Saturday 4th August 2018

Not a lot happening but a noteworthy sighting in Pembrey Country Park this afternoon in the shape of a juvenile Yellow Legged Gull.

There have bee a few sightings of YL Gull in the past few weeks but its always nice to find one yourself.

There are a number of short grass fields which the gulls like to roost on either at high tide or in stormy weather, although todays sighting was not influenced by either.

Good numbers of Pied Wagtails can be found late in the afternoon around the admin offices or the ski centre, after the drop of rain we've had Mistle Thrushes are evident again.

Don't forget next Saturdays Salt Marsh walk meet at 10am PROMPT at the entrance to the Pembrey LNR

Putting the nature back into rangernaturenotes Wednesday 1st August

My recent blogs seem to have been dominated by topics other than nature, well to be honest that's the "nature" of the mixed role I have, but nature is never far away.

I spent a few hours at the Pembrey LNR yesterday morning, generally looking around but also doing a reptile survey.
It was not good with only one Slow-Worm found under the survey mats, and no Common Lizards seen, in fact the best I found was a Wood Mouse. Last year we were literally falling over ourselves with lizards, perhaps the cold winter early spring took it's toll this year, or maybe they have given up using the mats watch this space.

Slow-worm

On the bird front autumn is well and truly underway with numbers of Med' Gulls, and Sandwich Terns building up, as well as Sanderling numbers along the beach; don't forget the Carmarthenshire Bird Club Tern Watch meeting on 12th August at Old Pembrey Harbour (17:30).

Butterflies along the track to the hut are still present in good numbers, with up to 10 species being seen.

Common Blue on Woody Nightshade

A shoe stealing Fox cub has been reported from the car parking area at CE53, I've not seen this foxy criminal myself but there are photographs.

Fox cub about five months old (VH)

Flocks of post breeding birds are evident with a lovely flock of c45 Linnets hanging around near the hut.

Many of you will have read/heard that parking restrictions will be in force shortly along the Factory Road and in the top "parking" area opposite the reserve entrance. Parking will be available in the lower parking area plus parking in the country park is still an option and great value at around 13p per day for an annual pass.

The next event at the reserve will be on 11th August at 10am, a Salt Marsh Tramp. Parking will be available on the reserve for a prompt start.

Sea Holly