Saturday 18th September – Friday 24th September 2021

Intro:

Once upon a time many, many years ago - or at least it feels that way - Llyn Alaw was one of Anglesey’s best birding sites.  Car parking was available at a number of access points and there was a trail through a conifer plantation to an elevated hide which gave great views across the north-eastern end of the reservoir.  Water levels were regularly low over summer months which drew in rare and scarce waders.  Through misfortune or other means the site - which is Anglesey’s biggest body of fresh water - has almost become impenetrable to birders and water levels have remained high.  The aforementioned trail is blocked by fallen conifers that defy even herculean efforts to pass.  Whilst the reservoir has undoubtedly maintained its power to pull in birds, very few have ventured there and it is fair to say that the site has become under-watched.  That is, until this week when news was shared on Wednesday that the water levels had been allowed to fall to facilitate engineering work on the dam such that there was now a wide muddy shoreline around the reservoir.  That was a more than sufficient invitation for birders to visit, particularly in the hope of finding a rare or scarce American wader given that there have been good numbers of Pectoral Sandpipers across the UK and a smattering of both Baird’s and Buff-breasted Sandpipers.  It didn’t take long to deliver.

Waders:

First up in the wader fest was a Pectoral Sandpiper found at Llyn Alaw (24^th) on just the 3^rd day following notification of the lower water levels.  Other scarce waders included 2 Little Stint also at Llyn Alaw (23^rd), with 3 Curlew Sandpiper at Malltraeth cob pool (21^st) and 1 on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (23^rd).  A Green Sandpiper was on the flooded field at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (20^th) and a Common Sandpiper was at Holyhead Harbour (23^rd).

6 Purple Sandpiper were on rocky islands off Trearddur Bay - opposite the Cliff Hotel - (22^nd) and up to 20+ Turnstone were between Cemlyn and Henborth (20+ on 18^th, 2 on 19^th).  Sightings of Knot included 14 on the Alaw estuary (21^st), 4 off the Penrhos Coastal Park (22^nd) and 1 at Llyn Alaw (22^nd).  8 Sanderling were at the Alaw estuary (21^st), while sightings of Dunlin included up to 70 at Llyn Alaw (70 on 22^nd, 6 on 23^rd), 20 at the Alaw estuary (21^st) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (22^nd).

Reports of Grey Plover included 4 on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (22^nd) and 2 on the Alaw estuary (21^st).  Up to 9 Golden Plover were seen at Cemlyn (9 on 18^th, 3 on 19^th), with 1 at Llyn Alaw (22^nd).  2 Ringed Plover were on the Alaw estuary (21^st), with 1 at Llyn Alaw (23^rd).

24 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (21^st), with 13 at Cemlyn (18^th) and 9 at Malltraeth (22^nd).  Up to 30 Black-tailed Godwit were at Llyn Alaw (30 on 22^nd, 11 on 23^rd), 16 at Malltraeth (22^nd), 6 at Malltraeth cob pool (21^st) and 1 was on the Alaw estuary (21^st).  There was a very good count of up to 16 Ruff at Llyn Alaw (16 on 22^nd, 6 on 23^rd), with 2 at Cemlyn (18^th) and 2 at the Alaw estuary (18^th, 23^rd).  13 Greenshank were on the Alaw estuary (21^st), with 12 at Llyn Penrhyn (21^st) and up to 4 at Traeth Dulas (4 on 23^rd, 2 on 21^st).  There were up to 15 Redshank at Traeth Dulas (15 on 23^rd, 12 on 21^st) and 10 on the Alaw estuary (21^st).

2 Whimbrel were seen at Cemlyn (18^th), with counts of Curlew including 170 birds on the Alaw estuary (21^st) and 43 at Cymyran (21^st).  215 Oystercatcher were on the Alaw estuary (21^st) and 36 were at Cymyran (21^st).  Reports of Common Snipe included 4 at Llyn Llywenan (20^th), 4 at Parys Mountain (20^th), 5 at Plas Bog (21^st), 4 at Cors Bodeilio and 4 at Llyn Alaw (23^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

23 Mute Swans were at the dam at Llyn Alaw (22^nd).  7 Pink-footed Geese flew over Malltraeth cob pool (21^st) – the 1^st of the autumn.  11 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Alaw (23^rd-24^th), with 2 at Llyn Llywenan (20^th, 24^th).  The presumed Lesser Snow Goose x Barnacle Goose hybrid was also at Llyn Llywenan (20^th).  A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at the Inland Sea (19^th), then the same or another off Penrhos Coastal Park (22^nd).  Up to 23 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were off Penrhos Coastal Park (23 on 24^th, 10 on 22^nd), with 4 at the Inland Sea (19^th) and 2 at Cemlyn (23^rd).  Llyn Alaw also held 436 Greylag Geese (23^rd) and 83 Canada Geese (23^rd).

A single Garganey was at Llyn Alaw (23^rd), while there were up to 421 Teal at Llyn Alaw (421 on 23^rd, 230 on 22^nd) and 165 Teal on the Alaw estuary (21^st).  Counts of Wigeon included 122 at Llyn Alaw (23^rd), 95 at Cymyran (21^st), 6 at Traeth Dulas (21^st) and 2 on the Alaw estuary (21^st).  Up to 50 Pintail were at Llyn Alaw (50 on 22^nd, 5 on 23^rd), with 14 on the Inland Sea (19^th) and 7 at the Alaw estuary (23^rd).  Llyn Alaw also held up to 45 Shoveler (45 on 22^nd, 11 on 23^rd), up to 30 Gadwall (30 on 22^nd, 12 on 23^rd), up to 20 Pochard (20 on 22^nd, 7 on 23^rd), 73 Mallard (23^rd), 607 Tufted Duck (23^rd) and 213 Coot (23^rd).  4 Goosander were at Llyn Alaw (22^nd) and 27 Red-breasted Merganser were at the Inland Sea (19^th).

Passerines and others:

A European Turtle Dove was found in Cemaes Bay on the evening of the 17^th and was seen on most days subsequently (18^th-19^th, 21^st, 23^rd-24^th).  This is still a scarce sighting on Anglesey, but the last 3 years have been particularly good with at least 3 sightings in each year.  It is interesting to speculate whether the September sighting is the same or a different bird to that photographed in a garden at Cemaes Bay on the 6^th March 2021.  Have we had a resident bird and if so where has it been hiding?

Northern Wheatears continue to be seen with 8 at The Range, South Stack (19^th), up to 6 at South Stack (6 on 18^th, 4 on 21^st), 1 at Gadfa (22^nd) and 1 at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (23^rd).

There were a number of late Common Whitethroats with 1 at Capel Gwyn (18^th), 2 at South Stack (18^th, 20^th) and 1 at The Range, Holyhead (19^th).  Up to 2 Blackcaps were at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (2 on 23^rd, 1 on 22^nd), with 2 at South Stack (20^th).  Reports of Chiffchaffs included 1 at Capel Gwyn (18^th), up to 3 at South Stack (3 on 18^th, 2 on 19^th), 1 at The Range, Holyhead (19^th) and 1 at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (22^nd).  Away from their main sites, there was a Cetti’s Warbler at Cemlyn (23^rd) – a 1^st for this site, with another at Llyn Alaw (23^rd).

Some autumnal migration with 6 Redwing over Llanfechell (21^st) – the 1^st for the autumn, up to 9 Siskin at South Stack (9 on 20^th, 4 on 23^rd), 100+ Meadow Pipits past South Stack (18^th), a Goldcrest at South Stack (19^th) and several Grey Wagtail around the Holyhead area with 8 over South Stack (18^th), up to 3 at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (3 on 18^th, 1 on 22^nd) and 1 at South Stack (23^rd).

On the Corvid front, a Jay was seen to fly over South Stack (21^st) – the 1^st for the autumn.  Up to 4 Hooded Crows were at The Range (4 on 24^th, 3 on 22^nd, 2 on 19^th & 21^st), with 1 at Hen Borth (18^th). 

A Kingfisher was at Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (21^st - 23^rd) and a Dipper was under the bridge by the Town Hall, Llangefni (18^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 11 Great Egrets were at Llyn Alaw (11 on 24^th, 7 on 22^nd, 6 on 23^rd), with 1 on the Inland Sea (19^th).  There were 23 Little Egrets on mitigation pool, Inland Sea (21^st), with 6 at Traeth Dulas (18^th).

Gulls and Terns:

7 Mediterranean Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (21^st), with 4 over fields close to Llyn Penrhyn (21^st).  3 Sandwich Terns flew past Point Lynas (20^th).

Raptors:

Either a Long-eared or Short-eared Owl was seen by moonlight at South Stack (19^th).  A Little Owl was seen at South Stack (18^th, 21^st), while a Red Kite was over Talwrn (24^th).

Seabirds:

5 Arctic Skua flew past Cemlyn (23^rd), with 1 past The Range (24^th).   A Great Skua flew past South Stack (23^rd).

Divers & Grebes:

3 Red-throated Divers flew past Cemlyn (23^rd), with 3 also past South Stack (23^rd).

 

Forthcoming week – 25^th September – 1^st October?

It is a good week for rare pipits and wagtails with 2 Tawny Pipits at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (25^th) in 2006, a Richard’s Pipit at Mynachdy (28^th) in 2011, a Richard’s Pipit at South Stack (1^st) in 1987 and an Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Cemlyn (25^th) in 2019.  Other passerines have included a Bluethroat at The Range (27^th) in 1997, an Ortolan Bunting at Malltraeth (29^th) in 1966, a Melodious Warbler at Holyhead (29^th) in 1980, a Barred Warbler at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (29^th) in 2012 and a Red-breasted Flycatcher at Llyn Alaw (28^th) in 1986.

The good spell for Pectoral Sandpipers continues with birds at Llyn Alaw (26^th) in 1994 and at Cemlyn (29^th) in 2018.  A Temminck’s Stint was at Malltraeth (26^th) in 1965, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Cemlyn (30^th) in 2006 and a Stone Curlew was on The Range (1^st) in 2013.

In terms of gulls and terns, there was a Bonaparte’s Gull at Traeth Dulas (27^th) in 2009 and a Forster’s Tern near Penmon (30^th) in 1984. 

A Glossy Ibis was at Cemlyn (26^th) in 2009, a Common Crane at Llantrisant / Carmel (28^th) in 1997, a Taiga Bean Goose at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th) in 2020 and a Black Kite at Talwrn (25^th) in 2019.

Saturday 11th September – Friday 17th September.

Intro:

…Garganey galore …

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Garganey can be difficult to catch up with on Anglesey, so 6 birds was a particularly good weekly count with 1 on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (12^th,16^th-17^th), 1 at Llyn Maelog (11^th) and 4 at the Cefni reservoir (16^th).  There were also good numbers of Teal with counts of 478 at Beddmanarch Bay (16^th) and 172 at the Alaw estuary (16^th).

Returning to Swans and Geese to maintain order, there were 13 Mute Swans at the Cefni reservoir (16^th), while sightings of returning Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 5 birds at Cymyran (12^th), up to 8 at the Inland Sea (8 on 15^th, 2 on 17^th) and 2 at Beddmanarch Bay (16^th).  The number of Wigeon continues to increase with 97 at Beddmanarch Bay (16^th), 22 at the Cefni reservoir (16^th), 5 at Malltraeth cob pool (15^th) and 3 at Llyn Maelog (11^th).  There was only the 1 report of Pintail, involving 3 birds at Malltraeth cob pool (15^th).  There were 17 Shoveler at the Cefni reservoir (16^th), with 6 on Malltraeth cob pool (15^th).  Cefni reservoir (16^th) also held 42 Gadwall, 309 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck and 188 Coot.  81 Common Scoter flew past Cemlyn (12^th), 3 Goosander were on Llyn Maelog (11^th) and 19 Red-breasted Merganser were at the Inland Sea (13^th).

Passerines and others:

The juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was seen again at Amlwch Port (11^h – 13^th), while a Whinchat was near Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (13^th).  Northern Wheatears were seen at several locations including up to 18 on The Range, Holyhead (18 on 14^th, 2 on 11^th), 11 at South Stack, Holyhead (14^th), 6 at Cemlyn (11^th), 3 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (15^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (13^th). 

Turning to warblers, there was a Garden Warbler at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (15^th), a Common Whitethroat in Tyn Llan scrub, Cemlyn (11^th), 3 Blackcap at South Stack, Holyhead (14^th), 2 Blackcap at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (15^th), 5 Chiffchaff at South Stack, Holyhead (14^th), 1 Willow Warbler south of The Range, Holyhead (11^th) and 3 Cetti’s Warblers at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).

Further evidence of the changing of the seasons came in the form of the pre-migration gathering of Swallows with several hundred seen feeding over the sea off Rhosneigr before heading inland to roost (13^th) and c. 250 birds seen going to roost at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).  15 Mistle Thrushes were seen feeding on Rowan berries at Talwrn (16^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at The Range, Holyhead (14^th, 17^th) and at Henborth (15^th, 16^th).  Kingfishers were seen at Cemlyn (12^th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was at the Cefni reservoir (16^th), 8 Sanderling were at Rhosneigr (11^th), while up to 12 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (12 on 11^th, 8 on 12^th, 6 on 16^th).  There were up to 140 Dunlin on the Alaw estuary (140 on 16^th, 64 on 11^th) and 125 on Malltraeth cob pool (15^th).  28 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (16^th), 1 Grey Plover was on the Inland Sea (17^th), while counts of Golden Plover included 7 on The Range, Holyhead (14^th), 6 at Rhosneigr (11^th) and 1 at Malltraeth cob pool (15^th).  The Alaw estuary was, as always, the best site for Bar-tailed Godwit with counts of up to 40 (40 on 16^th, 33 on 12^th, 22 on 12th, 19 on 11^th), with 2 at Cemlyn (16^th) and 1 at Rhosneigr (11^th).  The Alaw estuary also delivered on Black-tailed Godwit with counts of up to 27 (27 on 11^th, 6 on 12^th, 1 on 16^th), while Malltraeth cob pool held 15 (15^th).

15 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (16^th), with up to 6 at Traeth Dulas (6 on 13^th, 3 on 11^th).  There were 30 Redshank on the Alaw estuary (16^th), with 14 at Traeth Dulas (15^th).  It was a good week for sightings of Ruff, with 2 at Traeth Dulas (11^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (11^th, 17^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (12^th).  Whilst numbers are quite low, Snipe were reported from multiple sites including 6 at Malltraeth cob pool (15^th), 3 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th), 2 at Llyn Maelog (11^th), 1 at the Cefni reservoir (16^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (16^th) and 1 at the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (17^th).  Just 2 reports of Lapwing, with 6 at Malltraeth cob pool (15^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).  Counts of Curlew included up to 210 at the Alaw estuary (104 on 16^th, 210 on 12^th), while Oystercatcher numbers included up to 476 on the Alaw estuary (476 on 16th, 435 on 12^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Great Egrets were seen at a number of locations including 2 at Llyn Maelog (11^th, 15^th), 1 flying NE over the dunes at Rhosneigr dunes (13^th), up to 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 14^th, 1 on 11^th), 1 at Cemlyn (16^th-17^th) and 1 at the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (17^th).  There were 13 Little Egrets on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (17^th) with up to 8 at Traeth Dulas (8 on 17^th, 7 on 13^th).  A Water Rail was at the Alaw estuary (13^th) and 18 Moorhen at the Cefni reservoir (16^th).

Gulls and Terns:

An adult Little Gull at Traeth Dulas (15^th) was the scarcest gull of the week.  Mediterranean Gulls were seen at several locations including up to 56 birds on the Inland Sea (13^th), up to 30 birds at the Alaw estuary (30 on 16^th, 6 on the 12^th), 2 birds off Rhosneigr (11^th), 1 bird off Penhos Coastal Park car park (11^th), 1 bird at Traeth Dulas (15^th), 1 bird off Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (15^th) and 2 birds at Cemlyn (16^th).  21 Sandwich Terns were on rocks off Rhosneigr (11^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen to fly SE over Rhosneigr dunes (13^th), a Marsh Harrier was over Aberffraw dunes (15^th) and a Merlin was at Cemlyn (17^th).  A Barn Owl was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th), with another at Traeth Dulas (15^th).

Seabirds:

Cemlyn was the only site to record any skuas, with 5 Arctic Skuas (12^th), 2 Arctic Skuas (17^th) and a Great Skua (13^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver flew past Cemlyn (16^th), with 3 past the following day (17^th).  Sightings of Little Grebe included the 1^st returning bird to Holyhead harbour (15^th) and 66 birds at the Cefni reservoir (16^th).

 

Forthcoming week – 18^th September – 24^th September?

Four records of Ortolan Bunting, albeit that 3 of the records are from the 60’s, with birds at Brynsiencyn (18^th) in 1968, at South Stack (18^th) in 1968, on the Skerries (19^th) in 1961 and a more recent record of a bird at South Stack (24^th) in 2006.  A Bluethroat was at South Stack (23^rd) in 2001, a Barred Warbler was at the Breakwater Country Park (23^rd) in 2008, a Common Rosefinch was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (19^th) in 2004 and an Isabelline Wheatear was at Mynachdy (22^nd) in 2006.

There are 3 records of Glossy Ibis with birds at Cemlyn (19^th) in 2020, at RSPB Cors Ddyga (19^th) in 2020 and at Llyn Park Mawr (22^nd) in 2009.  A Cattle Egret was at the Alaw estuary (19^th) in 2019.

There have been 2 records of Pectoral Sandpiper with birds at Malltraeth (24^th) in 1963 and at Llyn Alaw (19^th) in 1981.  A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Cemlyn (21^st) in 1977. 

 

Some other stuff that might be of interest:

1.        Anglesey’s Greenland White-fronted Geese – First winter of goose data.
2.        Songbird strikes against lit buildings in New York - https://twitter.com/MelissaBreyer/status/1437813494141886467?s=20  - several tweets with photos from @MelissaBreyer
3.        Weather and wind direction is always of interest to birders – Ventusky might be a useful resource.

Saturday 4th September – Friday 10th September.

Intro:

… passerines in the ascendancy …

Passerines and others:

Whilst there were still some good waders about, the main thrust of the week’s news moved towards passerines with some good sightings particularly towards the end of the week.  A juvenile Rose-coloured Starling found at Amlwch Port (9^th – 10^th) by @atypicalbirder was undoubtedly the star bird in terms of national scarcity, but it is interesting to note that in the context of Anglesey both a Redstart at South Stack (9^th) and Pied Flycatchers at Rhoscolyn (9^th) and Holyhead (10^th) are scarcer.  In what has been a good year for Rose-coloured Starlings, Anglesey has had 12 birds (assuming no duplication), whilst there have been only 6 sightings of Redstart (also a good year) and just the 2 Pied Flycatchers!  The last few days of the week delivered a number of Spotted Flycatchers, with 1 at Wylfa woods (8^th), 4 birds at South Stack (9^th), 1 bird at Rhoscolyn (10^th), 5 birds at Cemlyn (10^th), 7 birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th) and 2 birds in a Holyhead private garden (10^th) .  A Tree Pipit was at Rhoscolyn (9^th).

It was a good early part of the week for Whinchat with 2 birds at Carmel Head (4^th), 1 on The Range, Holyhead (4^th) and 1 at South Stack (6^th).  Northern Wheatear were again seen in reasonably good numbers with 13 birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th), 5 birds at Rhoscolyn (6^th) – 1 possibly being of the Greenland form leucorhoa and 2 birds at South Stack (6^th).

Sightings of warblers included a late Sedge Warbler around Malltraeth cob pool (4^th), 2 Garden Warblers at Carmel Head (4^th), a Garden Warbler at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th) and a Lesser Whitethroat at Carmel Head (4^th).  There were good numbers of Common Whitethroats about, including 2 birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th), 3 birds at South Stack (4^th), 1 bird at Llam Carw (5^th), 1 bird at Octel/Amlwch Port sewage works (6^th), 2 birds at South Stack (9^th) and 3 birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th).   Blackcaps were also seen in good numbers during the last few days of the week with 5 birds at South Stack (9^th), 3 birds at Cemlyn (10^th) and 8 birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th).  The highest count of Chiffchaff was 8 birds at South Stack (4^th), with 2 birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th), 3 birds at Llam Carw, Amlwch Port (4^th), 4 birds at South Stack (6^th), 2 birds at the Octel/ Amlwch Port sewage works (6^th, 10^th) – 1 of which was still in full song – and 4 birds at South Stack (9^th).  There were 2 Willow Warblers at Llam Carw (8^th), 1 bird at South Stack (9^th), 1 bird at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th) and 1 at Octel/ Amlwch Port sewage works (10^th).  2 Stock Dove were at Pont Marquis, near Malltraeth (4^th), while there were sightings of Hooded Crow at South Stack (7^th) and off the approach road to The Range (10^th).  Kingfishers were seen at Traeth Dulas (4^th & 9^th) and on the Alaw estuary (9^th).

Waders:

The week started with multiple sightings of both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper.  Up to 7 Little Stint were at the Cefni estuary / Malltraeth cob pool (7 on 5^th, 3 on 4^th) and up to a further 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 6^th, 1 on 5^th).  3 sites had juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, with birds seen at Traeth Dulas (4^th-5^th), at the Alaw estuary (5^th) and at Malltraeth cob pool (6^th). 

A Dotterel was seen and heard in flight from the approach road to The Range (10^th).  Sightings of Green Sandpiper included 2 birds on the Alaw estuary (5^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (9^th).  There were 5 Sanderling at Llanddwyn (9^th), 1 Sanderling on the Alaw estuary (6^th) and 4 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).  Up to 271 Dunlin were seen on the Alaw estuary (6^th), with 68 birds at Traeth Dulas (8^th) and 63 birds at Red Wharf Bay, Pentraeth (7^th).  Sightings of Ringed Plover included 32 birds at Traeth Dulas (4^th), 23 birds at Red Wharf Bay, Pentraeth (7^th) and 12 birds on the Alaw estuary (6^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit included 17 birds at the Alaw estuary (6^th), 4 birds on the Inland Sea (4^th) and 1 bird at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  25 Black-tailed Godwit were on the Inland Sea (4^th), with up to 8 birds at Malltraeth cob pool (8 on 9^th, 6 on 6^th) and 1 bird at Traeth Dulas (5^th-6^th).  19 Greenshank were on the Alaw estuary (6^th), with 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (4^th-5^th, 8^th) and 1 at Malltraeth (4^th).  There were 23 Redshank on Alaw estuary (6^th) and 9 birds at Traeth Dulas (4^th).  A Ruff was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th, 8^th) and 2 Snipe were at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  There was 1 Whimbrel at Traeth Dulas (5^th), 72 Curlew at Traeth Dulas (9^th), 109 Curlew at the Alaw estuary (6^th) and 217 Oystercatcher at Alaw estuary (6^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Sightings of Great Egret included birds at Pont Marquis, near Malltraeth (4^th), Llyn Maelog (5^th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th).  Up to 21 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (21 on 9^th, 16 on 5^th).

Gulls and Terns:

45 Mediterranean Gulls were on the Inland Sea (4^th), with 3 birds at Penhos Coastal Park (10^th).  A Black Tern was seen feeding off Cemlyn (10^th).

Raptors:

2 sightings of Hobby, the 1^st at Pont Marquis, near Malltraeth (4^th) then a 2^nd sighting at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th).  5 Little Owls were found at RSPB South Stack (4^th), with another at The Range, Holyhead (4^th).  Belated news of 2 adult Red Kites and 2 fledglings seen at an Anglesey site – supportive evidence of them joining the breeding avifauna of the island.

Seabirds:

A quiet week for seabirds, with just a report of a single Black Guillemot in the bay at Cemlyn (9^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

2 Barnacle Geese were on the Inland Sea (6^th), together with a probable Lesser Snow Goose x Barnacle Goose hybrid.  6 Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew past Cymyran beach (7^th). 

A Garganey was on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (10^th), while the build-up of winter ducks continues with 1 Pintail on Alaw estuary (6^th), 9 Pintail on the Inland Sea (6^th), 6 Wigeon on Alaw estuary (6^th), 106 Wigeon on the Inland Sea (6^th) and 160 Teal on the Inland Sea (6^th).  There were 7 Red-breasted Merganser on Inland Sea (4^th) and 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (9^th).

Divers & Grebes:

27 Great Crested Grebe were counted on the Inland Sea (6^th).

 

Forthcoming week – 11^th September – 17^th September?

Still a good time for scarce waders with 3 Pectoral Sandpipers, with birds at Malltraeth (11^th) in 1960, at Llyn Alaw (11^th) in 1982 and at Llyn Alaw (12^th) in 2003.  Also 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, with birds seen at Cemlyn (11^th) in 2005 and at The Range (14^th) in 2011.  Wader sightings were topped off with 2 Baird’s Sandpiper, with birds seen at Rhosneigr (14^th) in 1992 and at the Alaw estuary (15^th) in 2009.

Seabirds have included 2 Barolo Shearwaters, with birds seen off South Stack (12^th) in 1987 and again at South Stack (15^th) in 1987.  A Cory’s Shearwater was off North Stack (17^th) in 1983.

There is a historical record of a Little Bittern that was shot at an unspecified site (11^th) in 1882, a Purple Heron was on the Inland Sea (15^th) in 2007 and a Glossy Ibis was at the Alaw estuary (17^th) in 2009.

Turning to passerines, there was an Ortolan Bunting at the Breakwater Country Park (13^th) in 2003 and another at Soldier’s Point (15^th) in 2008.  A Red-breasted Flycatcher was found near Holyhead (13^th) in 2013, a Barred Warbler was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (14^th) in 2010 and a Red-backed Shrike was at Cestyll (14^th) in 2020.

Saturday 28th August – Friday 3rd September.

Intro:

… Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers delight ….

Waders:

Little Stint had over recent years become somewhat of a scarce sighting on Anglesey.  Perhaps the easterly bias to the winds has helped, but whatever the reason they have showed up in good numbers this year.  Whilst there is a potential that some birds may have been seen at multiple sites - Inland Sea – Beddmanarch Bay – Alaw estuary and the Cefni estuary – Malltraeth Cob pool, there must have been a minimum of 7 birds involved.  Sightings included up to 4 birds on Malltraeth cob pool (4 on 1^st, 3 on 2^nd-3^rd), 3 birds at Beddmanarch Bay from Stanley embankment (2^nd), up to 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 1^st), 1 bird on the Inland Sea (31^st) and 1 bird on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (29^th, 31^st).

 

Little Stint, Malltraeth cob pool, 1^st September 2021.  Photo: J Martin Jones

Alongside Little Stint, the other scarce wader to be looked for in late August / early September is Curlew Sandpiper and again birds have turned up.  A juvenile was at Traeth Dulas (28^th – 29^th, 1^st-3^rd), another at the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (29^th) and 2 flew in briefly to join the Little Stints on Malltraeth cob pool (2^nd).

A Green Sandpiper was on the Alaw estuary (1^st), with Common Sandpipers reported from Cemlyn (29^th) and the Alaw estuary (1^st).  The number of Dunlin continues to build, with up to 434 birds at the Alaw estuary (434 on 3^rd, 246 on 1^st, 91 on 29^th), 72 birds at Malltraeth (1^st) and 49 birds at Traeth Dulas (28^th).  Sightings of Ringed Plover included 42 birds at the Alaw estuary (3^rd), 32 birds at Traeth Dulas (28^th) and 32 birds at Malltraeth (30^th).  A bird with a Lime coloured flag / red ring seen last week at Traeth Dulas on the evening of the 23^rd, had just been ringed at Llanfairfechan around lunchtime the previous day.  A Grey Plover was on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (29^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  2 Golden Plover were on The Range, Holyhead (28^th), with up to 8 birds at the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (5 on 1^st, 8 on 31^st, 2 on 29^th).  Up to 72 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (72 on 3^rd, 32 on 29^th & 31^st, 19 on 1^st), with 2 birds on the Inland Sea (31^st) and up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 on 29^th & 1^st, 1 on 31^st, 1 on 30^th, 1 on 28^th).  8 Sanderling were at Traeth Crigyll (1^st), with up to 4 birds at the Alaw estuary (4 on 3^rd, 3 on 1^st, 1 on 29^th) and 1 on Malltraeth cob pool (3^rd).  A Ruff was at Malltraeth cob pool (29^th) and reports of Snipe included 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (29^th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (29^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit included up to 34 birds at the Alaw estuary (34 on 3^rd, 24 on 29^th, 23 on 31^st, 19 on 1^st), up to 4 birds at Malltraeth (4 on 30^th, 2 on 1^st), 2 birds at Cemlyn (28^th) and 2 birds at the Inland Sea as seen from Ynys Leurad (31^st).  The largest count of Black-tailed Godwit was 18 birds at Malltraeth cob pool (18 on 1^st, 17 on 31^st, 15 on 30^th), with 13 birds on the Inland Sea (13 on 3^rd, 4 on 31^st), up to 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (3 on 29^th & 31^st, 2 on 28^th, 1 on 3^rd) and up to 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 29^th, 1 on 31^st).

Greenshank are now back on many of the island’s estuaries with up to 24 birds at the Alaw estuary (24 on 3^rd, 23 on 1^st, 19 on 31^st, 18 on 29^th), up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 on 28^th, 1 on 29^th - 3^rd), 2 birds on the Inland Sea (31^st), 1 bird at Cemlyn (29^th) and 1 bird at Malltraeth (30^th).  Up to 59 Redshank were counted at Malltraeth (59 on 30^th, 53 on 1^st), with up to 25 birds at the Alaw estuary (25 on 31^st) and 20 birds at Cemlyn (1^st).

Sightings of Curlew included 104 birds at the Alaw estuary (104 on 29^th, 99 on 3^rd) and 87 birds at Traeth Dulas (29^th).  A colour ringed bird seen at Penrhos Coastal park had been ringed as a breeding adult near Bryn Eglwys, Denbighshire on the 2^nd May 2019.  A single Whimbrel was on the Alaw estuary (1^st), while 3 flew over Talwrn (2^nd).  383 Oystercatcher were at the Alaw estuary (383 on 29^th, 374 on 3^rd).  An Icelandic ringed Oystercatcher seen at Penrhos Coastal Park had been ringed at a site in South West Iceland on the 19^th May 2017.   For more info on Icelandic Ringed Oystercatchers see wadertales.  There was a belated report of an Avocet seen and photographed at Malltraeth cob pool (27^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at Cemlyn (28^th-30^th, 1^st-3^rd) and was at times giving excellent views at Tyn Llan pool.  Counts of Little Egrets included 58 birds at the Inland Sea (31^st), 13 birds at Cemlyn (28^th, 2^nd) and 13 birds at Traeth Dulas (29^th).  2 Bitterns were seen in flight at RSPB Valley wetlands (29^th).

Great Egret, Tyn Llan pool, Cemlyn, 2^nd September 2021.  Photo: J Martin Jones

Passerines and others:

A good week for Redstarts with a female bird seen at The Ridge, south of Talwrn (30^th) and a male Redstart in fields opposite the information centre at South Stack (2^nd).  A Yellow Wagtail flew over Cemlyn (3^rd), which also had 2 White Wagtails (3^rd).  There was a notable increase in the number of Northern Wheatear reported with up to 38 birds at The Range, South Stack (38 on 3^rd, 6 on 30^th, 4 on 28^th, 4 on 1^st), 8 birds south of Llyn Trafwll (2^nd), 6 birds at the Inland Sea (31^st), 5 birds at Cemlyn (3^rd), 4 birds on the Alaw estuary (31^st) and 1 bird at Traeth Crigyll (1^st).

2 Swifts were seen over The Range, Holyhead (3^rd), whilst a white ‘albino’ Barn Swallow was again at Malltraeth (2^nd-3^rd).  A Green Woodpecker was seen just behind Ty Dderw Hotel, Moelfre (30^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at a number of locations with birds at South Stack (28^th, 3^rd), The Range, Holyhead (30^th, 1^st) and Cemlyn (30^th); a hybrid was at Bull Bay (2^nd).  Sightings of Kingfishers included up to 2 birds at Cemlyn (2 on 29^th, 1 on 30^th) and 1 on the Alaw estuary (31^st&1^st).

Gulls and Terns:

The scarcest gull was a juvenile Little Gull seen off Octel, Amlwch (28^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included up to 84 adults and 5 juvenile birds on the Inland Sea (89 on 2^nd, 19 on 3^rd) 2 adult and 3 juvenile birds at Penrhos Coastal Park, Beddmanarch Bay (30^th), with 5 adults at the same site the following day (31^st).  A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at Traeth Dulas (31^st), with another juvenile at Cemlyn (1^st).  The Yellow darvic ringed Mediterranean Gull ‘AK.AT’ from Germany was seen again at Beddmanarch Bay, whilst a white darvic ringed Mediternnean Gull ‘39JE’ ringed on the 25^th June 2020 in Belgium was seen in the NE corner of the Inland Sea (2^nd).  A juvenile Common Gull was at Traeth Dulas (29^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen west of The Range, Holyhead (31^st) and headed south, while another was seen perched on a pylon at Tregele (1^st) before also flying off south.  A Merlin was on The Range, Holyhead (3^rd), while a Red Kite was seen over Talwrn (1^st & 2^nd).  A Barn Owl was seen south of Llyn Trafwll each evening over the week.

Seabirds:

It wasn’t typical sea-watching conditions yet they were sufficient on-shore winds for a few shearwaters and skuas.  The highlight was a Balearic Shearwater that flew past Point Lynas (30^th).  Sightings of Arctic Skuas included a bird seen to fly past Bull Bay (29^th), 3 past Point Lynas (30^th) and 1 past Llam Carw (31^st).  A Great Skua was seen lingering off Bull Bay / Octel, Amlwch Port (2^nd) with another off Cemlyn (3^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

5 Barnacle Geese were seen at Traeth Dulas (29^th), 3 of which had colour rings.  Enquiries showed that the birds had originated from the feral breeding population in Cumbria, with 2 birds having been ringed at Derwentwater and 1 at Ullswater.  2 further birds were seen on the Inland Sea (31^st).

53 Mute Swans were seen at the Cefni reservoir (30^th) and was a very respectable count for the island.  The number of Wigeon reported is increasing, with 13 birds at the Cefni reservoir (30^th), 6 birds on the Inland Sea from Ynys Leurad (31^st) and up to 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (3 on 30^th, 1 on 29^th).  Likewise, the number of Teal continue to increase with up to 165 birds on the Inland Sea (3^rd), 51 birds on the Alaw estuary (51 on 3^rd, 43 on 31^st, 26 on 29^th), 17 at the Cefni reservoir (30^th) and 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (30^th).  A female Pintail was on the Mitigation pond, Inland Sea (31^st).  The Cefni reservoir (30^th) also had 4 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 27 Tufted Duck, 186 Coot and 216 Mallard.  Up to 4 Goosander were on the Alaw estuary (4 on 1^st, 3 on 31^st).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver flew east at South Stack (3^rd) and was the 1^st reported for the 2^nd part of the year.  52 Little Grebes on the Cefni reservoir was a notable count (30^th).

 

Special thanks:

A special thanks to Dawn Balmer, Bethany Wilson and Peter Wilson for all their contributions to the bird news this week whilst they have been on holiday on the island.  The very best wishes to Dawn for her new role on the British Birds Rarities Committee.

 

The forthcoming week – 4^th September – 10^th September?

A significant ticking up in the number of rare and scarce birds, with 18 records.  Another Temminck’s Stint would very much be appreciated, with 2 now historical records of a bird at Malltraeth (4^th) in 1945 and another – again - at Malltraeth (6^th) in 1959.  Likewise, there are 2 records of Pectoral Sandpiper with birds at Rhosneigr (8^th) in 1998 and a bird at Cemlyn (9^th) in 2020.  Other notable waders included a Baird’s Sandpiper at Traeth Dulas (4^th) in 2009, an American Golden Plover at Malltraeth cob pool (5^th) in 2012, a Lesser Yellowlegs at the Alaw estuary (6^th) in 2016 and a Red-necked Phalarope at Llyn Llywenan (8^th) in 1995.  A Purple Heron was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th) in 2020.

There have been 2 recent records of Rose-coloured Starlings with 1 at Bull Bay (6^th) in 2020 and 1 at Cemlyn (10^th) in 2019.  There have been 2 records of Barred Warbler with 1 at South Stack (8^th) in 2008 and a historical record of 1 on the Skerries (10^th) in 1910.  There have been 2 Bluethroats as well, with 1 on the Skerries (10^th) in 1961 and 1 at Carmel Head (10^th) in 1963.  A Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Point Lynas (8^th) in 1972 and a Wryneck was at Cemlyn (10^th) in 2016.

And to round things off, it is not too late for a scarce tern with a White-winged Black Tern at Llyn Trafwll (8^th) in 1998 which was in the company of 8 Black Terns.