Saturday 23rd October – Friday 29th October 2021

Intro:

… the Slavs are back …

Divers & Grebes:

One of the winter highlights of birding on Anglesey is the Slavonian Grebes that can be found around the Inland Sea and Beddmanarach Bay areas.  This week marked their return, with 2 birds on the Inland Sea (23^rd) – the first sightings of the autumn.  Elsewhere, a Black-throated Diver was reported off Moelfre (23^rd), 2 Red-throated Divers were off Penrhos Coastal Park (23^rd), while sightings of Great Northern Diver included 1 past Hen Borth, Cemlyn (23^rd), 1 past Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (23^rd) and a summer plumaged bird in the bay at Cemlyn (25^th).

Passerines and others:

The first Fieldfare of the autumn was seen over Cemaes (25^th), with 4 seen subsequently at Tregele (26^th).  5 Redwing were at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (28^th) and a Black Redstart was seen again in private gardens at Beaumaris (29^th).  A tristis - type Chiffchaff was seen near the Coffee-cups car park, Penrhos Coastal Park (29^th), while a Blackcap was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (28^th).  It was a good week for finches with sightings of Brambling including 27 over Hen Felin, Cemlyn (23^rd), 1 on a garden feeder at Benllech (26^th) and 30 in a field of Sunflowers at a site in the SW of the island (26^th).  222 Siskin and 2870 Chaffinch also flew over Hen Felin, Cemlyn (23^rd), as did 168 Skylark (23^rd).  A Hooded Crow was at The Range (26^th), whilst sightings of Jays continues with 11 at South Stack (26^th) and 4 at The Range (26^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

2 Whooper Swans were at Llyn Trafwll (24^th) and 220 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th).  A drake Eider was in the bay at Cemlyn (28^th), 580 Wigeon were at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) as were 40 Teal (28^th).

Gulls and Terns:

A Little Gull was seen to fly past Cemlyn (25^th), while sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 4 birds between Dulas & Lligwy (24^th) and 8 past Cemlyn (25^th).  Two late records of tern species, with a Common Tern seen between Dulas & Lligwy (24^th) and an Arctic Tern past Cemlyn (25^th).

Waders:

40 Sanderling were seen between Dulas & Lligwy (24^th), while 11 Purple Sandpipers were seen at Trearddur Bay (24^th).  A Jack Snipe was seen at The Range (26^th), together with 8 Common Snipe (28^th).

Raptors:

3 Red Kites were at Dolmeinir on the Llangefni – Llanerchymedd road (29^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Nothing of note this week.

Seabirds:

Nothing of note this week.

 

Forthcoming week – 30^th October – 5^th November?

Just the one scarce wader, a Pectoral Sandpiper at Llyn Alaw (31^st) in 1980.  Two more Richard’s Pipits with a bird at Point Lynas (31^st) in 2004 and another at the Cefni estuary (5^th) in 1969.  Three scarce warblers with a Dusky Warbler at Soldier’s Point (31^st) in 1996, a Marsh Warbler at Soldier’s Point (31^st) in 2002 and a Pallas’s Warbler at Penmon Point (2^nd) in 1991.  Following on from last week’s Wood Lark, another was at Carmel Head (1^st) in 2008 and there was a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling at Penysarn (5^th) in 2018.  And 2 megas to finish with – the well watched Green Heron at Red Wharf Bay (30^th) in 2005 and finally a highly desirable Chimney Swift at Penmon (2^nd) in 2005 – another would do nicely.

Saturday 16th October – Friday 22nd October

Intro:

… an arrival of Black Redstarts …

Passerines and others:

The week’s highlight was probably the continuing arrival of scarce passage migrants / wintering species.  Chief among these were 4-5 Black Redstarts with a female / immature type at South Stack (17^th), 1 in a private garden at Beaumaris (20^th), 1 at the top of Holyhead mountain (21^st) and 2 at the base, south side, of Holyhead mountain (21^st).  There was a fly-over Snow Bunting at Point Lynas (22^nd) and a fly-over Brambling at Rhoscolyn (22^nd).  26 Siskin flew over Point Lynas (22^nd), with 2 at Porth Dafarch (20^th) along with a Lesser Redpoll (20^th).  2 Northern Wheatear were west of Porth Dafarch (19^th), with another at Newborough beach car park (21^st).  A female Blackcap was at Wylfa Head woods car park (20^th), while 5 Swallows flew past Rhoscolyn (20^th).  A Hooded Crow was still at South Stack (20^th), whilst European Jays continued to be seen across the island which included 5 at Rhoscolyn (20^th) and 8 at Tregele (20^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret was seen again, but had relocated to a field west of Llanynghenedl (16^th).  An immature Spoonbill was on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (16^th) and was later relocated on the Inland Sea as viewed from near the Anchorage Hotel (16^th).  2 Great Egrets were at Llyn Alaw (16^th) and c. 25 Little Egrets were at the Inland Sea (16^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Whooper Swans were reported from several locations including 2 at Llyn Alaw (16^th), 9 past Cemlyn (18^th), 15 east over Holyhead (19^th), 1 on Inland Sea (19^th) and 1 on the lagoon at Cemlyn (22^nd).  12 Mute Swans were on the Inland Sea (16^th).

Up to 165 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (165 on 20^th, 122 on 19^th), with 7 at the Alaw estuary (19^th).  A Greater Scaup flew past Point Lynas (21^st), 3 Eider flew past Point Lynas (21^st) and 4 past Cemlyn (22^nd).  A number of observers reported their first sightings of Goldeneye at particular sites with 2 drake Goldeneye on the lagoon at Cemlyn (19^th) and 1 at the Inland Sea (22^nd).  Wigeon numbers continue to increase with c.200 at Llyn Alaw (16^th) and 89 at the Alaw estuary (19^th).  There were 22 Pintail at Llyn Alaw (16^th), 41 Pintail at the Alaw estuary (19^th), 100 Pochard at Llyn Alaw (16^th) and 800 Coot at Llyn Alaw (16^th).  Llyn Alaw held an impressive estimate of 1200 Tufted Duck (16^th).  The first 16 Shelduck returned to the Alaw estuary (19^th).  Sightings of Goosander included 15 birds at Llyn Alaw (16^th), 1 on the Alaw estuary (19^th) and 1 at Beddmanarach Bay (22^nd).  There were 25 Red-breasted Mergansers on the lagoon at Cemlyn (19^th), with 3 on the Alaw estuary (19^th).

Divers & Grebes:

4 Red-throated Divers flew past Point Lynas (22^nd), while 2 were in the bay at Cemlyn (22^nd).  c. 30 Great-crested Grebes were seen on the Inland Sea (16^th).

Seabirds:

With the wind coming in from a NW-N direction at the end of the week it provided some late skua action at Point Lynas with a Long-tailed Skua (21^st), 4 Arctic Skuas (21^st) and a Great Skua (22^nd).  A Black Guillemot was in Holyhead harbour (21^st).

Gulls and Terns:

A Sabine’s Gull flew past Point Lynas (21^st) and a Little Gull fed among other gulls at Traeth Lligwy (16^th).  15+ Mediterranean Gulls were off Penrhos Coastal park (20^th) with 6 on the gorad flood at Valley (19^th).  2 Arctic Terns flew past Point Lynas (20^th).

Waders:

There were 14 Sanderling at Traeth Lligwy (16^th), with up to 12 Purple Sandpipers seen at Trearddur Bay (12 on 19^th, 2 on 21^st).   3 Knot were on the Alaw estuary (19^th), 11 Turnstones were on the Alaw estuary (19^th) and sightings of Dunlin included 17 birds at the Alaw estuary (19^th), 8 at Traeth Lligwy (16^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (16^th).  There were 80-100 Golden Plover at Cemlyn (22^nd) with 6 Grey Plover on the Alaw estuary (19^th) and 2 off Penrhos Coastal Park (20^th).  16 Ringed Plover were at Traeth Lligwy (16^th), with 2 at Porth y Mor (16^th).

A fairly stable number of Bar-tailed Godwits on the Alaw estuary with 52 birds reported this week (16^th).  There were 22 Black-tailed Godwit at the Inland Sea (16^th) and 12 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th).  There were 8 Greenshank on the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (16^th) and a single Ruff at Llyn Alaw (16^th).  232 Oystercatcher were counted on the Alaw estuary (19^th), while Woodcock were seen at Llynon Mill (16^th) and at Parc (18^th).

Raptors:

A Goshawk was seen over Mynydd Bodafon (16^th), a Merlin was seen at The Range (21^st) and a Short-eared Owl flew south at Traeth Cymyran (16^th).  Red Kites were seen at several locations including 1 following a tractor at Coedanna (16^th), 1 over the A5 just south of Rhostrehwfa (16^th) and 3 were over Llangwyllog (20^th).

Forthcoming week – 23rd October – 29^th October?

For a third week, Richard’s Pipit features - with 3 records – a bird at Penmon Point (24^th) in 1972, a bird at Cemlyn (28^th) in 2011 and a bird at South Stack (29^th) in 2019.  There was a Wood Lark at The Range (27^th) in 1987 and a Pallas’s Warbler at South Stack (23^rd) in 1988.  Rarer still were a Isabelline Shrike at Holyhead (25^th) in 1985, a Dusky Warbler at Wylfa woods (26^th) in 2002 and a Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Porth Eilian (27^th) in 2019.  A Great Shearwater at Point Lynas (25^th) in 1998 shows that seawatching may still offer a few surprises and a Ring-billed Gull was at Soldier’s Point (24^th) in 2003.  Finally, there was a Cattle Egret at Cemlyn (29^th) in 2018.

Saturday 9th October – Friday 15th October

Intro:

A scarce egret … a good sea-duck … returning winter swans, finches and thrushes …

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Whilst perhaps no longer rare or scarce in some parts of the UK, Cattle Egret is still a good bird for Anglesey with no more than a handful of records each year.  So, news that one was in roadside fields between Bodedern and Llanynghenedl (11^th-12^th, 15^th) was warmly welcomed.  Avid year listers will hope that it might take up a winter residency.

 

Cattle Egret, Bodedern, 15^th October.  Photo: J Martin Jones

Elsewhere, 3 Great Egrets were at Llyn Alaw (11^th) and 2 were at Llyn Maelog (10^th).  2 Water Rails were heard squealing just south of RSPB offices, Cors Ddyga (10^th), with the 1^st returning bird of the autumn at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (12^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

It was a good week for sea-duck, with the highlight being a drake winter plumage Long-tailed Duck seen off Benllech (10^th), with the same site also having 2 drake Eider (11^th-12^th) and numerous Common Scoter (11^th-12^th).  c. 200 Common Scoter flew past Point Lynas (10^th).

In a further sign of autumn, Whooper Swans started to make an appearance with 5 past Wylfa Head (15^th) and 2 at Llyn Alaw (15^th).  32 Pink-footed Geese were seen to fly over Hen Borth, Cemlyn (15^th), while there were c. 200 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (11^th) and 73 birds at the Alaw estuary (15^th).

Counts of some of the commoner ducks included up to 50 Shoveler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (50 on 14^th, c. 35 on the 10^th), 33 Shoveler at Cefni reservoir (14^th), up to 300 Teal at RSPB Cors Ddyga (300 on 15^th, c. 200 on 10^th), up to 80 Wigeon at RSPB Cors Ddyga (80 on 14^th, c. 70 on 10^th), 79 Gadwall at Cefni reservoir (14^th) and 33 Pintail at the Alaw estuary (10^th).  There were 248 Coot at the Cefni reservoir (14^th), 9 Goosander at Llyn Maelog (10^th), a Goosander at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th) and 21 Red-breasted Merganser on the lagoon at Cemlyn (13^th).

Divers & Grebes:

All 3 divers were seen off Benllech with a Black-throated Diver (11^th), a Great Northern Diver (11^th) and c. 20 Red-throated Diver (11^th).  Other sightings of Red-throated Divers included 5 off Traeth Bychan (12^th), 8 off Moelfre (12^th) and 1 off Point Lynas (14^th).  63 Little Grebes were at the Cefni reservoir (14^th).

Seabirds:

A dark phase Arctic Skua was seen off Traeth Lligwy (12^th), with 2 Arctic Skuas and 1 Great Skua past Point Lynas (13^th).  28 Northern Gannets, and 273 Common Guillemots flew past Point Lynas (14^th).  Winter plumaged Black Guillemots were seen off Benllech (11^th) and Traeth Lligwy (12^th).

Gulls and Terns:

A Little Gull was at Traeth Lligwy (13^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included up to 33 at the Alaw estuary (33 on 10^th, 28 on 15^th), 19 in a ploughed field east of Valley (12^th) and up to 20 Traeth Lligwy (c.20 on 12^th, 12 on 13^th).  21 Great Black-backed Gulls were at Traeth Dulas (14^th) and 6 flew past Point Lynas (14^th).  A Sandwich Tern was seen resting on the green buoy off Benllech (11^th), with another at Traeth Lligwy (13^th).  A late juvenile Common Tern was also at Traeth Lligwy (13^th).

Waders:

Sightings of Golden Plover included up to 200 at Cemlyn (c. 200 on 10^th, 108 on 13^th), 5 at the Alaw estuary (10^th) and 2 at The Range, South Stack (12^th).  There were up to 7 Grey Plover at the Alaw estuary (7 on 10^th, 4 on 15^th) and 3 Ringed Plover were also on the Alaw estuary (10^th).  Reports of Knot were restricted to the Alaw estuary where there were up to 4 (4 on 15^th, 1 on 10^th).  There are still very few Dunlin being reported with 25 at Llyn Alaw (11^th), up to 7 at the Alaw estuary (7 on 10^th, 3 on 15^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (14^th).  Reports of Turnstone included up to 7 birds at the Alaw estuary (7 on 10^th, 2 on 15^th) and 15 at Cemlyn (15^th).  2 Purple Sandpiper were at Cemlyn (10^th).

Up to 52 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (52 on 10^th, 32 on 15^th), while up to 3 Black-tailed Godwit were at the Alaw estuary (3 on 10^th, 2 on 15^th) and 2 were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Ruff were seen at the Alaw estuary (10^th), Llyn Alaw (11^th) and up to 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 15^th, 1 on 14^th).  Up to 7 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (7 on 15^th, 4 on 10^th) with 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (14^th).  There were 42 Redshank on the Alaw estuary (15^th), while counts of Lapwing included 51 at Llyn Alaw (11^th), 33 at the Alaw estuary (15^th) and 30 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  There were up to 106 Curlew on fields at Cemlyn (106 on 13^th, 53 on 15^th) and 66 at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  284 Oystercatchers were counted on the Alaw estuary (15^th).

Sightings of Jack Snipe included a bird at The Range (10^th) and another at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th), while reports of Common Snipe included 5 at The Range (10^th), c. 30 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (10^th), 3 at Llyn Alaw (11^th) and 3 at Cemlyn (15^th).

Passerines and others:

A week when winter finches and thrushes started to appear.  A Brambling flew over Mynydd Bodafon (13^th), up to 87 Siskin flew over South Stack (87 on 13^th, 6 on 10^th) and 2 Common Crossbill also flew over South Stack (10^th).  The 13^th marked the arrival of Redwing, with 90 over Cemaes and 83 over South Stack.  Skylarks were also particularly noticeable, with 20 seen overhead at Cemlyn (15^th) and 34 at South Stack (15^th).

Lingering summer migrants included several Northern Wheatears, with 8 at South Stack (10^th), up to 5 at The Range (5 on 10^th, 1 on 11^th) and 2 at Foel (10^th).  It was quiet on the warbler front, with sightings of our resident Cetti’s Warblers including 2 at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (10^th).  Reports of Blackcaps included birds at South Stack (10^th), Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th) and Octel water treatment plant, Alwch Port (15^th). 

The impressive movement of Eurasian Jays continued with up to 72 at South Stack (72 on 10^th, 8 on 11^th) and 4 at Cors Erddreiniog (10^th).  30 Magpies were seen to go to roost in trees near Llangefni sewage works (9^th), while Hooded Crows were seen at South Stack (11^th) and at The Range (12^th, 13^th).

Raptors:

The first report of the autumn of a Hen Harrier involved a ring-tailed at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th), from where up to 3 Marsh Harriers (3 on 10^th, 1 on 15^th) and 2 Barn Owls (10^th) were also seen.  A Short-eared Owl was seen to come in off the sea at Cemlyn (13^th), with another seen over Mynydd Bodafon (13^th).  A Little Owl was at South Stack (13^th), while a Merlin was seen at Cemlyn (10^th, 13^th).

 

Forthcoming week – 16^th October – 22^nd October?

It is still a good time for Richard’s Pipit with 4 birds during this week; at Soldier’s Point (16^th) in 2005, at Cemaes (16^th) in 2011, at Cemlyn (16^th) in 2016 and at the Alaw estuary (18^th) in 2019.  There have been 3 Red-breasted Flycatchers with birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (17^th) in 2012, at South Stack (18^th) in 1987 and at Soldier’s Point (20^th) in 2007.  A taste of Siberia with 2 Pallas’s Warbler, with a bird at Carmel Head (16^th) in 2011 and at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (16^th) in 2016.  Other passerines have included a Penduline Tit at Llyn Rhos Ddu (21^st) in 1992 and a Wood Lark at Cemlyn (21^st) in 2020.

Waders have included a historical record of a Red-necked Phalarope at Valley (17^th) in 1929 and a Lesser Yellowlegs at the Alaw estuary (22^nd) in 2011.  A well twitched Lesser Scaup was found at Llyn Llygerian (20^th) in 2018.   Finally, the Foster’s Tern mentioned last week started 2 more of its annual appearances being seen at Penmon (17^th) in 1987 and at Penmon (22^nd) in 1986.    

Saturday 2nd October – Friday 8th October

Intro:

Sabine’s ….

Gulls and Terns:

A windy week, with winds often coming in from the North-West, meant that reports from seawatching contributed a significant element of the week’s news.  The highlights were Sabine’s Gulls and Leach’s Petrels (see later).  It had been a quiet year for Sabine’s Gulls when compared to last year, but sightings on the 6^th sought to address that imbalance with at least 3 birds – an adult past Point Lynas, an adult past Octel, Amlwch, an adult past Cemlyn and a juvenile past Cemlyn.  The timing of the sightings of the adult bird at Cemlyn and that from Octel meant that at least 2 different birds were involved.

Other notable gulls included 3 Little Gulls seen off Cemlyn (6^th).  42 Mediterranean Gulls were at Beddmanarch Bay (2^nd) and 3 were seen off Cemlyn (6^th).  449 Kittiwakes were counted passing Cemlyn (6^th) over the course of a 4hr seawatch.  Sightings of terns off Octel, Amlwch included 2 Arctic Terns (5^th) and 6 Sandwich Terns (6^th).

Seabirds:

Just the single report of a Leach’s Petrel, with 1 off Point Lynas (6^th).  Sightings of Arctic Skuas included 1 past Cemlyn (3^rd), 2 past Bull Bay (5^th) and 2 past Cemlyn (6^th).  Reports of Great Skua included 1 past Octel, Amlwch & then presumably the same bird past Bull Bay (5^th), 1 past Cemlyn (5^th) and 2 past Cemlyn (6^th).  30 Manx Shearwater flew past The Range in 1hr (3^rd), with 7 past Bull Bay (5^th).  67 Gannets passed Cemlyn (6^th), as did 3 Black Guillemots (6^th).

Divers & Grebes:

3 Great Northern Diver flew past Cemlyn (5^th), with 1 the following day (6^th).   Sightings of Red-throated Diver included 1 past Cemlyn (3^rd), 3 past Octel, Amlwch and then presumably the same past Bull Bay (5^th), 9 past Cemlyn (5^th) and 21 past Cemlyn (6^th).  10 Great Crested Grebe were at Llyn Alaw (3^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The headline bird in terms of waterfowl was an eclipse adult drake Ring-necked Duck found at Llyn Alaw (4^th) and seen the following day (5^th).  Whilst not reported subsequently, there have recently been >600 Tufted Duck on the reservoir so it may well still be hiding among other waterfowl waiting to be relocated. The report has been considered and accepted by the Welsh Birds Rarity Committee - a subcommittee of the Welsh Ornithological Society - which considers scarce species which it defines as those occurring on average five times or fewer annually in Wales. Ken Croft advises that it is only the second American duck to be found and reported from Llyn Alaw – the 1^st being a Green-winged Teal in 1984 - quite a meagre return for such a large body of water and it is perhaps illustrative of how little scrutiny the area has had over recent years.

 

Ring-necked Duck, Llyn Alaw, 4^th October.  Photo: J Martin Jones

A Pink-footed Goose was with c. 175 Greylags on fields west of Pont Bulkeley near RSPB Cors Ddyga (7^th), while Pale-bellied Brent Geese featured in seawatching returns with 38 past Cemlyn (5^th-7^th) and 1 past Octel, Amlwch (6^th).  15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were also on the Alaw estuary (10^th).

Returning to Llyn Alaw, the reservoir also held c. 40 Gadwall (3^rd), c. 30 Shoveler (3^rd), c. 350 Teal (3^rd), c. 300 Coot (3^rd) and 3 Goosander (6^th).  Sightings of Wigeon included c. 30 at Llyn Alaw (3^rd) and 26 at Traeth Dulas (4^th).

And back to seawatching returns, a drake Eider flew past Cemlyn (5^th & 6^th), while up to 358 Common Scoter flew past Cemlyn (5^th), with 164 past the following day (6^th).

Waders:

1, possibly 2, Little Stints continued to be seen at Llyn Alaw (4^th, 6^th).  There were c. 70 Golden Plover at Cemlyn (3^rd) and 3 on the Alaw estuary (10^th) where they are fairly uncommon.  2 Grey Plover were on the Alaw estuary (10^th) and up to 7 Ringed Plover were at Llyn Alaw (7 on 6^th, 2 on 3^rd).  A Jack Snipe was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (7^th), while 2 Common Snipe were at Llyn (3^rd).  A Purple Sandpiper was at Cemlyn (3^rd) and 11 Dunlin were at Llyn Alaw (6^th).

51 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the Alaw estuary (10^th) and up to 12 Black-tailed Godwit were at Llyn Alaw (12 on 6^th, 3 on 4^th).  2 Ruff were at Llyn Alaw (6^th), while 2 Greenshank were at Traeth Dulas (4^th).

Passerines and others:

A very quiet week for passerines, with the unexpected highlight being a very noticeable movement of Eurasian Jays which turned up at both unexpected locations and in unusual numbers.  Sightings included 3 at South Stack (3^rd), 11 at The Range (4^th), 5 over Octel, Amlwch (4^th), 37 at the Inland Sea in 2 flocks of 22 and 15 (4^th), 21 over RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th), 6 over Hen Borth (10^th), 3 over Rhoscolyn (10^th) and 5 over Wylfa woods (10^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Llyn Alaw continued to be the stronghold for Great Egrets with up to 5 (5 on 4^th, 2 on 3^rd, 4 on 6^th) while singles were seen at the Inland Sea (3^rd) and Cemlyn (6^th).  11 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (4^th).

Raptors:

A Goshawk was seen over Church Bay (6^th), with a Red Kite seen over woodland near Llyn Llywenan (6^th).

Forthcoming week – 9^th October – 15^th October?

There have been 5 Richard’s Pipits with birds at Carmel Head (9^th) in 2005, at Mynachdy (13^th) in 2015, at Carmel Head (14^th) in 2018, at Soldiers Point (15^th) in 2011 and at South Stack (15^th) in 2015.  There have been 4 Barred Warblers with birds at Soldier’s point (11^th) in 1986, at South Stack (12^th) in 1996, at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (13^th) in 2013 and again at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (14^th) in 2005.  There have been 3 Red-breasted Flycatchers, with birds at Soldiers Point (10^th) in 1999, at South Stack plantation (12^th) in 2008 and at South Stack (13^th) in 1990.  Siberian Stonechat has 2 records, with birds at South Stack (10^th) in 1987 and again at South Stack (15^th) in 1987.  There was a Rose-coloured Starling at Holyhead (11^th) in 2011 and an Isabelline Shrike – consider by some to have been a Daurian – at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (15^th) in 2017.

A quieter time for waders with just an American Golden Plover at Cemlyn (14^th) in 2008.  There have been 2 Glossy Ibis with birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th) in 2014 and at Valley (15^th) in 2010.  A Cattle Egret was at the Inland Sea (9^th) in 2018.

Finally - a bird which is now very much overdue another showing – a Forster’s Tern was at Penmon (15^th) in 1988.

Saturday 25th September – Friday 1st October

Intro:

A trio of skuas; a trio of divers …

Seabirds:

The latter part of the week brought some north-westerly winds and with it some quality seabirds.  Top of the bill were 2 new additions to the Anglesey year list – a Leach’s Petrel seen off Cemlyn (29^th) and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua off Point Lynas (1^st).  There were reasonably good numbers of Arctic Skuas with up to 9 past Point Lynas (9 on 29^th, 4 on 28^th, 1 on 1^st), 1 past Llam Carw, Amlwch Port (29^th) and 2 past Cemlyn (29^th).  Sightings of Great Skua included 1 past Cemlyn (29^th), 3 past Point Lynas (1^st) and 1 past South Stack (1^st).  There were still a few Manx Shearwaters to be seen with 74 past Cemlyn (29^th), 9 past Llam Carw (29^th), 8 past South Stack (1^st) and up to 6 past Point Lynas (4 on 28^th, 6 on 1^st).  310 Gannets were counted past Cemlyn during a 3hr seawatch (29^th).  There was just the 1 report of Black Guillemot; a bird at Cemlyn (29^th).

Divers & Grebes:

Any week with 3 species of diver is a good one and this was particularly so given that we have just moved into the autumn proper.  Matters were helped by two species being found unexpectedly at Beddmanarch Bay (25^th) – a partial summer plumaged Black-throated Diver together with 2 Great Northern Diver which again retained a good proportion of their summer plumage.  The trio of divers was completed by 2 Red-throated Divers that were seen to fly past Point Lynas (28^th), with 6 past Cemlyn (29^th) and 7 past South Stack (1^st).  11 Great Crested Grebes were seen at Beddmanarch Bay (27^th).

Waders:

The lower water levels at Llyn Alaw not only continued to hold last week’s Pectoral Sandpiper which was seen on most days (25^th-27^th, 29^th-30^th), but also pulled in a number of other waders including 2 Wood Sandpiper (25^th) and 3 Little Stint (25^th). 

 

Photo: Llyn Alaw, 25th September - showing wide shoreline created by lower water levels.  Photo: J Martin Jones.

A Green Sandpiper was on the Alaw estuary (28^th, 1^st) and 5 Purple Sandpiper were at Trearddur Bay (25^th).  Sightings of Knot included 9 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) and up to 4 on the Alaw estuary (4 on 1^st, 2 on 28^th).  Relatively few Dunlin were reported with just 41 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) and 5 on the Alaw estuary (28^th).  5 Grey Plover were on the Alaw estuary (1^st), approximately 60-70 Golden Plover were on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (25^th) and 3 Ringed Plover were on the Alaw estuary (28^th).  7 Common Snipe flew over Rhoscolyn (30^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit included up to 58 on the Alaw estuary (58 on 28^th, 51 on 1^st), 28 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (26^th, 28^th-29^th).  Up to 16 Black-tailed Godwit were at Llyn Alaw (16 on 25^th, 12 on 26^th), with 4 at Malltraeth cob pool (25^th), 4 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and up to 2 at the Alaw estuary (2 on 28^th, 1 on 1^st).  Up to 5 Ruff were seen at Llyn Alaw (5 on 27^th, 3 on 25^th-26^th), with 1 on fields opposite Malltraeth cob pool (25^th) and 1 on the Alaw estuary (28^th).  Up to 13 Greenshank were on the Alaw estuary (13 on 1^st, 6 on 28^th), 7 were at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (26^th) and 3 were at Traeth Dulas (27^th).  25 Redshank were on the Alaw estuary (28^th), with 12 at Traeth Dulas (27^th).  There were up to 131 Curlew at Traeth Dulas (131 on 29^th, 83 on 27^th) and 68 on the Alaw estuary (28^th).  The latter site also held 332 Oystercatcher (28^th).

Gulls and Terns:

A juvenile Sabine’s Gull and a Little Gull were seen off Point Lynas (1^st), while sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 32 at the Alaw estuary (1^st), 21 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (29^th).  At least 1500 Kittiwakes were seen over a 2 ½ hour seawatch off Point Lynas (1^st), while 167 were seen during a 3-hour seawatch from Cemlyn (29^th).  21 Arctic Terns were seen off Point Lynas (1^st), with 2 off South Stack (1^st) and 1 off Cemlyn (29^th).   30 Sandwich Terns were at Porth y Mor, near Traeth Lligwy (26^th), with 9 seen off Cemlyn (29^th). 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Up to 10 Barnacle Geese continue to be seen feeding in fields north of Llyn Alaw (10 on 27^th, 6 on 26^th, 4 on 30^th).  The Dark-bellied Brent Goose was seen again at Beddmanarch Bay (25^th, 28^th), with up to 22 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Beddmanarch Bay (22 on 25^th, 16 on 28^th) and 7 on the Inland Sea as viewed from Four mile bridge (30^th).

The number of wintering ducks continue to build and there were a number of reports of returning Goldeneye with 1 seen to fly past Point Lynas (28^th) and another at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th).  15 Goosander were seen to fly on to the Alaw estuary (1^st).  327 Teal were counted at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th), with 90 on the Alaw estuary (28^th).  Beddmanarch Bay also held up to 33 Pintail (33 on 27^th, 12 on 28^th) and 338 Wigeon (28^th).  Let’s hope that the Wigeon seen on Fair Isle are heading for the balmy climate of Anglesey and that they bring the eclipse Baikal Teal along with them … now that would be a nice surprise!

Passerines and others:

A very quiet week for passerines, which was no doubt down to the wet and windy weather conditions.  A Hooded Crow was at The Range, Holyhead (25^th), with a Kingfisher at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 8 Great Egret continue to be seen at Llyn Alaw (8 on 25^th, 7 on 26^th), with 1 on the Inland Sea (25^th, 28^th).  22 Little Egrets were counted at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (26^th).

Raptors:

Reports of Red Kite included 2 birds near RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th), 1 at Traeth Dulas (29^th) and 1 north of Rhosmeirch (1^st).

 

Forthcoming week – 2^nd October – 8^th October?

A week firmly lodged in Anglesey birding folklore, in that it includes two American Passerines at South Stack, a UK first in the form of a Grey Catbird (4^th) in 2001 and a Red-eyed Vireo on the same date.  There have been two Red-breasted Flycatchers, both at the Breakwater Country Park, the first on the 2^nd in 2007 and the second on the 8^th in 2005.  A Short-toed Lark was at Cemlyn (7^th) in 2014 and an Alpine Swift was at South Stack (8^th) in 1960.

Waders have included 2 Red-necked Phalaropes, with one at Penmon Pool (2^nd) in 1998 and a historical record of one at Valley (5^th) in 1893.  An American Golden Plover was at the Alaw estuary (8^th) in 2004. 

Finally, there was a Glossy Ibis at Malltraeth (2^nd) in 1945.