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?