Weekly roundup – Saturday 21st March – Friday 27th March 2020

Summary:

The request for people to stay at home as part of the UK Covid 19 shutdown measures has quite understandable resulted in a lot less news as people have restricted their movement to that which has been absolutely essential.  This has resulted in a lot more ‘garden’ based or local ‘patch’ based birding on foot during the one suggested walk for exercise each day.  Give the restrictions on travel, there has been a temporary suspension of daily summary reports as promoting good birds in the knowledge that individuals cannot consider going for them was only likely to add to any frustration of not being able to get out and about.

One of the reports that generated some interest was that of 8 Yellowhammers near Brynteg (25^th).  Anglesey still has small numbers of Yellowhammers that can be seen in the North East of the island in areas from Cors Coch, through Maenaddwyn to Llandyfrydog.  They are already back on their breeding territories and can often be seen atop of roadside telegraph poles belting out their ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’ song.  See:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oq1kLp1Y_M

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b02tt1kv

Yellowhammer, Llandyfrydog 2019 @birdinginasuit

Passerines

Spring migrants continued to arrive with a Ring Ouzel at Amlwch Port (25^th), Willow Warbler at Brynteg (25^th), Swallow at Holyhead mountain (27^th) and a Black Redstart at RAF Valley (27^th) – all new for the year. Northern Wheatear were reported from multiple sites and 3 Sand Martins were at the Inland Sea (25^th).  Six Siskin were seen flying over South Stack (22^nd) and 2 Redpoll also (species not confirmed).  There are still some winter visitors about, with a Brambling seen again on feeders at a private residence in Benllech (21^st) and the Snow Bunting still at Red Wharf Bay on the same date.  Sightings of winter thrushes included 2 Fieldfare at Cors Ddyga (21^st ) and 15 at Tregele (23^rd), with 7 Redwing at Holyhead mountain (27^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at South Stack (22^nd) and Holyhead (24^th).

Divers & Grebes: 

A Great Norther Diver continued to be seen on the Inland Sea (21^st, 25^th) and 2 Slavonian Grebes were seen at Beddmanarch Bay (21^st).

Seabirds:

The first Manx Shearwater was seen distantly from Holyhead mountain (27^th).

Herons, Egrets and Cranes:

Two Spoonbills were seen over Brynteg (27^th) and 2 Common Cranes over RSPB South Stack (27^th).  At any other time the words 'Fire up the quattro' would have echoed around many homes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXYdNwPf-w0

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The 7 Greenland White-fronted Geese were still present at Llyn Llywenan during the week (22^nd). 50 Brent Geese were seen at Red Wharf Bay (22^nd).  The pair of Greater Scaup continued to be seen on the Inland Sea (21^st, 25^th).  Likewise, the 2 Long-tailed Duck continued to be seen on the lagoon at Cemlyn (21^st, 22^nd).

Waders:

Black-tailed Godwits provided some wader interest with 1 in Holyhead Bay (21^st), 6 at Cors Ddyga (21^st), 5 at Cemlyn (21^st), 7 at Llyn Llywenan (22^nd) and 4 at gorad flood, Valley (23^rd, 25^th).  There were 15 Bar-tailed Godwit at Holyhead Bay (21^st), which also held a single Knot (21^st).

Gulls & Terns: 

The first returning Sandwich Tern was seen in the bay at Cemlyn (24^th).  Up to 10+ Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Cemlyn (21^st, 22^nd).

Raptors:

Red Kites continue to be seen across the island, but given that we are approaching the breeding season it is probably best not to give exact locations.  It would be good to see this as a regular breeding bird species on the island.  Marsh Harriers continue to be seen over RSPB Cors Ddyga and Valley wetlands.  A Merlin was seen at Tregele (22^nd).

Other:

A Kingfisher was at Traeth Dulas (22^nd) and two Grey Partridge were at Traeth Lligwy (23^rd).  In respect of the latter, it is understood that one of the local estates has started to release Grey Partridge in addition to their normal release of Red-legged Partridge.  Whatever the origins, they are still nice birds to see on Anglesey.

Species – year to date:

The number of species recorded on Anglesey in the year to date has increased to 159.  The new additions are Willow Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Swallow, Manx Shearwater, Black Redstart, Spoonbill, Common Crane and Grey Partridge.  Snow Goose has been removed off the list as it was probably pushing credibility of year list!   Sub-species such as White Wagtail are not counted on list. 

I’ll look to put together an account on the Anglesey County list.

Next week?

We might normally expect something like a Garganey, but given the restrictions it looks like it will be a case of all eyes to the sky - today has already produced Spoonbill and Common Crane.  Who will spot the first Osprey?

Weekly roundup – Saturday 14th March – Friday 20th March 2020

Headline:

Northern Wheatears started to arrive on que, with the first two birds being found at Cemlyn on the 14^th.  Cemlyn has been the main location from which records have been received, with up to 5 birds being either on the fields approaching, or on the rocks surrounding, the Trwyn.  Other records have come from areas just down the coast; Henborth (15^th) and a bit further down the coast near to the Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (17^th). 

Northern Wheatear; Trwyn, Cemlyn 18/03/20 @birdinginasuit

Given the main focus of records has been on early migrants, the order of the ‘broad groupings’ has been adjusted.

Passerines: 

In addition to the arrival of Northern Wheatears, there was an influx of Common Chiffchaff and the first hirundines in the form of Sand Martin and House Martin.  Common Chiffchaff were at Tyddyn Isaf caravan park (14^th), followed by 3 at South Stack (16^th), 3 at Wylfa Head woods (16^th) and 1 at Octel, Amlwch (16^th).  The first Sand Martin was seen over the Gorad flood, Valley (17^th), which also held a White Wagtail (continental form of our Pied Wagtail) on the same date.  The number of Sand Martin at Gorad flood increased to 5 on the 18^th and on the same date a House Martin was seen.  The ‘Gorad flood’ is a seasonal flooded field (dries out in the summer) at the junction of the A5 and Gorad Road, Valley which has attracted its fair share of rare and scarce birds.  https://what3words.com/storming.escorting.nights

The Rose-coloured Starling remained at Llanfaethlu and was reported on most days.  It can often be seen resting in a tree on the left side of the hill, opposite the Royal Mail post box.  The Snow Bunting also continues to be seen on the shingle spit or grassed area in front of the Boathouse restaurant, Red Wharf Bay.  The wintering Firecrest was seen again at the entrance to the Breakwater Country Park (17^th).  A Brambling was seen on garden feeders at Benllech (20^th).  There were a number of reports of Hooded Crow from locations around Holyhead, including The Range (16^th) and Soldier’s Point (17^th, 19^th).

Divers & Grebes: 

A Black-throated Diver was seen off Benllech (14^th).  Great Northern Diver continue to be seen around the coast with birds being reported at Moelfre (14^th), Benllech (15^th, 17^th) and the Inland Sea (18^th, 19^9th, 20^th).  Slavonian Grebes continue at their most reliable sites; with 2 birds at Beddmanarch Bay and up to 2 birds on the Inland Sea (17^th, 18^th, 19^th, 20^th).

Seabirds:

The first returning Puffin was seen off South Stack (16^th).  Black Guillemot were reported off Benllech  - 8 (14^th), Traeth Lligwy – 7  (14^th) and at the Holyhead Fish Quay – 4  (19^th).

Herons and Egrets:

A booming Bittern was reported from RSPB Valley Lakes (18^th, 19^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The Greenland White-fronted Geese were still present at Llyn Llywenan at the start of the week - with 7 being reported (14^th); but there have been no reports either way since.  The Snow Goose – almost certainly of feral origin – was seen at Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley Lakes (18^th, 19^th).  The Velvet Scoter was still present off Benllech earlier in the week (14^th, 15^th) – it may still be worth searching for this bird.  There were 10 Common Eider off Benllech (14^th) and 3 off Moelfre (20^th).  The Long-tailed Ducks remain at Cemlyn and were reported throughout the week.  They are now sometimes in the bay, often being seen close in to the shore on the west side of the bay. That said, they were today (20^th), back on the lagoon.  The pair of Greater Scaup remain on the Inland Sea (20^th).

Waders:

Purple Sandpiper continue to be seen in good numbers at Cemlyn with 16 (14^th) and 14 (18^th).  Also reported at Cemlyn on the 18^th were a wintering Whimbrel, 8 Grey Plover and 300+ Golden Plover.  Both the Green and Common Sandpipers were reported during the week; with the Green Sandpiper on the flooded field north of the stone bridge at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw Estuary (16^th) and the Common Sandpiper at Church Island, Menai Bridge (19^th).  Two Common Sandpipers were present on the 20^th.   

Gulls & Terns: 

Up to 7 Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Cemlyn, with birds also being seen on fields towards Henborth.  The birds at Cemlyn included two colour-ringed birds, one being from a Polish scheme and another from a French one.  A Mediterranean Gull was also seen at Penrhos Coastal Park (17^th).

Raptors:

Red Kites was seen over Pentraeth automotive (14^th) and over the A55 south of Gwalchmai (14^th).  The following day, one was seen over Llandegfan (15^th).  Marsh Harriers were seen at both RSPB Cors Ddyga and RSPB Valley Wetlands.  With the land managed by RSPB Cors Ddyga now extending to both sides of the A55, together with the flooded state of much of the land, it is now sometimes possible to see Marsh Harriers crossing overhead of the A55 – two were seen today (20^th).  

Species – year to date:

The number of species recorded on Anglesey in the year to date has increased to 152 with the addition of Northern Wheatear (14^th), Puffin (16^th), Sand Martin (17^th), House Martin (18^th), Brambling (20th) and late news of a Stock Dove.

Next week?

Expect more of the summer migrants already mentioned, plus the possibility of early records of Swallow, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.  There has been a first sighting of Manx Shearwater at Bardsey Island and this is another potential year tick for those putting in a little time seawatching.  In addition to the more commonly seen species, the latter part of March can bring a few rare sightings such as the Snowy Owl seen at Valley (27/3/1959) and a White Stork seen at Gaerwen (30/03/1988) – I’m sure that a repeat of either would be much appreciated.

Weekly roundup – Saturday 7th March – Friday 13th March 2020

Headline:

Whilst there were scarcer birds, the bird (or birds) of the week for many were the four Barnacle Geese which put in an appearance between Cemlyn and Henborth between the 9^th and 10^th of March.  There is a small feral population of Barnacle Geese at Llyn Trafwll which numbers fourteen or so, but these birds are thought to remain fairly faithful to the immediate area.  The four Barnacle Geese were initially seen in flight over Cemlyn before being relocated in fields nearby.  The birds appeared wary of approaching cars etc and their stay was brief.  It is probably not unreasonable to speculate that these were truly wild birds.  Whatever their origin, they provided both enjoyment and a few year & life ticks for some of their many admirers.

Barnacle Geese, Cemlyn- Henborth, 9th - 10th March 2020 @birdinginasuit

Divers & Grebes: 

A fairly unchanged position in respect of the scarcer Divers and Grebes with Great Northern Diver being reported from Holyhead Harbour (9^th, 12^th), up to 3 birds on Inland Sea (8^th, 9^th, 13^th), 1 at Cemlyn (8^th) and 1 at Trwyn y Penrhyn, Penmon (8^th).  Slavonian Grebe continue to be reported either side of the Holyhead cob, with up to 2 birds in Beddmanarch Bay (9^th, 12^th) and up to 2 on the Inland Sea (8^th,13^th).

Seabirds:

There was a time when Fedw Fawr, between Llandonna and Penmon was the only reliable site for Black Guillemot.   This is a bird species whose fortune around Anglesey appears to have improved.  As in previous weeks, there were a good number of birds reported with 12 off Benllech (8^th), 8 in Holyhead Harbour (12^th), 4 at Holyhead Fish Quay (12^th) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (12^th).

Herons and Egrets:

No reports were received of any rare or scarce Herons or Egrets. 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A number of Whooper Swans remain on the island with reports of up to 7 birds at Rhosgoch (8^th,13^th), 7 at Cors Ddyga (9^th) and the single bird at Capel Coch (7^th, 11^th, 12^th).  As mentioned previously, 4 Barnacle Geese frequented a field inland of the minor road between Cemlyn and Henborth  (9^th, 10^th ).  A Snow Goose was reported on fields at Rhosneigr (9^th), this presumably being the bird seen earlier in the year at Llyn Coron.  The Greenland White-fronted Geese remain at Llyn Llywenan with 7 being reported (12^th).  The Velvet Scoter remained off Benllech (7^th, 8^th, 13^th).   In addition to the Common Scoter off Benllech, there were two birds off Trwyn y Pehrhyn, Penmon (8^th).   The 2 Long-tailed Ducks were present throughout on the lagoon at Cemlyn and were reported on several dates (7^th, 8^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th).  Up to 4 Common Eider were reported off Benllech (7^th, 8^th) and 1 off Trwyn y Penrhyn, Penmon (8^th).

Waders:

There are good numbers of both Grey Plover and Golden Plover at Cemlyn at the moment, with scarcer waders in the form of Whimbrel (8^th, 10^th ) and Purple Sandpiper; there were 6 on the 8^th and 17+ on the 10^th.  The Common Sandpiper was seen at Church Island (10^th) and the Green Sandpiper at Llanfachraeth (8^th).

Gulls & Terns: 

Mediterranean Gulls continue to be seen in small numbers, with reports of 3 at Cemlyn (8^th, 10^th), 2 on Inland Sea (8^th) and 1 at Penrhos Coastal Park (12^th,13^th ).  A Sandwich Tern was seen over the Menai Straits opposite Feliheli.

Raptors:

A Red Kite was seen over Gadfa (7^th) and a Merlin around the Inland Sea (11^th).

Passerines: 

The Rose-coloured Starling at Llanfaethlu was present throughout the week and reported on most dates (8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th).  The Snow Bunting continues to be seen around the grassy area and spit in front of the Boathouse restaurant / Ship Inn (7^th, 8^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th ).  Up to 6 singing Cetti’s Warblers were located at Cors Ddyga (9^th). A Firecrest, presumably that seen earlier in the year, was seen at the Breakwater Country Park (13^th).  A Hooded Crow was on The Range, near South Stack (13^th).

Species – year to date:

The number of species recorded on Anglesey in the year to date has increased to 146 with the addition of Tree Sparrow.  There is still a small number of Tree Sparrow on the island, but none are known to be at locations where there is access to the general public.

Next week?

Next week should, weather permitting, bring the first influx of Northern Wheatear – one has been seen on the Great Orme during the last week.

The archives suggest a quiet week with the best find being a Ring-billed Gull on the Alaw Estuary on the 20^th March 2003.  UK records have fallen off quite markedly so another bird would be most welcome.

If you need a lift of spirit during these windy and rainy days, have a look at this youtube video on Bird Migration on Merchant Ships https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRFyIsX8pq4  Migrants are on their way!

Weekly roundup – Saturday 29th February – Friday 6th March 2020

Headline:

The Rose-coloured Starling was still present at Llanfaethlu throughout the week and drew a steady stream of admirers. Nonetheless, it quickly became usurped in the eyes of some by a particularly showy Velvet Scoter that was discovered off Benllech on the 3^rd March.  A scarce bird along the North Wales coast, which annually only generates a handful of records – usually amongst large Common Scoter flocks off the coast between Colwyn Bay and Abergele.  On Anglesey, it is a far rarer sighting.  The bird was best seen from the coastal footpath just north of Benllech and on occasions was very close inshore.  It was loosely associating with a single Common Scoter and was still present on the 6^th.

Velvet Scoter, Benllech 03/03/2020 @birdinginasuit

Divers & Grebes: 

Great Northern Divers continue to be seen at some of the more regular sites with birds present at Holyhead Harbour (29^th, 3^rd), the Inland Sea (5^th) and Cemlyn (1^st,3^rd).  A Red-throated Diver was also seen at Holyhead Harbour (29^th).  In terms of scarcer grebes, up to 2 Slavonian Grebes were reported from Beddmanarch Bay (29^th, 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd), with a sighting of one on the Inland Sea (5^th)  

Seabirds:

Black Guillemot sightings continue to be numerous around the coast, with up to six birds being reported from Holyhead Harbour (29^th, 1^st, 3^rd).  The increased scrutiny of the Red Wharf Bay area around Benllech - following the sighting of the Velvet Scoter - has resulted in many reports, with a maximum of 12 seen (4^th – 6^th ).

Herons and Egrets:

A Great Egret continues to be seen on flooded fields east of Llyn Alaw (4^th) – viewed from SH426868 – but take extreme care on this busy road.  A Eurasian Bittern was heard booming at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd). 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Whooper Swans have been seen from a number of sites with an impressive 36 on Llyn Cefni (4^th).  There were 7 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th), with singles at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw (29^th, 3^rd  and north of Capel Coch (29^th, 2^nd, 4^th).  The Greenland White-fronted Geese started off the week at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary, with 5 birds reported (29^th).  Later in the week they were relocated at Llyn Llywenan with numbers rising from 3 (4^th) to 7 (6^th).  Up to two Long-tailed Ducks remain on the lagoon at Cemlyn (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 5^th, 6^th).  Greater Scaup have been seen at Llyn Coron (5^th, 6^th) – max of 4 and a female on the Inland Sea (5^th).  Three Common Eider were seen of Benllech (4^th, 6^th).  

Waders:

The wintering Common Sandpiper continues to be seen at Church Island, Menai Bridge (29^th, 6^th), whilst the Green Sandpiper was seen on the wet field north of the stone bridge at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (1^st, 3^rd).  The regular wintering Whimbrel was seen at Cemlyn (2^nd, 3^rd, 5^th ), whilst a further 3 birds were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th).  There is speculation as to the latter being early migrants.  Purple Sandpipers were reported from Trearddur Bay – 8 (2^nd).  Sanderling were seen at Traeth Lligwy – 2 (2^nd) and Rhosneigr - 6 (6^th).

Gulls & Terns: 

Despite early March being one of the best times for migrant white winged gulls, in the form of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, none were located this week.  The scarcest gull has been Mediterranean Gull, with sightings of 3 at Beddmanarch Bay (1^st) and 1 at Henborth, nr. Cemlyn (5^th).

Raptors:

Reports of Red Kite at the centre of the island continue, with a sighting at Llangefni (4^th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga is the stronghold of Marsh Harriers on the island and there were several reports of birds (2^nd, 4^th, 6^th).  Merlin were reported at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd, 4^th) and Llyn Coron (6^th). 

Passerines: 

The Rose-coloured Starling was present at Llanfaethlu throughout the week.  If you are visiting, consider making use of the community shop as the local residents have been very accommodating of the many visitors.  It would be a nice gesture to help sustain the viability of the shop by making use of it.  A Hooded Crow was seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (29^th), but no reports have been received from around the KFC / Tesco stores – it is possible that the birds are still around the area.  The Snow Bunting remains around the grassed are shingle ridge opposite the Boathouse restaurant / Ship Inn, Red Wharf Bay (3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th).  A Firecrest has been at Pentre Berw water treatment plant – just south of RSPB Cors Ddyga throughout the week and reported on two dates (4^th, 6^th).

Other:

Common Kingfisher were seen at Holyhead Harbour (29^th) and Traeth Dulas (4^th).

Next week?

As can be seen from above, no early hirundines were seen during the past week – so much for last week’s suggestion.  In respect of the forthcoming week, past records give an indication of the rare and scarce migrants that can be found during early March.  Looking back over records from previous years, the undoubted highlight for many was the finding of a white-phase Gyrfalcon at Holyhead on the 8^th March 2002.  The bird was initially seen over Beddmanarch Bay, then relocated at RSPB South Stack allowing many local birders the opportunity to catch up with the bird if only briefly.  The bird went to roost on the cliffs between South and North Stack.  A thick blanket of fog the following morning made searching difficult, but the bird was also seen on both the 9^th and the 10^th.