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!