Events

`Walk with the Warden:

Tomorrow, Saturday 18th January, it`s another Walk with the Warden at WWT Llanelli, and it looks like the weather should be okay. So here is a picture of me* (!!!), preparing for the walk!

Come and join us at 11.30am inside the Centre at the Reception area. The gentle amble around the Reserve will take approximately 90 mins. Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

* The Sprout image is from a series of self-deprecating images i`ve done based upon my old nickname of "Sprout", as in Brussel (Russell) Sprout - just in case you were wondering?

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Morning High Tide Watch:

Thank you to all those who attended the Photo Club high tide watch earlier this morning.
Amongst the `cast` on the saltmarsh were 76 (+) Curlew and 18 Greenshank, plus Kingfisher, Spoonbill, Sparrowhawk, Dunlin, and other regulars. 

Unfortunately no male Hen Harrier while we were there 

Thanks again.

Remembering Oreo one year on

 

It was 12 months ago on 14th January that Oreo passed away.

Oreo was very much a silent `observer of life`, shunning toys in order to watch the washing being put out, what`s going on on the computer, or what might be coming out of the oven. He did however like to lie upside down in the sun, gripping a tennis ball over his head, taking life in his stride. 

He became my shadow, quietly taking in whatever I was doing in, around or outside the house. If I was talking up the road to a neighbour, a minute or two later Oreo would be at my feet. One evening, when we were all spending time at a neighbours house, we opened the front door to leave and found Oreo had been waiting all evening on their front doormat for us.

We later adopted Toffee, who was just slightly more `active` than Oreo and became the local Ninja, but she was so lovable too. 

In October, Toffee tragically came home with some injuries to her tail and pelvis that meant Toffee too was to leave us, but this time through a very difficult decision I had to make.

Both Oreo and Toffee are greatly missed by us all.

Another year begins

 

Well it`s a cold start to 2025, as expected for January of course, but it was disappointing that New Year`s Day was quite miserable weather-wise. However, on January 2nd the conditions were much better, and some time put in on the North Gower finally paid off when, after many nippy days on previous occasions being patient, a male Marsh Harrier came to within 30/40 metres of me! Quite a memorable experience.

On previous occasions, something has happened on a rare moment of close approach, such as just "committing" yourself to making a hot drink or having a bite to eat, just as those seconds of opportunity catch you out. 

My `target` bird for that day, a male Hen Harrier, was nowhere to be seen, however I did see one with other WWT staff & vols yesterday morning during a sunrise/high tide Bird ID morning overlooking the saltmarsh at WWT Llanelli (the other side of the Burry inlet). A frosty marsh became side-lit in soft pink, and the Harrier (first spotted by staff member Andrew) flew across in the mid distance before dropping down near the butts closer to the estuary. 

I didn`t have my camera, taking my bins only so I can help people, but that`s my first sighting this winter. Hoping next week to try a find one again when the more stable weather comes in.

The New Years resolutions, most of which are carried forward from 2024, 2023, etc, have been put together `in hope` yet again, but I MUST get back to painting!!! Lots of intended photo projects amongst other things, but as i`ve often said, available free time is the biggest issue. We`ll see how I get on.

Today is Saturday 4th January, and a forecast of bad weather / snow risk later today has meant that i`ve decided to shelve my initial decision of being further afield, so I will popping to my local marsh and estuary when it`s light later (it`s still early morning as I type).

Whatever you are doing, stay safe this weekend and in the week ahead.

Off to get another mug of tea in now.