Saturday 23rd January – Friday 29th January 2021.

Intro:

53^rd blog post and over 10,000 page views.  Thank you for all the positive feedback over the past year and for the messages in which individuals have shared the value they get from reading the blog.  The first was published on the 3^rd February and covered the week from Saturday 25^th January to Friday 31^st January 2020.  Over the past year many of us have not been able to get out birding as much as we might have wanted to and some have been luckier than others in where they live and what sites they have been able to continue to access.  I hope that the weekly blog has helped contribute to the sense of a birding community and help quench the thirst for birding if only by proxy.  So, without more ado …   

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Last week’s Cattle Egret continued to be seen approximately 1 mile just north-east of Valley (23^rd-27^th).  There were reports of Great Egret from Llyn Llywenan (23^rd) and Cors Erddreiniog (27^th).

Passerines:

The wintering adult Rose-coloured Starling continues to be seen at Amlwch Port (24^th – 27^th), whilst the 2 Snow Bunting remain at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (27^th).  Sightings of Black Redstart included a male bird at Trearddur Bay (23^rd – 26^th), a female / immature at Beaumaris (29^th), a female / immature at Octel, Amlwch (25^th) and then both a male and a female/immature at Octel, Amlwch (29^th).  Reports of Siskin included 2 birds at the Inland Sea (25^th), 2 birds at Mynydd Bodafon (27^th) and 6 birds at the Inland Sea (28^th).  There were 2 Chiffchaff at the water treatment plant, Amlwch (25^th), with another 2 birds at Tregele (25^th).  The Lesser Whitethroat of presumed eastern origin was still at Carreglefn (23^rd).  Following last week’s confirmation that Tree Sparrow continues with its rather precarious foothold on Anglesey, 3 birds were seen away from the known sites around a pheasant feeder near Talwrn (24^th).  The Hooded Crow was seen again near the Roadking truck stop, Holyhead (27^th), whilst 33 Chough were on a garden fence at a private property to the south of Llyn Trafwll (28^th).

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was seen again on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and the A55 (26^th-27^th).  A Purple Sandpiper was seen at Penmon Point (23^rd).  20+ Lapwing and 6 Snipe were on RSPB land next to the Afon Crigyll, which runs to Rhosneigr (28^th).  The Alaw estuary held 39 Bar-tailed Godwit (27^th) and 3 Greenshank (27^th).  5 Woodcock were seen near Plas Llanddyfan, Talwrn (25^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

9 Whooper Swans (6 adults and 3 juveniles) were north east of Bodedern (23^rd), whilst 2 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Llywenan (23^rd).  A Long-tailed Duck was on the Inland Sea from 4-mile bridge (27^th), with another at Cors Erddreiniog (27^th).  An Eider was seen off Beaumaris (27^th).  There was an impressive count of 179 Pintail at the Alaw estuary (27^th), whilst at the Afon Crigyll there were 10 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon and 4 Teal (28^th). 

Divers & Grebes: 

Sightings of Great Northern Diver included 2 birds off Beaumaris (25^th), 2 birds off Traeth Lligwy (27^th) and 1 in Holyhead Bay (28^th).  Sightings of Red-throated Diver included 6 birds off Traeth Lligwy (27^th) and 1 off the headland adjacent to Holyhead harbour (27^th).  A Slavonian Grebe was on the Menai Strait between Menai Bridge and Bangor (26^th), with 2 other birds at Beddmanarch Bay (27^th).

Raptors:

A Red Kite was seen between Llangefni and the A55 (26^th), with a belated report of 1 near Llanerchymedd (15^th).  A Goshawk was seen at Cors Erddreiniog (27^th), the 2^nd sighting already for the year; are they – like Red Kite – becoming a more established part of our avifauna?

Gulls and Terns:

6 Mediterranean Gulls were on a roadside field next to the gorad road flood (28^th).   The first 2 returning Lesser Black-backed Gulls to the Holyhead area were on the Alaw estuary (27^th).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Black Guillemot included 2 birds off Penmon Point (23^rd), 5 at Traeth Lligwy (27^th).  Common Guillemot are back on the cliffs at South Stack (26^th).

Other:

A Common Kingfisher was in Holyhead harbour (27^th). 

 

Species – year to date:

No new additions to the 2021 Cumulative year list, which remains stuck on 140.  Birds that we might have expected in times when wider access was possible would have included Greenland White-fronted Geese, Eurasian Bittern, Brambling, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.  If you have seen any of the above, then please let me know.

Avian Influenza

Following news of a number of outbreaks in wild birds across Europe, it was saddening to learn of an outbreak within pheasants on Anglesey - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55838006 which has led to a declaration by Welsh Government of a temporary control zone https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2021-01/declaration-of%20a-temporary-control-zone-avian-influenza.pdf  Hopefully, the outbreak will be contained without further spread to either domestic poultry or wild birds.

2020 Annual Report of Bird Sightings:

A big thank you to those of you who have requested a copy of the 2020 Annual Report and made donations to the Bangor Bird Group’s Just Giving Page.  Donations, both for the report and more generally, now stand at £943 which will aid the Group in continuing to run a full program of lectures via zoom until such time as physical meetings can resume.  Recent virtual meetings have been recorded and can be found at the Bangor Bird Group YouTube channel.

If you want a copy of the report, please email angleseybirdnews@gmail.com so that a PDF copy can be provided by return. 

Donations to the Bangor Bird Group – for the report, in recognition of the programme of lectures or more generally can be made at: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bangorbirdgroup

 

The forthcoming week 30^th January – 5^th February?

An American Wigeon was at Llyn Bodgylched (30^th) in 1977, a Black Scoter flew past Point Lynas (31^st) in 2002 and a Cattle Egret was at Malltraeth (1^st) in 2008.

Saturday 16th January – Friday 22nd January 2021.

Intro:

3 species of Egret in just the 1 day – few would have thought that possible even a few years ago.

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The 21^st January provided a ‘trio’ of Egret species with a Cattle Egret sharing a field with 29 Little Egret approximately 1 mile north-east of Valley and north of the A5025.  Not too far away, a Great Egret was in a roadside field with 2 Little Egret at the Rhosgoch turning off the B5111 (21^st). 

The Cattle Egret was still present today (22^nd).  Other sightings of Great Egret included birds at Llyn Llygerian (16^th) and Llyn Trafwll (21^st).  There was an unconfirmed report of 2 Common Crane over Menai Bridge (17^th).  The County Recorder continues his efforts to identify and speak to the observer.

50 Red-legged Partridge, including one complete albino individual, were also at the Llanddyfan estate (16^th).

Passerines:

The wintering adult Rose-coloured Starling continued to be seen at Amlwch Port (16^th- 22^nd).  Snow Buntings continue to be seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (17^th, 22^nd) and Cemlyn (16^th & 17^th), but numbers have fallen to just 2 birds at both sites.  A Black Redstart was again at Beaumaris (19^th) and the Lesser Whitethroat of presumed eastern origin was still at Carreglefn (17^th).  A male Blackcap was at garden feeders at Benllech (17^th), with others being disclosed as part of a survey on Facebook.  3 Chiffchaff were at the water treatment plant at Octel Amlwch (22^nd), with a further 2 birds at Tregele (22^nd).  23 Chough were south of Llyn Trafwll (21^st) and 4 Stock Dove were at Rhosgoch  (22^nd).

Confirmation was received during the week that Anglesey’s small population of Tree Sparrows continues to hold on, with sightings every other day at a private garden.  The BTO publication ‘The State of the UK’s birds’ highlights that there has been a reduction of 10.7million pairs of House Sparrow in the UK between 1966 and 2017.  It also highlighted that Wales bucked that trend, with the Breeding Bird Survey showing an increase in the number of House Sparrow in Wales.  100 House Sparrow on Llanddyfan estate (17^th) was a healthy count. 

Waders:

Up to 2 Green Sandpiper are being seen once more between Valley cemetery and A55 (2 on 22^nd).  Sightings of Purple Sandpiper included 15 birds at Cemlyn (16^th) and 1 on the rocks at Octel, Amlwch (17^th).  There were 8 Grey Plover at Cemlyn (16^th), a Jack Snipe at Octel, Amlwch (21^st) and 2 Woodcock in a plantation north of Talwrn (16^th).  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwit included 4 birds on the Inland Sea (18^th) and 1 on the gorad flood, Valley (21^st).  Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit at Beddmanarch Bay included 8 birds (16^th) and 1 (22^nd). 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

9 Whooper Swans (6 adults and 3 juveniles) were north east of Bodedern (21^st).  3 Barnacle Geese were with Greylags in upper reaches of Alaw estuary (17^th) and 4 Pink-footed Geese were on the north-east bank of Llyn Alaw (22^nd).  The Long-tailed Duck was still on Inland Sea from 4 mile bridge (18^th).  There was an impressive count of 550 Eurasian Teal on a small pool between Talwrn and Cors Goch (16^th).

Divers & Grebes: 

Sightings of Great Northern Diver included 1 off Holyhead fish quay (16^th), 2 on the Inland Sea from the cob (18^th) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (17^th, 21^st).  The Red-throated Diver continues to be seen in Holyhead harbour (16^th).  Up to 3 Slavonian Grebe were seen on Inland Sea from the cob (18^th, 22^nd), with up to 3 birds also at Beddmanarch Bay (3 on 21^st).

Raptors:

2 Short-eared Owls were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th), with another south of Llyn Trafwll (21^st).

Gulls and Terns:

After a rather quiet spell for sightings of Mediterranean Gulls, there was a marked increase in reports this week with 10 birds on the Inland Sea from the cob (18^th), up to 3 birds at the gorad flood, Valley (3 on 17^th), 2 on roadside fields at Llanfairynghornwy (16^th), an adult winter in Beddmanarch Bay (18^th, 21^st, 22^nd) and an adult winter bird on fields at Gadfa (17^th – 19^th).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Black Guillemot included up to 3 birds in Holyhead harbour (3 on 21^st), up to 2 birds off Holyhead fish quay (2 on 17^th) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (18^th).

Other:

A Common Kingfisher was in Holyhead harbour (17^th).

 

Species – year to date:

The 2021 Cumulative year list has ticked up by 2 to 140 with the addition of Cattle Egret and Tree Sparrow.  The reported sighting of 2 Common Crane will not be added to the Year List unless further information is received and accepted by the County Recorder.

 

2020 Annual Report of Bird Sightings:

A big thank you to those of you who have requested a copy of the 2020 Annual Report and made donations to the Bangor Bird Group’s Just Giving Page.  Donations, both for the report and more generally, now stand at £888 which will aid the Group in continuing to run a full program of lectures via zoom until such time as physical meetings can resume.  Recent virtual meetings have been recorded and can be found at the Bangor Bird Group YouTube channel.

If you want a copy of the report, please email angleseybirdnews@gmail.com so that a PDF copy can be provided by return. 

Donations to the Bangor Bird Group – for the report, in recognition of the programme of lectures or more generally can be made at: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bangorbirdgroup.

 

The forthcoming week 23^rd – 29^th January?

The quiet period for scarce and rare birds continues, with just the one record – a Rough-legged Buzzard (24^th) at Lligwy in 2002.

 

Saturday 9th January – Friday 15th January 2021.

Intro:

A fairly steady position given restrictions, but still 3 new species for the year list.

Passerines:

The wintering adult Rose-coloured Starling continues to be seen at Amlwch Port (9^th – 15^th), whilst Snow Bunting continue to be seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (3 on 10^th, 2 on 15^th).  The Black Redstart is still at Beaumaris (10^th & 11^th) and the Lesser Whitethroat of a presumed eastern form continues to be seen in a private garden at Carreglefn (11^th – 15^th).  Social media posts suggest a number of wintering Blackcap on the island – perhaps the big Garden birdwatch at the end of the month will give insight into just how many there are.  A Hooded Crow is being seen regularly near the Road King, Holyhead (12^th, 14^th) and often favours the construction area nearby.  Another Hooded Crow was seen to fly over Holyhead in the direction of the McDonald’s / Asda area (13^th).  8 Lesser Redpoll were seen at Valley (13^th) and 1 was at Gadfa (15^th).  The Dingle at Llangefni held 10 Nuthatches (10^th).

Waders:

After an absence of a week or more, a Green Sandpiper was again seen on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and A55 (13^th).  Up to 3 Purple Sandpiper were seen from the slipway at Trearddur Bay (3 on 14^th) and 200 Lapwing were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).  Greenshank were seen at Red Wharf Bay (9^th) and at Beddmanarch Bay (12^th).  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwit included 2 birds on the Inland Sea (9^th), 1 bird on the Gorad flood, Valley (12^th, 14^th) and 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga.  4 Bar-tailed Godwit were seen in Beddmanarch Bay (9^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

25 Pink-footed Geese in fields east of Burwen, nr. Amwch (10^th) was a good count for the island.  Up to 27 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were near the outflow at Benllech (9^th), while up to 6 Common Eider were offshore (6 on 10^th).  The Long-tailed Duck continues to be seen from 4 mile bridge (12^th, 15^th), whilst up to 5 Greater Scaup remain on the Inland Sea (5 on 9^th & 12^th).  210 Shelduck were counted at Red Wharf Bay (9^th).

Divers & Grebes: 

Sightings of Great Northern Diver included up to 3 birds on the Inland Sea (3 on the 12^th), 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (11^th, 14^th), 1 off Beaumaris (13^th – 15^th) and 1 off Benllech (15^th).  Up to 4 Slavonian Grebe were in Beddmanarch Bay (4 on 9th), with up to 2 on the Inland Sea (2 on 15^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Water Rail was seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (15^th).

Raptors:

A Northern Goshawk was seen over the approach road to Cemlyn (9^th).  A Merlin was at the Inland Sea (12^th) and 2 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).

Gulls and Terns:

Sightings of Mediterranean Gull included up to 2 birds on the Inland Sea (2 on 9^th) and 3 on the Gorad flood, Valley (14^th).

Seabirds:

Black Guillemot were seen at Beddmanarch Bay (14^th) and at Holyhead Harbour (15^th).

Other:

A Common Kingfisher was on the Inland Sea (12^th).

Species – year to date:

The 2021 Cumulative year list has risen to 138, with the addition of Goshawk (9^th), Common Eider (9^th) and a belated report of Sanderling in the Lligwy area (1^st).

 

2020 Annual Report of Bird Sightings:

A big thank you to those of you who have requested a copy of the 2020 Annual Report and made donations to the Bangor Bird Group’s Just Giving Page.  Donations, both for the report and more generally, now stand at £745 which will aid the Group in continuing to run a full program of lectures via zoom until such time as physical meetings can resume.

If you want a copy of the report, please email angleseybirdnews@gmail.com so that a PDF copy can be provided by return. 

Donations to the Bangor Bird Group – for the report, in recognition of the programme of lectures or more generally can be made at: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bangorbirdgroup

 

The forthcoming week 16^th – 22^nd January?

A Forster’s Tern was at Holyhead (19^th) in 1986 and presumably the same bird at Holyhead (21^st) in 1989.  A Surf Scoter was in Trearddur Bay (18^th) in 2003, an American Wigeon at Llyn Bodgylched (now seemingly an unwatched site) (21^st) in 1979 and a Little Bunting was at the Braint estuary car park (22^nd) in 2004.

 

Saturday 2nd January – Friday 8th January 2021.

Intro:

Wintering warblers!

Passerines:

The highlight of the week was the range of warblers sighted on Anglesey.  Cetti’s Warbler are resident in small numbers and 2 were reported from Llyn Maelog (3^rd).  Blackcap is a scarce winter visitor and a female/ juvenile was seen at a private residence near Cemlyn (2^nd).  Common Chiffchaff can usually be found at most of the water treatment plants on the island, but during this week 4-5 birds were reported from a small copse at the north-west end of Llyn Llywenan (2^nd).  More excitingly, a Yellow-browed Warbler was seen amongst them (2^nd).  It is not unusual for birds to be identified from photos posted on social media and this week a Lesser Whitethroat was identified from a photograph taken at Carreglefn (4^th).  So, 5 species of warbler in the depths of winter!

The wintering adult Rose-coloured Starling continues to be seen at Amlwch Port (2^nd – 8^th), whilst the now established Snow Buntings continue to be seen with 3 birds at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (2^nd- 8^th) and 3 birds at Cemlyn (2^nd – 4^th).  Circa 12 Lesser Redpoll were seen at Pentraeth forest (3^rd), 8 Skylark were seen on a stubble field between the Range and South Stack (6^th) and a small flock of Linnet were between the A5025 and Cleifog Fawr (3^rd).  Nuthatch were seen at Llangefni (3^rd), with Treecreeper at Llyn Parc Mawr (3^rd) and Cefni reservoir (6^th).  2 Dipper were displaying and singing by the Council Offices, Llangefni (2^nd).

Waders:

12 Purple Sandpiper were at Cemlyn (2^nd), with 3 birds on the rocks near Octel (8^th).  There are large numbers of Eurasian Golden Plover on fields between Bodorgan and Aberffraw, and a little further up the coast c. 1000 were seen on fields behind Porth Cwyfan (4^th).  3 Eurasian Golden Plover were with Lapwing on the Alaw estuary (3^rd).  2 Greenshank were at 4 Mile bridge (3^rd), as were c. 10 Knot (3^rd).  30 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (2^nd), a Woodcock was at Talwrn (2^nd) and a Jack Snipe on a marsh NWW of Talwrn (2^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Sightings of Whooper Swan included 5 birds on fields between Bodedern and Llanddeusant (2^nd & 3^rd) and 20 birds near Tre-Ysgawen hall (3^rd).  There was a belated identification from photographs of 2 Tundra Bean Geese over Cemlyn (1^st), whilst a Pink-footed Goose was seen in fields behind Beaumaris Caste (4^th).  3 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Llywenan (2^nd & 3^rd), and presumably the same birds were then seen at Llyn Trafwll (4^th).  The Long-tailed Duck remained at 4 mile bridge, Holy Island (3^rd-4^th), whilst another bird was seen on the lake at Cors Erddreiniog (6^th).  Up to 5 Greater Scaup continued to be seen on the Inland Sea from the Anchorage hotel (5 on the 4^th), with 2 viewable from the cob (7^th).  c.125 Northern Shoveler were noted at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).

Divers & Grebes: 

Great Northern Diver continue to be seen around the island with 1 off Beaumaris (3^rd-5^th), 1 on the Inland Sea (3^rd-5^th), 1 off Aberffraw (4^th) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (7^th).  A Red-throated Diver was in Holyhead harbour (3^rd), with 3 birds at Traeth Lligwy (6^th).  Up to 4 Slavonian Grebe were on the Inland Sea (4 on 2^nd), 1 bird was seen in Beddmanarch Bay (7th), whilst 1 was seen off Beaumaris pier (2^nd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at Llyn Llywenan (2^nd & 3^rd).

Raptors:

After regular sighting during Spring and Summer, reports of Red Kite have become few in number so it was good to hear of 1 over Talwrn (6^th).  At RSPB Cors Ddyga, there was a male Marsh Harrier (3^rd), a ringtail Hen Harrier (3^rd), a Merlin (3^rd) and a Short-eared Owl (3^rd).  A Little Owl was on the Range, South Stack (6^th) and a Peregrine was on the Alaw estuary (3^rd).

Gulls and Terns:

Up to 2 Mediterranean Gull on the Inland Sea (2 on 3^rd).

Seabirds:

There were a number of reports of Gannet, with birds seen flying past Octel (2^nd) and the Range, South Stack (6^th).

Other:

A Common Kingfisher on the inland Sea (5^th).

 

Species – year to date:

The 2021 Cumulative year list is already up to 135; over 61% of last year’s total!

 

The forthcoming week 9^th – 15^th January?

A Forster’s Tern was at Holyhead (10^th) in 1988 and we are overdue another.  A Bonaparte’s Gull was at Traeth Lligwy (14^th) in 2010 and a Cattle Egret at Llyn Alaw (15^th) in 1981.

 

2020 Annual Report of Bird Sightings

A big thank you to those of you who have requested a copy of the 2020 Annual Report and made donations to the Bangor Bird Group’s Just Giving Page.  Donations, for both the report and more generally, now stand at £616 which will aid the Group in continuing to run a full program of lectures via zoom until such time as physical meetings can resume.

If you want a copy of the report, please email angleseybirdnews@gmail.com so that a PDF copy can be provided by return.  Donations to the Bangor Bird Group can be made at: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bangorbirdgroup

 

Saturday 26th December– Friday 1st January 2021.

Intro:

Blwyddyn Newydd dda / Happy New Year.

 

Passerines:

Snow Bunting continue to show well, with 3 birds on the shingle ridge, Cemlyn (26^th –1^st) and the 3 birds at Soldier’s Point. Holyhead on the rough ground on the approach to the Breakwater (27^th – 1st).  Away from what have now become the regular sites, a further bird was seen near the radio mast at South Stack (26^th).  Black Redstart also features strongly in news reports with birds at the former Octel factory, Amlwch Port (27^th & 1st), Beaumaris (29^th), Holyhead mountain (30^th) and Point Lynas (1^st).  The Rose-coloured Starling continues to be seen in a private garden at Amlwch Port (26^th –1^st) and was also seen away from the regular garden on the 31^st.  A male Blackcap was in a private garden near the Alaw estuary (27^th), whilst a Chiffchaff was at the Amlwch Water treatment plant (1^st) with up to 2 birds being present over recent days.  A Water Pipit was seen at Traeth Dulas (1^st), a Hooded Crow at Amlwch Port (1^st) and a Stock Dove at Traeth Dulas (1^st).

Waders:

At least 1 Green Sandpiper remains on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and the A55 (28^th & 1^st), with another bird at the Inland Sea (28^th).  Purple Sandpiper were seen at Bull Bay (30^th), Trearddur Bay (1^st) and Cemlyn (1^st).   A Black-tailed Godwit was on the gorad flood, Valley (28^th), a Greenshank was on the old Brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (1^st) and 4 Grey Plover were at Holyhead Bay (28^th).  Sightings of Jack Snipe included 1 at Holyhead mountain (30^th) and 3 at Traeth Dulas (1^st).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

5 Whooper Swan were on fields between Bodedern and Llanddeusant (27^th).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 55 birds at Benllech (26^th) and 340 birds at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th).  The latter site also includes a single Dark-bellied Brent Goose (28^th).  The Long-tailed Duck remained at 4 mile bridge, Holy Island (28^th & 1^st), with another bird off Benllech (30^th).  5 Greater Scaup continued to be seen on the Inland Sea (28^th &1^st).

Divers & Grebes: 

Sightings of Great Northern Diver included up to 4 birds on the Inland Sea, Holyhead (4 on 28^th), 3 off Benllech (27^th), 1 in Holyhead Bay (28^th) and 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th).  Red-throated Diver were seen off Benllech (27^th) and in Holyhead Harbour (1^st).  Up to 4 Slavonian Grebe were seen on the Inland Sea, Holyhead (4 on 31^st, 3 on 29^th & 1^st), with 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (28^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Great Egret continue to be seen across the island with sightings including birds at Aberffraw (30^th), in fields west of the Rhosgoch turning (1^st) and at Llyn Llywenan (1^st).  Sightings of Water Rail included 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead – the first sighting at this site during the winter months (30^th).

Raptors:

There have been few reports of raptors over the holiday week, probably due in part to the travel restrictions to RSPB Cors Ddyga which has been the source of most sightings of late.  One report did emerge, that of a Short-eared Owl at RSPB Cors Ddyga (31^st).

Gulls and Terns:

Up to 2 Mediterranean Gull on gorad flood, Valley (2 on 28^th, 1 on 31^st), with an adult at Trearddur Bay (28^th).  A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on fields to north of Llyn Alaw (1^st) – a scarce bird on Anglesey during the winter months.

Seabirds:

Reports of Black Guillemot included 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (28^th), 2 in Holyhead Harbour – 1 of which was in breeding plumage (30^th) and 1 at Trearddur Bay (1^st).

Other:

A Common Kingfisher was at the Dingle, Llangefni (29^th).

 

Species – year to date:

The 2020 Cumulative year list finished on 220.

At the end of the 1^st day of the 2021 birding year, the year list stands at 95 (at least, with no doubt more records to be shared).  If you have seen species not listed on the 2021 cumulative list then please email or Direct Message me so that I can update the list.

 

The forthcoming week 2^nd January – 8^th January?

For year listers, every species is new for the year so will keep individuals busy for a while.  Which is a rather good job as this week isn’t the best for newly found scarce and rare birds with a Green-winged Teak (6^th) at Llyn Parc Mawr in 2007 and a Little Bunting (8^th) at Llanddeussant in 1957.

 

2020 Annual Report of Bird Sightings

The 2020 Annual Report was made available this morning and is already helping raise funds for the Bangor Bird Group.  Many thanks to those who have requested a copy and made a donation.

If you want a copy of the report, please email angleseybirdnews@gmail.com so that a PDF copy can be provided by return.  If you enjoy the report, it is suggested that you consider making a minimum donation of £4 to the Bangor Bird Group’s Just Giving Page to support their programme of talks.  The Just Giving Page can be found at:

https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bangorbirdgroup