Weekly roundup – Saturday 22nd February – Friday 28th February 2020

Headline:

The headline bird for the week was undoubtedly the 1^st winter Rose-coloured Starling at Llanfaethlu, with news emerging on the 27^th.  Local residents say that the bird has been present since last October and is most probably the bird found at Cemlyn last Autumn.  It is understood to be the first record for the UK in 2020, so may prove popular with both local birders and those from further afield.  The bird was still present on the 28^th.

Rose-coloured Starling, Llanfaethlu 27/02/20 @birdinginasuit

Divers & Grebes: 

Great Northern Divers continue to be reported around the island with the majority of reports around the Holyhead area.  Birds were reported at Holyhead Harbour (22^nd, 24^th}, up to 2 on the Inland Sea (22^nd, 25^th, 27^th), Traeth Bychan (23^rd), Cemlyn (23^rd) and Penmon Point (23^rd).  A Red-throated Diver was in Holyhead Harbour (28^th).  Slavonian Grebes, were reported at Beddmanarch Bay (22nd, 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th, 27th, 28^th) and Benllech (22^nd).

Seabirds:

The main species of interest has been Black Guillemot, most of which have attained their summer plumage some time ago.  Up to 6 birds have been reported at Holyhead Harbour (22^nd, 24^th), with up to 5 at Beddmanarch Bay (22^nd, 23^rd, 25^th, 27^th) and a single bird at Traeth Bychan (23^rd).

Herons and Egrets:

No reports this week of any rare or scarce Herons or Egrets. 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Greenland White-fronted Geese continue to be reported and there is a hope locally that there might be a small wintering flock being established separate from those at the Dyfi estuary.  Up to 7 Greenland White-fronted Geese have been reported on fields at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (23^rd, 24^th).  There has also been a Whooper Swan at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw (23^rd, 25^th), with another single bird seen north of Capel Coch (22^nd, 24^th, 25^th, 28^th).  There have been no updates on birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga or off the Llangefni-Llanerchymedd road, but further birds to those reported are likely to be on the island.  Up to two Long-tailed Ducks remain on the lagoon at Cemlyn (22^nd, 23^rd, 27^th).  The pair of Greater Scaup on the Inland Sea were last reported on the 25^th.

Waders:

It is always nice to have the opportunity to see a few wintering Sandpipers in advance of the spring migration.  A Common Sandpiper has been reported from the tidal area north of the causeway to Church Island (22^nd, 23^rd, 24^th) and a Green Sandpiper has been on the wet field north of the stone bridge at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (25^th, 26^th).  Cemlyn has been a regular wintering site for a single Whimbrel over the past few years and one was reported there on the 23^rd.  The bird usually favours the rocky coastline of the Trwyn (headland accessed from NW car park).  Purple Sandpipers were reported from Cemlyn (22^nd), 6 at Trearddur Bay (22^nd) and 2 at Llanddwyn island (23^rd). Black-tailed Godwit were reported from Gorad flood, Valley (4 on the 23^rd, 25^th) and there were 6 at Church Island (23^rd).

Gulls & Terns: 

The Holyhead area remains the best for reports of Mediterranean Gull, with good views being possible from the comfort of the car park at Penrhos Coastal Park.  Up to 4 birds have been reported this week at Penrhos Coastal Park (22^nd, 24th, 25^th, 27th, 28^th).  There have also been reports of up to 3 at Four Mile Bridge (22^nd), and 6 on the Gorad flood, Valley (23^rd).

Raptors:

Red Kites used to be a major rarity on Anglesey with infrequent reports of birds on passage.  Over the last 2 years reports have increased markedly. This week there have been sightings over Llangefni (22^nd), Aberffraw (23^rd) and Rhosmeirch (25^th).  Away from the stronghold at RSPB Cors Ddyga, there was a sighting of a Marsh Harrier at Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley Wetlands (25^th).

Passerines: 

The Snow Bunting at Red Wharf Bay continues to be reported (23^rd, 25^th).  A Hooded Crow was seen at Newborough beach (23^rd).  Limited updates on the Holyhead birds (22^nd), but these are likely to have been present throughout around the KFC / Tesco area.  There was a Chiffchaff at Newborough (23^rd), Cetti’s Warbler at Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley wetlands (25^th) and 2+ Common Crossbill at Newborough Forest (23^rd).

Other:

Common Kingfisher were seen at Church Island (27^th) and Cefni Reservoir – Bodfordd end (27^th).

Next week?

A Sand Martin was reported from the Cotswold Water Park on the 27^th.  Where and when will the first for Anglesey for 2020 be seen?

Weekly roundup – Saturday 15th February – Friday 21st February 2020

Divers & Grebes: 
Great Northern Diver; Holyhead Harbour (16^th, 17^th, 18^th), Benllech (16^th), Inland Sea (17^th, 20th), and 2 at Cemlyn (17^th).  Slavonian Grebe; up to 3 reported off Benllech (15^th, 16^th, 21^st), up to 2 in Beddmanarch Bay (17^th, 19^th, 20^th) and 1 on Inland Sea (20^th).

Seabirds:  
Black Guillemot; 8 birds off Benllech (19^th), up to 4 birds at Holyhead Harbour (16^th, 17^th, 18^th), 2 at Moelfre (16^th), up to 3 birds in Beddmanarch Bay (19^th, 20^th,), 3 birds at Holyhead Fish Quay (21^st).

Herons & Egrets:  
Great Egret, Llyn Alaw – east of, viewed from SH422871 (17^th, 20^th – probably present throughout)  

Swans, Geese & Ducks:  
Whooper Swan; single bird still with pair of Mute Swans north of Capel Coch (16^th – 21st), 4 east of Valley (19^th).  Brent Goose; 40 pale-bellied at Benllech (16^th), 61 pale-bellied at Penmon Pool (16^th), 379 pale-bellied and 1 dark-bellied on Alaw Estuary (18^th). Long-tailed Duck; 2 on the lagoon at Cemlyn (15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 20^th).  Greater Scaup; drake and duck on Inland Sea (17^th, 20^th, 21^st).  Common Eider; up to 6 at Benllech (16^th, 19^th), 4 at Lleiniog (16^th).

Waders: 
Whimbrel; Cemlyn (17^th) and Traeth Dulas (18^th).  Purple Sandpipers; 3 at Cemlyn (17^th).  Grey Plover;  2 at Cemlyn (17^th) and 55 at Alaw estuary (18^th). Knot; 18 on Alaw estuary (18^th).  Sanderling; 1 at Traeth Lligwy (18^th).  Bar-tailed Godwit; 49 on Alaw Estuary (18^th).  Black-tailed Godwit; 4 on Gorad flood, Valley (18^th). 

Gulls & Terns:  
Mediterranean Gull; up to 7 birds at Penrhos Coastal Park (17^th, 20^th), up to 3 on lagoon at Cemlyn (15^th, 17^th), up to 7 on Inland Sea from Anchorage (20^th).

Raptors: 
Red Kite; over dunes at Alaw Estuary (18^th). Merlin; through Octel (17^th)

Passerines:  
Hooded Crow; sightings around KFC/ Tesco, Holyhead throughout the week.  Snow Bunting; Red Wharf Bay (17^th, 18^th, 19^th).

Weekly roundup – Saturday 8th February – Friday 14th February 2020

Divers & Grebes:  Great Northern Diver; Inland Sea (8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 13^th), Holyhead Fish Quay (12^th) & Holyhead Harbour (14^th).  Slavonian Grebe; Beddmanarch Bay (10^th-13th).    

Seabirds: Black Guillemot – Holyhead Harbour (9^th, 10^th, 12th), Holyhead Fish Quay (12^th, 14^th) Beddmanarch Bay (10^th, 11^th, 13th).  Highest count reported – 10 at Holyhead  Harbour on the 10^th following Storm Ciara.

Herons & Egrets: Report of up to 3 Great Egrets seen at Cors Ddyga recently.

Swans, Geese & Ducks: Whooper Swan; single bird with two Mute Swans north of Capel Coch.  Whooper Swans understood to be at Cors Ddyga still, but no specific reports received.  Long-tailed Duck; up to 2 birds seen on the lagoon at Cemlyn (8^th – 14^th).  Greater Scaup; drake on Inland Sea (8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 13th). Eider; off Benllech (12^th & 13^th). 

Waders: Purple Sandpipers; 1 on Inland Sea (9^th)

Gulls & Terns: Mediterranean Gull; 11 at Penrhos Coastal Park (10^th), 5 on 13^th.  3 at Cemlyn on 14^th.

Raptors:  Marsh Harrier; female over A55 adjacent to RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th).

Passerines: Hooded Crow; 2-3 birds still around KFC/ Tesco, Holyhead throughout the week.

Weekly roundup – Saturday 1st February – Friday 7th February 2020

Divers & Grebes:  Great Northern Diver; Holyhead Harbour (1^st, 5th) and Benllech (5^th).  Red-throated Diver, Benllech (5^th).  RED-NECKED GREBE; 1km west of Point Lynas (1^st).  Slavonian Grebe – Beddmanarch Bay (1^st, 4^th) and Inland Sea (5^th). 

Seabirds: Black Guillemot – Holyhead Harbour (1^st, 5^th), Trearddur Bay (5^th), Benllech (5^th). Holyhead Fish Quay (5^th).

Herons & Egrets: Great Egret – North coast of Llyn Alaw (5^th) and 3 east of Llyn Alaw (7^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks: Whooper Swan; Cors Ddyga (5^th) and 15 between Llangefni and Llannerchymedd (7^th).  Greenland White-fronted Goose; 4-6 towards the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (2^nd – 4th).  Pink-footed Goose; several in flight over Cors Ddyga (5^th).  Long-tailed Duck; 1-2 birds seen on the lagoon at Cemlyn (1^st – 7th) – best approached from the east car park.  Greater Scaup; Llyn Alaw (5^th) and Inland Sea (7^th).  

Waders: Purple Sandpipers; 12+ at Trearddur Bay (5^th).  Green Sandpiper; Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (3^rd – 4th). 

Gulls & Terns: Mediterranean Gull; Cemlyn (4^th) and Inland Sea (5^th).

Raptors:  Marsh Harrier; Cors Ddyga (5^th).  Hen Harrier; Gadfa (5^th). Red Kite; Rosmeirch (7^th).

Passerines: Snow Bunting still in front of the Boathouse café at Red Wharf Bay (1^st – 7th).  Hooded Crow; 2-3 remain in the vicinity of Tesco and KFC, Holyhead.  (1^st, 5^th).  Cetti’s Warble – Llyn Maelog (1^st) and Cors Ddyga (5^th).

Other: Kingfisher; Menai Straits between two bridges (6^th).

Weekly roundup – Saturday 25th January – Friday 31st January 2020

Divers & Grebes: Black-throated Diver; seen off Benllech (29th).  Great Northern Diver; seen at Cemlyn (26^th), Treath Lleiniog (29^th) and Holyhead Harbour (28^th, 31st).  Red-throated Divers best looked for off the east of the island, particularly the likes of Treath Lligwy, Moelfre and Benllech.  Slavonian Grebe; 2 on inland sea (29^th), 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (30^th)

Seabirds: Black Guillemot seen at Holyhead Harbour (26th, 31st) & Beddmanarch Bay (30^th).

Herons & Egrets – No reports of note, but Great Egret still likely to be to east of Llyn Alaw.

Geese & Ducks: Long-tailed Ducks; 1-2 birds seen on the lagoon at Cemlyn (25^th – 31^st) – best approached from the east car park.  Greenland White-fronted Goose; 2 west of Henborth (29^th).  Eider; seen off Benllech (29^th).

Waders: Purple Sandpipers; seen at Trearddur Bay (26th, 29th ) – birds also seen in recent weeks at Cemlyn and Penmon.  Green Sandpiper; Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (30^th).  Jack Snipe; Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (30^th).     

Gulls & Terns: Mediterranean Gull; at Penrhos Coastal Park (29th, 31st),  

Raptors:  Merlin between Cemlyn & Henborth (27^th)

Passerines: Highlight has been the Nivalis race Snow Bunting in front of the Boathouse café at Red Wharf Bay (25^th – 31^st).  Hooded Crow; 2-3 remain in the vicinity of Tesco and KFC, Holyhead.  Dipper; up to 3 birds on the Afon Cefni, Llangefni (29^th).

Other: Kingfisher at Cemlyn (25^th), Brickworks Pool, Traeth Dulas (27^th), Llanfachraeth end of Alaw Estuary (30^th)