter map from the maps menu. There are more wintering common sand in your area now than at the previous atlas – but that could be greater recording effort.

Lea · November 12, 2014 at 6:19 am

Beautiful birds!
Have a happy day!
Lea

Sondra · November 12, 2014 at 12:25 pm

I'm glad you didn't let that rain scare you away you got some great shots to bring back for us! The forecasters are still much like crystal ball gazers for they are trying to predict mother nature.

Leave a Reply