Saturday 24th April - Friday 30th April 2021.

Intro:

Five new addition to the 2021-year list courtesy of Hoopoe, Common Swift, Black Kite, Spoonbill and Great Skua.

Passerines:

It proved to be a good week for Yellow Wagtails, with the coastal area from Cemlyn to Hen Borth again being the best area. 

The Cemlyn-Hen Borth area has previously recorded Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava, British Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima, Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi and Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg.  In total some 10 sub-species are recognised and further details can be found in a BBRC e-article on subspecies (https://www.bbrc.org.uk/subspecies-information/last-lot). The article highlights that ‘each subspecies is individually variable and there is extensive intergradation involving most, sometimes producing intergrades of relatively consistent appearance, for example ‘Channel Wagtail’ (flava x flavissima) and others’.

It is understood that ‘Channel Wagtail’ is not an intergrade previously claimed on Anglesey, but it turns out that 1 of the 3 birds at Caim last week was considered to be one and 1 was subsequently seen by several observers at Henborth (24^th-25^th).  Both birds showed a powder-blue head, a prominent pale supercilium, palish sub ocular patch and white throat.

Presumed 'Channel Wagtail', Caim 23/04/21 - photo by John Harold

Presumed 'Channel Wagtail', Hen Borth 24/04/21 - photo by Tony White

In addition to the ‘Channel Wagtail’, a Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava was at Cemlyn (26^th), whilst 3 ‘British Yellow Wagtails’ Motacilla flava flavissima were seen at Hen Borth (24^th), 1 at Carmel Head (24^th),1 at Cemlyn (26^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (29^th). 

Tree Pipits were again reported with 3 at Carmel Head (24^th), 1 between Cemlyn and Carmel Head (26^th), 2 at South Stack (30^th) and 1 at The Range (30^th).

Albeit that there have been sightings earlier this year, an adult male Lapland Bunting (found by Mark Sutton) in near full summer plumage at Hen Borth proved both confiding and very popular (24^th).

Lapland Bunting, Hen Borth 24/04/21 Photo by J Martin Jones

Grasshopper Warblers were seen at a number of sites including 4 at Rhydwyn reedbed (24^th), 2 at Carmel Head (24^th), up to 3 at The Range, Holyhead (3 on 26^th, 2 on 30^th), 1 at Cefni reservoir (26^th) and 1 at Malltraeth cob embankment (30^th).  14 Common Whitethroat were at The Range, Holyhead (26^th), whilst 1 was seen to be nest building at Cefni reservoir (26^th).  A Cetti’s Warbler was at Llyn Llywenan (27^th), while a Lesser Whitethroat was singing by the roadside at Llyn Cerrig Bach (27^th, 30^th).

Reports of Lesser Redpoll included 18 between Cemlyn and Carmel Head (26^th) and 14 at The Range, Holyhead (26^th).  2 Crossbill were seen between Cemlyn and Carmel Head (26^th).  A male Whinchat was at Cemlyn (25^th) and up to 33 Northern Wheatear were seen at The Range, Holyhead (33 on 30^th, 26 on 26^th).

There was a late report of a Common Swift at RSPB Valley Wetlands (23^rd), with subsequent sightings of birds at South Stack (25^th), up to 2 at Cors Ddyga (2 on 30^th, 1 on 28^th) and 3 at RSPB Valley wetlands (30^th).  Common Cuckoos were heard calling at Llanrhyddlan, Plas Bog and Wylfa (29^th).

A Hoopoe was seen briefly in a horse paddock at Llanerchymedd (24^th), but could not be found subsequently.  Hooded Crows were seen at Carmel Head (24^th), The Range, Holyhead (26^th, 30^th), South Stack, Holyhead (27^th, 30^th) and Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (28^th).

Waders:

There was a late report of a possible Collared Pratincole at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th), with a subsequent UK sighting of this species at Leasowe, Cheshire (22^nd). 

Whimbrel were reported from many locations across the week with many double figure counts including 48 at Llyn Llywenan (27^th), 41 at Traeth Llydan, Rhoscolyn (27^th), 18 at Henborth (24^th), 14 at Abermenai point (24^th) and 14 at the Braint estuary (25^th).  Likewise, sightings of Common Sandpiper increased with reports including 3 birds at Church Island, Menai Bridge (24^th), 2 at Henborth (24^th), 2 at Traeth Llydan (24^th), 1 at Ynys Leurad, Inland Sea (25^th), 1 at Red Wharf Bay (24^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (27^th) and 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th).

Sightings of Purple Sandpiper included 3 birds at Cemlyn, 2 at South Stack (27^th) and 3 at The Range (30^th).  A single Little Ringed Plover continued to be seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th, 29^th), with 2 Grey Plover at Cemlyn (24^th, 29^th), c. 50-100 Golden Plover at Cemlyn (24^th) and a further 90 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th).  A single Sanderling was at the Alaw estuary (30^th) and 7 Turnstone were at Cemlyn (24^th). 

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits out-numbered that of Black-tailed, with 6 birds at the Alaw estuary (30^th), 2 birds at Ynys Leurad, Inland Sea (25^th) and up to 2 further birds at Cemlyn (2 on 25^th, 1 on 24^th).  There was just the 1 report of Black-tailed Godwits, of 2 birds at Cemlyn (24^th).

RSPB Cors Ddyga also produced a Ruff (30^th), a Greenshank (27^th, 29^th) and 2 Common Snipe (29^th).  A Jack Snipe was at Cemlyn (25^th).

Raptors:

A Black Kite was seen and photographed at The Range, Holyhead (26^th) with a possible earlier sighting at Aberffraw dunes (25^th); note 6 primaries or 'fingers', predominately squared off tail.  

Black Kite, The Range, Holyhead 26/04/21 - Photo by Ed Betteridge

Up to 2 Ospreys were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 28^th, 1 on 25^th) and 1 was seen at Henborth & Cemlyn (25^th).  Away from RSPB Cors Ddyga, female Marsh Harriers were seen at Abermenai Point (24^th) and Traeth Llydan (25^th).  A Red Kite was seen near Llyn Coron (29^th), with Merlins seen at Porth Llydan, nr. Rhoscolyn (26^th) and The Range, Holyhead (30^th).  A Short-eared Owl was seen at the Trwyn, Cemlyn (25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Spoonbills were seen in flight over RSPB Cors Ddyga before landing close to Llangaffo (29^th).

Seabirds:

As predicted in last week’s blog, the first skua sightings were made this week.  4 Great Skuas were seen, with 1 past South Stack (27^th), 2 past Cemlyn (27^th) and 1 past Cemlyn (29^th).  There was a possible sighting of a Pomarine Skua past Bull Bay (30^th).

Aside from the skuas, birds past South Stack (27^th) also included 41 Manx Shearwaters, 16 Fulmar, 47 Gannet and 2 Black Guillemot.  There were several reports of Puffin from RSPB South Stack.

Gulls and Terns:

There were up to 2 Mediterranean Gulls at Cemlyn (2 on 27^th, 1 on 29^th).  140 Kittiwake passed South Stack (27^th).

Sandwich Terns are back in good numbers and are now being joined by Common and Arctic Terns.  There were 2 Common Terns in the Menai Strait (25^th) and 9 at Cemlyn (29^th).  A single Arctic Tern was at Cemlyn (29^th).

Divers & Grebes:

Sightings of Great Northern Divers included 2 past South Stack (27^th), 1 past South Stack (30^th) and 2 past The Range (30^th).  Reports of Red-throated Diver included 13 past South Stack (27^th) and 1 past The Range (30^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

There were still a few winter swans and geese about, with a Whooper Swan flying north past The Range (26^th), a Pink-footed Goose at Penmon Pool (27^th) and a Brent Goose at Red-Wharf Bay (28^th).

A drake Garganey was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (29^th) and a drake Wigeon was at Llyn Llywenan (27^th).  In terms of sea-duck there were c. 40 Eider at Penmon Point (27^th), 1 Eider off Cemlyn (25^th) and 72 Common Scoter flew past The Range, Holyhead (27^th).

 

The forthcoming week 1^st May – 7^th May?

A significant increase in the sightings of rare and scarce birds.  Waders included a Broad-billed Sandpiper at the Alaw estuary (1^st) in 2017, a Pectoral Sandpiper at Cemlyn (3^rd) in 2015 and a Lesser Yellowlegs at Cemlyn (7^th) in 1999.  Raptors included a Montague’s Harrier on the approach to South Stack (2^nd) in 2011, a Snowy Owl at Mynachdy (3^rd) in 1972, a Black Kite at Carmel Head (4^th) in 2008 and a Red-footed Falcon at the Alaw estuary (6^th) in 2017.  Egrets and Crakes included a Purple Heron at Dwyran (4^th) in 2011, a Spotted Crake at Malltraeth (6^th) in 2011 and a Corn Crake at Dulas Bay (6^th) in 2013.  Passerines included a Short-toed Lark at Trewan Common (2^nd) in 2012, a Red-rumped Swallow at Porth Wen (4^th) in 2008 and a Golden Oriole at Cemlyn (5^th) in 2014.

Aside from the previous Rare and Scarce on Anglesey, there have been good numbers of both Wood Sandpipers and Black Terns in the UK during this past week; one or both would be most welcome.

Saturday 17th April - Friday 23rd April 2021.

Intro:

A whopping 9 additions to the 2021 year list – Dotterel, Hawfinch, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Garganey, Iceland Gull, Arctic Tern and Common Tern.

Waders:

One of the hotly anticipated birding highlights of the spring and late autumn is the sighting of Dotterel, which are invariably found a) on The Range and b) by Ken Croft.  Whilst the main window for the spring passage is still to come, 2 early birds were found on The Range (17^th) – the 2^nd earliest record over the past 40 years or so, only beaten by 1 found on the 16^th in 1998.  The birds stayed for 3 days, allowing many to catch up with them before they carried on with their migration to destinations further north.

Eurasian Dotterel, The Range, Holyhead 18/04/21 - Photo - J Martin Jones

Whilst there have been at least 3 Whimbrel wintering at the likes of Cemlyn and Red Wharf Bay, this week marked the start of the spring passage of birds with records coming in from across the island including 16 at Traeth Dulas (18^th), 12 south of Traeth y Ora (18^th), 2 between Moelfre and Lligwy (18^th), 1 at Rhoscolyn (18^th), 10 at Cemlyn (19^th), 9 at Cymyran (21^st), 3 on the Cefni estuary (21^st) and 3 at The Range, Holyhead (22^nd).  Sightings of Common Sandpiper also increased and included 1 at South Stack (17^th, 20^th), 2 at Cemlyn (19^th) and 1 at Holyhead Harbour (23^rd).  There was just the 1 report of Green Sandpiper which was of a bird flying over Cemlyn (23^rd).

There was a Ruff at RSPB Cors Ddyga (21^st), a Jack Snipe at The Range, Holyhead (17^th) and good numbers of smart summer plumaged Golden Plover including 182 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th) and 68 at Cemlyn (19^th).

Passerines:

Hawfinch is a less than annual migrant through Anglesey, so it was good to hear of the news, and see a photograph, of a bird at a garden bird table at Llanfairynghornwy (19^th).  

Hawfinch, Private residence, Llanfairynghornwy 19/04/21 - photo by property owner

Last year was an exceptional year for records of Common Redstart with 5 sightings reported; this year the first has come courtesy of a bird seen around the marshy area between Pencarreg and Cadfan, near Cemlyn (20^th).  Cemlyn also provided the first Whinchat for the year with a smart male seen at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (20^th-21^st).  Yellow Wagtail is a scarce passage migrant, albeit that it has bred at Cemlyn in the past, with just 7 sightings in 2020.  Perhaps it has something to do with the easterly component to the wind over recent days, but whatever the reason it has been an exceptional start to the migration period with at least 6 birds which included 1 between Hen Borth and Cemlyn (20^th-23^rd), 1 at Llyn Alaw (21^st), 1 over The Range, Holyhead (22^nd-23^rd) and 3 at Caim, near Penmon (23^rd).

Yellow Wagtail, Cemlyn, 23/04/21 - Photo - J Martin Jones

In addition to the 4 ‘new for the year’ birds listed above, there were also a number of other notable ‘seconds’ following earlier sightings in the month.  These included a Common Cuckoo at Cemlyn (21^st), 3 Tree Pipit at Cestyll (20^th), 3 Tree Pipit at The Range, Holyhead (23^rd), 2 Ring Ouzel at South Stack (21^st), a Ring Ouzel at Cemlyn (23^rd) and a female Ring Ouzel at The Range, Holyhead (22^nd-23^rd).

In terms of our more common summer migrants, there was a notable increase in reported of the likes of Grasshopper, Sedge and Reed Warblers.  Records of Grasshopper Warblers included 1 at Rhoscolyn (17^th, 21^st), 3 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th), 1 at RSPB Valley wetlands (21^st) and 6 at The Range, Holyhead (23^rd).  Reports of Sedge Warblers included birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th,19^th), RSPB Valley wetlands (21^st) and at the Rhoscolyn reedbed (21^st).  Reed Warblers were reported from RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th, 19^th), RSPB Valley wetlands (21^st) and the Rhoscolyn reedbed (21^st).

Following the wintering Lesser Whitethroat at Carreglefn, a calling male bird was at St David’s Park, Red Wharf Bay (23^rd) and in all probability was a newly arrived spring migrant.  Sightings of Common Whitethroat increased markedly with 4 at Cemlyn (20^th), 2 at South Stack (20^th), and up to 18 at The Range, Holyhead (8 on 22^nd, 18 on 23^rd).  Reports of Cetti’s Warblers included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (18^th) and 5+ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th). 

A House Martin flew north at The Range, Holyhead (17^th), with further sightings at Cemlyn (20^th).  Sightings of White Wagtail included 19 birds at Cemlyn (19^th) and 12 at The Range, Holyhead (22^nd).  10 Northern Wheatear were seen at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (22^nd).

Whilst spring migrants dominated, there were still some winter visitors to be found which included a late Brambling at Cestyll (20^h), a late Redwing at Cestyll (20^th) and 2 even later Redwing over The Range, Holyhead (22^nd).

In terms of one of our scarce residents, Hooded Crows were seen at Cemlyn (20^th), South Stack (20^th), Henborth (21^st) and at The Range, Holyhead (20th, 22^nd).

Seabirds:

Nothing of particular note, albeit that we are getting close to the start of the spring skua passage.  If the winds blows from the right direction, get out to a coastal headland.

Gulls and Terns:

After a fallow year for Glaucous and Iceland Gulls in 2020, we had a Glaucous last week and this week a 2^nd calendar year Iceland Gull was seen west of Hen Borth (17^th-19^th).  2 Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Cemlyn (23^rd), while 2 were seen following a plough at Maenaddwyn (19^th).

There have been plenty of Sandwich Terns over the past weeks, but these have now been joined by the first returning Arctic and Common terns, with an Arctic Tern seen flying past South Stack (22^nd) and a Common Tern seen on the bricks around the main island at Cemlyn (23^rd).

Divers & Grebes:

Up to 2 Red-throated Diver at Cemlyn (2 on 19^th, 1 on 23^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A Whooper Swan flew low over Crigyll and towards Valley lakes, then the same or another was seen at the Alaw estuary (17^th).

A drake Garganey was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th-21^st) and was enjoyed by many over its stay.

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Bitterns were seen or heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (19^th) and RSPB Valley wetlands (21^st).  A late Water Rail was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (22^nd).

Raptors:

Red Kites were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th) and over the Inland Sea (18^th).  A female Merlin was at Traeth Llydan, Rhoscolyn (18^th), with another at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th).  A Little Owl was at The Range, Holyhead (17^th), with another at Cemlyn (23^rd).

 

The forthcoming week 24^th April – 30^th April?

A Black Kite was at Coed Cefn, Llansadwrn (24^th) in 1987, a Bluethroat at Cemlyn (24^th) in 2009 and a Golden Oriole at Penmon (29^th) in 1984.  If you need any encouragement at all to keep garden feeders stocked as the weather warms up, look no further than the Indigo Bunting seen feeding at a garden feeding station at Llansadwrn (30^th) in 2013. 

Saturday 10th April - Friday 16th April 2021.

Intro:

7 new additions to the cumulative year list, courtesy of 6 spring migrants and 1 winter visitor moving north.

Passerines:

The highlight this week was the return of a number of spring migrants, albeit still in relatively small numbers.  There were 6 new additions to the 2021 Anglesey year list courtesy of spring migrants, which included Ring Ouzel, Common Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, and Grasshopper Warbler.  The Ring Ouzel was a male seen and photographed at RAF Valley, on the Cymyran side (14^th- 15^th), while the Common Cuckoo was heard calling at Rhosneigr (14^th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga provided the remaining four new additions of spring migrants with a fly over Tree Pipit (16^th), a Common Whitethroat heard singing (13^th), a Reed Warbler heard singing (15^th) and 2 Grasshopper Warbler hearing ‘reeling’ (13^th).  Further reports of Grasshopper Warblers subsequently came from Llyn Maelog (14^th), Rhoscolyn (15^th) and Rhydwyn (16^th).  A second report for the week of Common Whitethroat came from the Alaw estuary (16^th).

Further to last week’s report of the first returning Sedge Warbler, there were several reports this week including 2 singing birds at RSPB Valley Lakes (12^th), RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th), 2 at Llyn Maelog (14^th) and 1 at Rhydwyn (16^th).  Cetti’s Warbler were reported from 3 sites with 8 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th), 3 birds at Llyn Maelog (14^th) and 1 at Rhydwyn (16^th).

Passage migrants included some good counts of Northern Wheatear and white wagtails – the continental form of our Pied Wagtail.  Counts included 18 Northern Wheatear between Cestyll and Hen Felin (14^th) and 19 at The Range, Holyhead (15^th).  There were 58 White Wagtail between Cestyll and Hen Felin (14^th), 11 on the Alaw estuary (16^th) and 3 at Red Wharf Bay (14^th).  4 Crossbills flew over South Stack (11^th) .

There are still a few winter visitors being found with 1 possibly 2 Lapland Bunting at Cemlyn (11^th), with another flying east at Hen Borth (14^th).  After last week’s late Redwing at Cemaes, an even later bird was seen at South Stack (16^th).

Holyhead remains the top site for Hooded Crow with 1 seen at The Range, South Stack (16^th).

Waders:

At least 1 Little Ringed Plover remained at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th), with another near the west car park, Cemlyn (16^th).  There were c. 40 Golden Plover at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and a further c.150 birds at Cemlyn (11^th).  A Green Sandpiper was seen at Rhoscolyn (15^th), with Common Sandpiper being seen at Cemlyn (11^th) and on the Menai Strait (14^th).  2 Purple Sandpiper were at Cemlyn (11^th).  Whimbrel were seen at Porth y Wylfa (14^th), Rhoscolyn (15^th), Cemlyn (16^th) and 2 at Penmon Point (12^th).  A Ruff was on the cob pool, Malltraeth (14^th), a Greenshank on the pool at Traeth Dulas (14^th) and 3 Black-tailed Godwit on the cob pool, Malltraeth (14^th).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Puffin included 2 birds from Penmon Point (10^th) and up to 11 birds at RSPB South Stack (11 on 14^th, 2 on 16^th).  2 Black Guillemot were seen at Cemlyn (11^th), with up to a further 3 seen off Moelfre (3 on 16^th, 2 on 13^th).

Gulls and Terns:

A 2^nd calendar year Glaucous Gull flew west past Hen Borth (14^th) and was a new addition to the year list.  A Mediterranean Gull was at Cemlyn (11^th, 16^th), with the number of Sandwich Terns now > 100 (11^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver was in the bay at Cemlyn (11^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The Pink-footed Goose was still on the fields beyond Penmon pool (10^th-12^th).

The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Llyn Maelog (10^th, 14^th, 16^th), while the adult drake Long-tailed Duck that had gone absent returned to the bay at Cemlyn (10^th-11^th).  There were 12 Eider opposite Penmon Pool (11^th), c.24 at Penmon Point (12^th) and 1 off Ynys Moelfre (16^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 4 booming Bitterns were heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 13^th, 2 on 16^th), with at least a further 2 booming males at RSPB Valley lakes (12^th).  Up to 2 Great White Egrets were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 14^th).

Raptors:

A good week for sightings of Osprey, with 1 seen from Bangor heading up the Menai Strait in the direction of Penmon (10^th), 1 over Dulas (12^th) and 1 seen fishing at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).  Up to 5 Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th), along with a Merlin (14^th).  A Short-eared Owl flew over roman camp, Bangor and headed in the direction of Anglesey (10^th), with another seen at Rhoscolyn (13^th).

The forthcoming week 17^th April – 23^rd April?

The number of Rare and Scarce bird sightings increase as we move more into the peak time for spring migration.  A Green-winged Teal was at Holyhead (17^th) in 2014, while a Bonaparte’s Gull was at Cemlyn (17^th) in 2016.  A Golden Oriole was at Cemlyn and Henborth (18^th) in 2013 and a Kentish Plover was at Malltraeth cob pool (19^th) in 1977.  A Black Kite was seen at Llyn Llywenan (20^th) in 2001 and a Common Crane at Llanfairynghornwy (21^st) in 2011.  An American Golden Plover was at Cemlyn (21^st) in 2006, a Woodchat Shrike at the Aberffraw estuary (22^nd) back in 1968 and a European Bee-eater was at Malltraeth (22^nd) in 1985.

Saturday 3rd April - Friday 9th April 2021.

 Intro:

Passerines:

Following last week’s request for late records of Redwing and Fieldfare, a late Redwing of the Icelandic sub-species was at Cemaes (8^th).

 

 Photo: Steve Culley, Cemaes – 8^th April.

The headline warbler was a singing Sedge Warbler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th) which was new for the year, with 2 singing Cetti’s Warbler reported from Llyn Maelog (3^rd).  There were good number of hirundines including 100 Sand Martin at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), 50 Sand Martin at Llyn Cefni (6^th), 4 House Martin at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th) and 30+ Swallows at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th).  There were 2 Crossbill at South Stack (4^th), up to 20 White Wagtails at RSPB Cors Ddyga (20 on 4^th, 15+ on 9^th), 2 Hooded Crow by the steps to the lighthouse, South Stack (9^th) and 1 Hooded Crow at The Range, South Stack (3^rd-4^th).

Waders:

Up to 4 Little Ringed Plover were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 3^rd, 1 still on the 9^th), 200+ Golden Plover were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th) and 2 Grey Plover were at the Inland Sea (3^rd).  There were up to 2 Green Sandpiper on the Alaw estuary (2 on 8^th, 1 on 5^th & 9^th), while a Common Sandpiper was near the west car park, Cemlyn (4^th) and another was at Church Island, Menai Bridge (9^th).  A Spotted Redshank was reported at Penmon pool (3^rd) – another new bird for the year – and there were 2 Whimbrel at Penmon (3^rd).  Greenshank were reported from the Alaw estuary (5^th), Red Wharf Bay (7^th) and at Traeth Dulas (7^th).  A Jack Snipe was at The Range, Holyhead (3^rd).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Puffin from Penmon Point included 7+ birds (3^rd), 9+ birds (7^th) and 3 birds (7^th).  There were also 5 Puffins at South Stack (9^th).  There were 13 Black Guillemot in the inner habour, Holyhead (7^th), 9 were seen from Penmon Point (7^th) and 2 were at Point Lynas (9^th).

182 Manx Shearwater passed South Stack (6^th). Also on the 6^th, 125 Gannets flew past Point Lynas and 59 past South Stack.  Fulmars numbered 25 past Point Lynas (6^th) and 12 past South Stack (6^th).

Gulls and Terns:

The number of Sandwich Terns continues to grow, with 75 birds at Penmon (4^th), c. 70 on a sandbank in the Menai Strait (5^th), c.30 birds on the Inland Sea (3^rd, 7^th), 30 birds at Gallows Point, Beaumaris (7^th) and 30 birds at Cemlyn (9^th).  44 Kittiwake flew past South Stack (6^th) and 50 past Point Lynas (6^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was off Penmon Point (4^th, 9^th), while 2 Red-throated Diver flew past South Stack (6^th).  Up to 3 Slavonian Grebe were on the Inland Sea (3 on 3^rd, 2 on 9^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A Pink-footed Goose was on the fields beyond Penmon pool (3^rd-9^th), while there are still good numbers of Brent Geese about including 38 birds at Traeth Lleiniog (7^th), 90 birds off Penrhos Coastal Park, Holy Island (9^th), 1 was at Penmon Pool (7^th) and 2 flew past Penmon point (7^th).

A ‘stonking’ adult drake Long-tailed Duck was in the bay at Cemlyn (7^th), but spent most of its time in the middle of the bay.  The drake Ring-necked Duck is still at Llyn Maelog (9^th).

Eiderfest continues with at least 182 Common Eider at Penmon Point (7^th, 172+ on 3^rd), with a further 18 birds at Gallows Point, Beaumaris (7^th). Ducks on Llyn Maelog on the 3^rd included 7 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 40 Tufted Duck and 2 Shoveler.  2 Common Scoter flew past South Stack (6^th).  Despite recent cold weather, a pair of Coot have hatched 7 young on Lon Spencer pond, Valley (9^th) – a much earlier date than last year. 

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Great Egret at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th), while 2 Bitterns were also heard booming (1 on 4^th, 2 on 9^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen over Menai Bridge (9^th) – a new addition to the 2021 list, while sightings of Red Kite included birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th) and between Brynteg and Talwrn (6^th). A Merlin was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th), as were 3 Marsh Harriers (9^th).  A Short-eared Owl was seen hunting fields east of Borthwen, Rhoscolyn (7^th).

The forthcoming week 10^th April – 16^th April?

A little busier in terms of rare and scarce birds, with records including 3 Black-winged Stilt at Cemlyn (10^th) in 1993, a Green-winged Teal at Malltraeth cob pool (10^th) in 2004, a Blue-winged Teal at Malltraeth cob pool (12^th) in 2005, a Spotted Crake at Malltraeth (14^th) in 2006, 2 White Storks at Wylfa (15^th) in 2019 and a Black-crowned Night Heron (16^th) at Pentre Berw in 1998.

 

Saturday 27th March - Friday 2nd April 2021.

Intro:

Four new additions to the year list …

Waders:

RSPB Cors Ddyga provided 2 new waders for the year in the form of a Little Ringed Plover (2^nd) and up to 3 Ruff (3 on 2^nd, 2 on 31^st).  The former is a scarce migrant on Anglesey with only a handful of records each year, but the field to the right of the path down to the Afon Cefni is becoming one of the best places to search for them.  Both Green and Common Sandpipers were seen this week, with a Green still on the flooded field between Valley cemetery and the A55 (28^th, 29^th) and a Common by the weir at Cemlyn (31^st).  Circa 200 Golden Plover were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th) and 100+ birds at Cemlyn (2^nd).  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwit included up to 7 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (7 on 31^st, 4 on 2^nd, 2 on 27^th) and 7 birds (5 in summer plumage) at Cemlyn (30^th).  The wintering Whimbrel remained at Red Wharf Bay (1^st).  30 Sanderling were seen at Penmon (30^th), which also had 3 Purple Sandpipers (2^nd).

Seabirds:

It seems like the auk colonies are yet to settle, with the cliffs holding birds one day and then none on another.  The good days offered up a terrific count of 35+ Puffin off Puffin Island (31^st), with 1 bird being reported on 3 consecutive days at RSPB South Stack below Elin’s tower (30^th-1^st).  A single Black Guillemot was in at Beddmanarch Bay (31^st) and another was off Penmon (27^th, 2^nd).

Gulls and Terns:

A 1^st winter Little Gull at Llyn Llywenan was a great find on an inland waterbody and was a new addition to the 2021 year list (29^th, 31^st).  Up to 5 Mediterranean Gulls (3 adults, 2 1^st winter) were at Cemlyn (31^st).

Sandwich Terns were seen at a number of coastal locations including 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (27^th), 4 on the Inland Sea (30^th), up to 5 birds at Cemlyn (5 on 30^th), 2 at Beaumaris (31^st) and 3 birds off Penmon (2^nd).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was seen off Penmon (2^nd).  Up to 4 Slavonian Grebe were seen on the Inland Sea, Holy Island, 1 of which was in summer plumage (4 on 2^nd, 3 on 27^th, 2 on 29^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The drake Ring-necked Duck continued its stay at Llyn Maelog (27^th, 2^nd).  A single Whooper Swan was at Llyn Llywenan (27^th, 31^st) - with possibly the same bird near Bodedern (1^st) – while a Pink-footed Goose was at Penmon (2^nd).   Up to 55 Pale-bellied Brent Geese are still at Red Wharf Bay (31^st, 1^st).

The large counts of Common Eider continue with up to 141 off Penmon (2^nd).  It will be interesting to see whether the birds are just staging on a move further north or whether these numbers will stop to breed – whatever the case, they are becoming far more established around the Anglesey coast.  The Long-tailed Duck was seen again at 4-mile bridge, Holy Island (27^th), but there were no further updates on sightings at Cors Erddreiniog. 

There are still good numbers of the commoner ducks with 2 Pintail at Llyn Llywenan (31^st), 2 Pintail at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd), 30 Shoveler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th), 125 Teal at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th). 5 Gadwall at Llyn Maelog (2^nd) and 3 Goldeneye at Llyn Maelog (2^nd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret was seen again 1-mile NE of valley; seen from the gorad road with the bird close to Cleifiog Fawr farm buildings (27^th).  2 Great Egret were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th, 31^st).

Raptors:

A ring-tailed Hen Harrier was at Llyn Llywenan (31^st) and an Osprey was seen flying over Bangor towards Anglesey (1^st) with another over Llansadwrn (2^nd).  Red Kites were seen at Aberffraw (30^th), over Brynsiencyn (30^th) and over Talwrn (2^nd).  A Merlin was seen at Henborth (31^st), with another at RSPB Cors Ddyga (31^st).  A Short-eared Owl was seen at South Stack (2^nd).

Passerines:

A scattering of summer migrants were found early in the week with 2 Sand Martin at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th), 20 Sand Martin at Newborough (27^th), 10 Sand Martin at Llyn Llywenan (27^th), 100 Sand Martin at Cefni reservoir (29^th), a House Martin at Newborough (27^th), a Swallow at Penrhos Coastal Park (27^th) and 2 Swallows at Cefni reservoir (29^th). 

The weather improved considerably on Tuesday 30^th and this marked a big arrival of summer migrants.  Sightings of Willow Warblers included 10 at Cemlyn, 2 at Wylfa head car park, 2 at South Stack and 1 at Amlwch Port - 30^th.  There were 18 Chiffchaff at Cemlyn and 7 at South Stack.  Whilst there have been a number of wintering Blackcap, the 30^th marked the first major arrival of migrant birds with 4 at Wylfa head car park, 2 at Cemlyn, 1 at Amlwch Port,1 at Dulas and 1 at South Stack.  Northern Wheatear were present in good numbers with 52 at Cemlyn, 14 at Amlwch Port and 4 at South Stack.  Hirundines also put in a good showing with 34 Sand Martin at Cemlyn, 30+ Sand Martin at South Stack, 3 Swallow at Cemlyn, 1 Swallow at South Stack and 1 Swallow at Dulas.  Adding a little bit more scarcity and variety were a Lapland Bunting found singing at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn and a Crossbill that flew over Cemlyn; the latter being a new addition to the 2021 year list.

Good numbers of Sand Martins continued to be seen across the week, with 300+ at Llyn Llywenan (31^st), accompanied by 6 Swallows.  Aside from the summer migrants, Cetti’s Warblers were heard singing near the old chimney, RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th, 31^st), at Llyn Llywenan (31^st) and at Llyn Maelog (2^nd).  3 Hooded Crows were seen between The Range and South Stack (29^th) and 5 Redwing were at Wylfa woods (31^st).

 

The forthcoming week 3^rd April – 9^th April?

A week in which one of Anglesey stellar birds was found; a Great Spotted Cuckoo (3^rd) at Pen-lon, Newborough in 1960.  Another would very much be appreciated.  A little more recently, there was an American Golden Plover at Cemlyn (3^rd) in 1983, a Spotted Crake (3^rd) at Gwenfro Isaf, Llanbedrgoch in 1999 and a White Stork (6^th) at Dwyran in 1982.

Whilst sharing details of the first dates for summer migrants is always a well-attended to pastime, recording the last dates for winter species is less so.  Last year, the latest sightings of Redwing and Fieldfare were the 2^nd April and 7^th April respectively.  Can you beat these this year?