Friday 26 March 2021

Saturday 20th March - Friday 26th March 2021.

Intro:

Three new species for the year, courtesy of two new spring arrivals and a missing winter visitor added just in time.

Seabirds:

Perhaps one of the most keenly anticipated pieces of birding news for Anglesey during the early spring is whether the Puffins are back.  There is now a positive response to that question, with the 1st returning bird being seen below Elin’s Tower, RSPB South Stack (22nd).


Puffin - Steve Culley - library photo from 2020

One of the other sought-after auks for those visiting the island is Black Guillemot, 11 of which were seen at Holyhead Fish quay / harbours (25th), with sightings of single birds at Ynys Moelfre (20th), Penmon (20th).

A Manx Shearwater was seen off The Range, Holyhead (21st).

Gulls and Terns:

Vying with the Puffin question, is that of whether the terns are back?  Once again, some good news with the 1st returning Sandwich Tern being seen at Cemlyn (20th).  The North Wales Wildlife Trust are currently seeking to raise £30,000 towards the cost of providing wardens.  If you want to know more, or wish to make a donation, then further details can be found at: https://www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/cemlyn-appeal.

Up to 7 Mediterranean Gull were at the Inland Sea (7 on 22nd, 6 on 20th), with 10 Kittiwake at Ynys Moelfre (20th). 

Divers & Grebes:

4 Red-throated Divers were off Benllech (24th), with others seen at Ynys Moelfre (20th) and off The Range, Holyhead (21st).  Up to 4 Slavonian Grebe were on the Inland Sea, Holy Island, 2 of which have nearly completed their moult into summer plumage (4 on 20th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Last week’s headline bird – a drake Ring-necked Duck – continued its stay at Llyn Maelog (23rd, 25th).  A single Whooper Swan is still in fields off the minor road from Bodedern to Llanddeussant (26th), while at least 10 Greenland White-fronted Geese remain at Rhosgoch (20th).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 41 at Red-Wharf Bay (26th) and 48 at Benllech (24th).

Both the long staying Long-tailed Ducks were seen again, with the bird at 4-mile bridge being seen throughout the week (20th-26th) and the Cors Erddreiniog bird also being present (24th).  A noteworthy c.200 Common Eider passed through Penmon (21st), with c.40 birds at 8am, joined by a significant number that passed through in the subsequent hour of so.  Elsewhere, there 8 Common Eider were seen displaying at Ynys Moelfre (20th) and 4 were at Benllech (24th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga held a good array of commoner duck species including 8 Pintail, 20 Shoveler, c.80 Wigeon and c.100 Teal.  2 Pochard were on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (22nd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret continues its stay 1-mile NE of valley (20th-25th).  Up to 3 Great Egret were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 20th & 21st), with 1 at Llyn Llywenan (20th).  2 Eurasian Bittern were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (20th, 21st).  2 Water Rail were seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (21st) with birds heard calling at Llyn Cerrig Bach (20th).

Raptors:

RSPB Cors Ddyga continues to be the raptor hot-spot, with up to 3 Marsh Harrier (20th, 21st), a ring-tailed Hen Harrier (20th, 21st) and 2 Short-eared Owls (20th).  Red Kites were seen over Llanddeusant (22nd), at Cors Erddreiniog (25th) and over the A55 near Gaerwen (26th).

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was still on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and A55 (22nd), with a Common Sandpiper at Church Island (21st).  Sightings of Purple Sandpiper included 5 birds at the Octel shore, Amlwch Port (20th) and 6 at Trearddur Bay (26th).  There were 2 Black-tailed Godwit at RSPB Cors Ddyga (20th, 21st) and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit on the Inland Sea (20th).  The latter site also had 21 Turnstone (21st).  Greenshank continue to be seen at most suitable habitat with 3 birds at Red Wharf Bay (26th), 1 at Traeth Dulas (25th) 1 at the Inland Sea (20th – 22nd) and 1 at Church Island (21st).  Sightings of what are all believed to be wintering Whimbrel, included 2 at Cemlyn (25th) and 1 at Red Wharf Bay (26th).  A Sanderling was at Cemlyn (21st).  RSPB Cors Ddyga had 3 displaying Curlew, c.30 Lapwing – including at least 6 breeding pairs and c. 200 Golden Plover (21st).  There were also c. 250 Golden Plover at Cemlyn (25th).

Passerines:

Spring migrants included Northern Wheatear at South Stack (22nd) & Cemlyn (24th, 26th) and Sand Martins at various locations including 12 at Llyn Llywenan (20th), 4 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (20th) and 6 at South Stack (22nd).  It was a good week for scarce Buntings.  Sightings of Snow Bunting included 1 at Traeth Lligwy (23rd), 2 on the shingle ridge at Cemlyn (24th) and 1 on the shingle ridge at Llanddona beach car park (26th).  There was a report of a Lapland Bunting on the high tide line at Llanddona beach (21st), with another bird associating loosely with Meadow Pipits in fields off the west car park at Cemlyn (24th-25th).  Brambling is a bird which hadn’t been reported during 2021, so it was good to finally add this to the year list courtesy of a female bird which came to a garden feeding station near Penysarn (21st-26th).  Garden feeders also drew in a number of Siskin, including 1 at Talwrn (21st) and up to 5 birds at Benllech (23rd-25th).  There are still a few Fieldfare about including 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (21st), 1 at South Stack (22nd) and 39 near Penysarn (24th).  A Black Redstart was at South Stack (24th) and up to 3 Hooded Crows have been in roadside fields at The Range, Holy Island (3 on 26th, 1 on 21st).


Brambling - near Penysarn - 25th March 2021

 

The forthcoming week 27th March – 2nd April?

Still a quiet time for rare and scarce birds with only 2 notable records; a Snowy Owl at Valley (27th) in 1959 and a White Stork at Gaerwen (30th) in 1988.

 


Friday 19 March 2021

Saturday 13th March - Friday 19th March 2021.

Intro:

Where to start; a vagrant American duck or early sea-watching opportunities?

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Let’s start with the vagrant American duck or to be more precise a pristine drake.

This winter has been a good one across the UK for Ring-necked Duck, but Anglesey had hitherto failed to register.  Certainly, the lock down restrictions will have reduced the scrutiny of lakes on the island, but the move to ‘stay local’ allowed a WeBS count (BTO Wetland Bird Survey) to take place.  Amongst up to 30 or so Tufted Duck on Llyn Maelog, near Rhosneigr was a splendid drake Ring-necked Duck (16th-19th).  Always a little distant, it was nonetheless a very welcome addition to the Anglesey year list.

Ring-necked Duck - Llyn Maelog, 16th March 2021

There are still a few Whooper Swans on the island for those wishing to catch up with them before they depart, including 4 seen over Cemlyn (15th), up to 4 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 17th, 1 on 16th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (17th) and 3 at Rhosgoch (18th).   Likewise, there are still good numbers of Brent Geese, but numbers will no doubt soon reduce as birds start their migration north on route back to Arctic Canada.  This week there were still 100 at Penmon (13th), 183 at the Alaw estuary (14th), up to 27 at Red Wharf Bay (27 on 14th, 20 on 15th), 66 on the Inland Sea between Cymyran and 4 mile-bridge (14th), 13 at Benllech and 83 at Lleiniog (19th).  The Long-tailed Duck was seen again at 4-mile bridge (17th-19th).  Penmon Point is one of the best sites for Common Eider in the spring, with 50+ (19th) and 5 birds close by at Traeth Lleiniog (14th).  20+ Common Scoter were off Benllech (19th).  35 Gadwall were on the Inland Sea between Cymyran and 4 mile-bridge (14th), 9 Goldeneye were at Llyn Maelog (16th) with the latter site also had a single Goosander (16th).

Seabirds:

So on to seabirds, where the aftermath of last week’s strong winds provided an ongoing opportunity to catch up with an early Manx Shearwater, with 1 off Bull Bay (13th), 6 off Cemlyn (13th) and 6 off The Range, near South Stack (13th).

The cliffs at South Stack are already holding good numbers of Auks, with 3500 Common Guillemot (17th) and 100 Razorbill (17th).  Sightings of Black Guillemot included up to 5 in Beddmanarch Bay (5 on 14th, 2 on 14th, 1 on 13th), 5 in Holyhead Harbour (13th), up to 6 at Holyhead fish quay (6 on 14th, 5 on 13th), up to 2 at Lleiniog (2 on 14th, 1 at 13th) and 2 at Penmon Point (19th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was in Beddmanarch Bay (13th) and Red-throated Divers were at Holyhead harbour (12th & 14th) and Penmon (19th).  Up to 3 Slavonian Grebe were on the Inland Sea, Holy Island (3 on 14th, 2 on 17th, 1 on 19th) with up to 3 birds in Beddmanarch Bay (3 on 19th, 1 on 13th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Reports of 1 ‘booming’ Eurasian Bittern at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th-17th), with another at Llyn Cerrig Bach (17th) provided just a small window into the true number of birds.  A co-ordinated count of ‘booming’ males identified 6 separate birds (17th), so here’s hoping that there are a similar number of females and that they have a good breeding season.  Clearly, the RSPB locally need to be congratulated on their habitat management which has made Anglesey’s wetlands so suitable for Bittern. 

The Cattle Egret that has been seen over several weeks 1 mile NE of valley was still present (14th – 18th), with 3 Great Egret at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 16th, 18th &19th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (19th).  There was a report of a Glossy Ibis over Rhosneigr (17th).  A Water Rail at Soldier’s Point (18th).

Raptors:

Up to 3 Marsh Harrier were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 16th and 17th), with a female at Llyn Trafwll (13th).  Up to 2 ring-tailed Hen Harrier were at Cors Ddyga (2 on 16th, 1 on 19th), which also had up to 2 Short-eared Owl (2 on 19th, 1 on 16th & 17th).  Another Short-eared Owl was seen and photographed at Aberffraw (17th).  A Little Owl was seen at The Range, South Stack (15th).

Sightings of Red Kite included 2 birds over Brynsiencyn – with probably the same 2 later over Newborough (13th), 1 over Talwrn (16th), 1 over RSPB Cors Ddyga (17th & 19th) and 2 over Holyhead with presumably the same birds then over Trearddur Bay (19th).  There was a possible sighting of a Goshawk over Penysarn, Anglesey (15th) and a Merlin at RSPB Cors Ddyga (19th).

Waders:

Up to 2 Green Sandpiper were still on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and A55 (2 on 13th& 18th, 1 on 16th).  Sightings of Purple Sandpiper included up to 8 at Trearddur Bay (8 on 13th, 7 on 14th, 2 on 18th), 12 at Cemlyn (13th), and 6 at Octel shore, Amlwch Port (16th) – with the latter site also having c.10 Turnstone (16th).

21 Black-tailed Godwit were seen at Menai Bridge (14th), with 2 at the ‘gorad’ flood, Valley (13th – 14th), 1 on the Inland Sea (14th) and up to 6 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6 on 19th, 2 on 16th).  66 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (14th), with 30 birds on Inland Sea (17th).  Most of our estuary habitats continue to hold Greenshank with 1 at Traeth Dulas (13th), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (14th), 4 on the Inland Sea between Cymyran and 4 mile-bridge (14th), 4 at Red Wharf Bay (14th) and 4 on the Alaw estuary (14th).  The wintering Whimbrel was seen again at Red Wharf Bay (14th &15th).

There was a good count of 34 Grey Plover on the Alaw estuary (14th), with a further 3 birds at Cemlyn (14th) and 3 on the Inland Sea between Cymyran and 4-mile-bridge (14th).  There were c. 200 Golden Plover at Cemlyn (14th) and c. 300 Glden Plover at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th&19th).  Jack Snipe continue to be seen with 2 birds on the Inland Sea (14th), 1 at The Range (15th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga.

Passerines:

Belated news of a wintering Turtle Dove photographed in Cemaes Bay (6th March).  Spring migrants included a male Northern Wheatear at South Stack (16th), White Wagtails in same field as the Cattle Egret (16th) with another at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17th), a Willow Warbler at Llyn Maelog (16th), 4 Sand Martin at Llyn Trafwll (19th), 1 Sand Martin at RSPB Cors Ddyga (19th), 2 House Martin at Llyn Trafwll (19th) and a Swallow at Llyn Trafwll (19th).  Cetti’s Warblers were singing at regular sites such as Llyn Maelog (16th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th), with a sighting also at a new site at Cymyran near RAF Valley (17th).  A Chiffchaff was singing in a withy at end of runway at RAF Valley (14th), a pair of Siskin were on garden feeders in Benllech (13th) and a Water Pipit was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17th).  2 Dipper were on the Afon Cefni in the Dingle, Anglesey just below Llyn Pwmp (16th). There were several sightings of Hooded Crow with 2 birds near the Road Chef, Holyhead (2 on 15th, 1 on 18th), 1 at The Range, South Stack (15th) and 3 at South Stack (17th).

Gulls and Terns:

There were 7 Mediterranean Gull at Cemlyn (13th) and 2 at the Inland Sea (17th).  98 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were counted on the lighthouse island, South Stack (15th).

The forthcoming week 20th March – 26th March?

Still a quiet time for rare and scarce birds with only 2 notable records; a Ring-billed Gull on the Alaw estuary (20th) in 2003 and a Snowy Owl at South Stack (24th) in 2018.

  


Friday 12 March 2021

Saturday 6th March - Friday 12th March 2021.

Intro:

Early Manxies …


Manx Shearwater - Cemlyn - Library Photo - J Martin Jones

Seabirds:

Whilst the strong winds from Wednesday onwards may have reduced the overall number of sightings, they most likely contributed to the early arrival of Manx Shearwater with 2 birds seen off North Stack, Holyhead (11th) and 6 off Cemlyn (11th).  Ken Croft has kept records of sightings on Anglesey over the past 46 years and only once has he had an earlier sighting of a Manx Shearwater with a bird on the 10th March 2006.  In most years, you might expect the first sightings on a date in the mid-20s, with last year’s earliest reported sighting being on the 27th March, albeit that the introduction of the first lockdown on the 23rd may have delayed a first sighting by a few days.

Aside from the early Manx Shearwaters, there were good numbers of Gannet seen around the north coast (11th) and 1 was seen to fly through the Inland Sea (12th).  Sightings of Black Guillemot included 6 birds in Holyhead outer harbour (11th) and 6 at Penmon (11th).

Raptors:

RSPB Cors Ddyga continues its run as one of Anglesey’s best raptor sites, with up to 4 Marsh Harrier (7th-8th), a male Hen Harrier (7th) and a Short-eared Owl (7th).   Sightings of Red Kite included 1 bird seen over Llangwyllog heading towards Coedana (6th) and 2 near Capel Coch (9th).  A Goshawk was over Llyn Pen-y-Parc, near Beaumaris (6th) and a Sparrowhawk was at Talwrn (6th)

Herons, Egrets and allies:

It looks to be a good year for ‘booming’ Eurasian Bittern, with 4 birds reported.  Up to 2 birds were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 8th, 1 on 6th-7th), 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (7th) and 1 at Llyn Dinam, Valley Lake RSPB (7th).  The Cattle Egret is back at Cleifiog Fawr, Valley near the A5025 (12th), while up to 2 Great Egret were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 6th, 1 7th-8th).  2 Water Rail were calling at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8th).

Waders:

Up to 2 Green Sandpiper were on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and A55 (2 on 11th, 1 on 8th), with presumably another bird at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (7th).  Sightings of Purple Sandpiper included 1 at Penmon (11th) and 12 on the rocks near the lifeboat slipway at Trearddur Bay (12th).  Up to 3 Black-tailed Godwit were at Inland Sea (3 on 6th, 1 on 7th), with 2 on flooded fields off the coast road, 1 mile north of Valley (6th).  8 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (7th).  Greenshank were reported from 3 sites, with 8 birds on the Alaw estuary (7th), 1 on the Dulas estuary (7th) and 1 at Church Island, Menai Bridge (8th-9th).

Passerines:

RSPB Cors Ddyga had 2 Sand Martins (6th), which were earlier than last year’s earliest reported sighting of the 17th March at the Gorad flood, Valley.  2 Cetti’s Warblers were also singing at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8th).  What were presumed to be migrant Chiffchaffs, rather than over-wintering birds, included sightings near Dulas (7th) and at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (11th).  Sightings of White Wagtail, the continental form of our Pied Wagtail, included a belated report of 3 birds at Henborth (5th), 1 on Gorad flood, Valley (6th) and 1 at Henborth (7th).  Siskin were seen at garden feeders at Benllech (6th) and 2 at Talwrn (7th).  A Hooded Crow was seen again on fields near the Road King, Holyhead (12th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Sightings of Whooper Swan included 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6th), 3 near the old school, Capel Coch (6th) and 10 in fields off the minor road between Bodedern and Llanddeusant (7th).  23 Mute Swans were seen on fields south of the Alaw estuary (7th) and 6 Pink-footed Geese were near the old school, Capel Coch (6th).  The Long-tailed Duck continued its stay on the Inland Sea, Holy Island (6th-7th) and there were 31 Common Eider at Penmon (11th).  A female Goosander was on the Alaw estuary (7th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was off Amlwch Port (11th), a Red-throated Diver was at Penmon and 2 Slavonian Grebe were on the Inland Sea (6th-8th)

Gulls and Terns:

Up to 4 Mediterranean Gull on the Inland Sea, Holy Island (4 on 8th, 3 on 7th).

Other:

A Common Kingfisher was at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (7th).

 

The forthcoming week 13th March – 19th March?

The sparsity of rare and scarce records continues, with just 1 record again this week; a Blue-winged Teal at Cemlyn (13th) in 1983.

In respect of more common species, the first returning Puffin to South Stack in 2020 was on the 16th March.  The winds may need to ease a little if one is to be seen as early this year.

 


Friday 5 March 2021

Saturday 27th February - Friday 5th March 2021.

Intro:

Aderyn y bwn.

Herons, Egrets and allies:

As we look forward to a potential easing of travel restrictions, it is good to know that there are some wonderful wildlife experiences awaiting.  One of the magical experiences we have been fortunate to have access to over recent years has been the sound of ‘booming’ Eurasian Bittern - Aderyn y bwn - at the likes of RSPB Cors Ddyga and RSPB Valley lakes.  Those working or living close to these areas have confirmed that there are 2 males booming at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27th-5th) and 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (27th) with as yet unsubstantiated reports of other calling birds at RSPB Valley lakes.  One of the birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga was seen in flight (27th).

There are still occasional reports of the Cattle Egret which has been in fields approximately 1mile NE of Valley (28th, 4th), while sightings of Great Egret continue to hold up with reports from 4 different sites with birds at Llyn Llywenan (27th, 1st), Llangefni marshes (27th), RSPB Cors Ddyga (28th, 1st, 5th) and Cors Erddreiniog (28th, 1st).  There were 15 Little Egrets at Malltraeth cob (5th) and Water Rails were heard at Llyn Llywenan (27th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (4th).

Waders:

A good week, with the highest reported counts of 3 species.  The Alaw estuary led the way with 112 Bar-tailed Godwits (2nd), 259 Knot (2nd) and 10 Greenshank (10 on 28th, 6 on 2nd over just the seaward end of the estuary).

Following an absence over recent weeks, Common Ringed Plover reappeared on the Alaw estuary with 17 birds (2nd), accompanied by 42 Dunlin (2nd).  A Green Sandpiper was seen again on flooded fields between Valley cemetery and A55 (3rd, 4th) and a Common Sandpiper at Church Island, Menai Bridge (27th, 4th).  There were 21 Black-tailed Godwit at Cors Ddyga (28th, 1st) and 30+ Common Snipe at the Alaw estuary (28th).  Sightings at Malltraeth cob (5th) included 45 Knot, c.50 Golden Plover, c.275 Redshank, c.400 Oystercatcher and c.120 Curlew.  There were c.50 Lapwing at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st), which are starting to display.  A Curlew was also seen displaying at RSPB Cors Ddyga (28th).

Passerines:

The Rose-coloured Starling that has wintered at Amlwch Port may finally have moved on as it hasn’t been seen for over a week.  Common Starling numbers in the area have fallen, though there are still some sizable flocks around various agricultural buildings on the island.  There was better news in respect of the Yellow-browed Warbler found at Llyn Llywenan on the 2nd January, which was seen again briefly on two date (27th, 28th).  Sightings of Firecrest included a bird at Llyn Llywenan (27th) and another at Port Eilian (27th).  Chiffchaff were seen and heard singing at Traeth Lligwy (28th), Cors Erddreiiog (28th) and the Pentre Berw water treatment plant (1st) with 2 ‘silent’ birds at Llyn Llywenan (27th).  Cetti’s Warblers were reported from 3 locations, with 5 birds at Llyn Cerrig Bach / RSPB Valley lakes (27th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st, 4th) and 1 singing at Llyn Llywenan (28th, 2nd).

Up to 2 Hooded Crows were seen on rooftops and on lamp posts near the McDonald’s restaurant (2 on 3rd, 1 on 27th) and there was up to 2 Dipper on the Afon Cefni, Llangefni (5th) with a singing bird by Market Square in Llangefni (27th).  A White Wagtail was reported at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27th), a Stock Dove was seen near the old school, Capel Coch (28th) and 8 Stonechat were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st).  A Yellowhammer was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (28th); only the 2nd record for the reserve, the last being in 2012.

Further signs of spring included 9 Rook’s nests actively being attended to by the Nat West Bank, Llangefni (27th), an early House Martin at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3rd) followed by 2 Swallows also at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Whilst spring migrants start to arrive, there are still a few winter migrants holding on.  These included sighting of Whooper Swan, with 1 bird at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27th, 5th), 2 on fields near the old school, Capel Coch (28th), at least 4 birds at Rhosgoch (5th) and 21 birds east of the road between Llanerchymedd and Llangefni (5th).  The Capel Coch site also held 6 Pink-footed Geese (28th), while the Rhosgoch site also held at least 12 Greenland White-fronted Geese (5th).  The 3 Barnacle Geese reported across the winter were seen again on the Alaw estuary (27th).  There Alaw estuary also held 172 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (2nd).

Both Long-tailed Ducks were seen again, with 1 on the Inland Sea (27th, then at 4 mile bridge 28th, 4th, 5th) and another at Cors Erddreiniog (28th, 1st).  There were 2 female Common Eider at Beddmanarch Bay (28th), c. 170 Common Scoter at Llandonna (28th) and sightings of female Goosander at both the Afon Cefni, near RSPB Cors Ddyga (28th) and on the Alaw estuary (28th).  There were some good counts of wintering ducks with c. 150 Wigeon at Cefni reservoir (28th), c.200 Wigeon at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st), c. 200 Wigeon at Malltraeth cob (5th), 15 Pintail at Malltraeth cob (5th), c. 120 Tufted Duck at Cefni reservoir (28th), c.200 Teal at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st), c. 250 Teal at Malltraeth cob (5th), c.50 Shoveler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st), 12 Pochard at Cefni reservoir (28th) and 12 Goldeneye at Cefni reservoir (28th).

Divers & Grebes:

Great Northern Diver were seen at Traeth Lligwy (28th) and off Gorad beach, Valley (28th).  There were 9 Red-throated Diver at Traeth Lligwy (28th).  Sightings of Slavonian Grebe included up to 3 birds on the Inland Sea (3 on 5th, 2 on 27th & 4th) and 2 birds at Beddmanarch Bay (28th).  There were 6 Little Grebe at Cefni reservoir (28th).

Raptors:

There were up to 4 Marsh Harriers at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 1st, 3 on 4th, 2 on 27th), a ring-tailed Hen Harrier at Cors Erddreiniog (28th, 1st) and a male Hen Harrier at the Cefni estuary (28th).  Sightings of Red Kite included 2 birds south of Llangefni (27th), 2 over Llangefni marshes (5th), 1 over RSPB Cors Ddyga (1st) and 1 over Brynsiencyn (5th).  A Merlin was seen at Llangefni marshes (28th) and there were two sightings of Goshawk with 1 bird at Llandonna (28th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (1st).

Gulls and Terns:

Sightings of Mediterranean Gull included 1 on fields near the old school, Capel Coch (28th) and 3 on the Inland Sea, Holy Island (5th).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Black Guillemot included 5 birds at Penrhos beach (28th), 5 birds off the east end of Red Wharf Bay (28th), 4 birds in the bay at Cemlyn (3rd) and 1 bird at Traeth Lligwy (28th).  There were 10 Cormorants at Cefni reservoir (28th).

The forthcoming week 6th March – 12th March?

Still a quiet time for records of rare and scarce birds, but this week includes one of the top birds for Anglesey over the past 20 years – a white phase Gyrfalcon found initially over Penrhos Coastal Park before settling at South Stack (8th) in 2002.