Saturday 23rd April – Friday 29th April 2022

Intro:

Scarce waders continue to dominate sightings …

Waders:

A Curlew Sandpiper seen and videoed on the Alaw estuary (23^rd-24^th) was a good early record.  Most of Anglesey’s records relate to juveniles during the autumn, so all spring records are noteworthy.  A Wood Sandpiper was seen for just 10 minutes at RSPB Cors Ddyga (29^th) between 0655 and 0705hrs in the electrified field by Tai'r gors before it flew towards the A55 and landed out of view at back of electrified field.  There have been no further sightings by late evening.  The Range, Holyhead is Anglesey’s premiere site for Dotterel on passage and it delivered once more with one seen and photographed (25^th).  It is turning out to be a bumper year for sightings of Avocet with 2 at Cemlyn (28^th) being the 3^rd and 4^th records for the year.

The best of the plovers included up to 2 Little Ringed Plover at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 25^th-27^th, 1 on 24^th), a Grey Plover at the Cemlyn (23^rd) and 4 Ringed Plover at Malltraeth (26^th).  Common Sandpipers were reported from a number of sites including 4 at the Alaw estuary (24^th), up to 4 at Cemlyn (4 on 29^th, 1 on 23^rd&26^th), 3 at Hen Borth (23^rd), 2 at Traeth Dulas (24^th) and 1 on the pool near the former school at Llandrygan (25^th).  4 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (23^rd) and sightings of Sanderling included up to 6 birds at the Alaw estuary (6 on 24^th, 5 on 23^rd) and 2 at Traeth y Gribin (25^th).  45 Dunlin were at Malltraeth (26^th), with 40 birds on the Alaw estuary (23^rd) and 4 at Cemlyn (29^th).

Up to 2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 25^th, 1 on 26^th), 26 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the Alaw estuary (24^th) while sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included up to 115 at Malltreath (115 on 26^th, 109 on 23^rd) and 3 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th).  A Greenshank was at Malltraeth (23^rd) as were 5 Redshank (23^rd).  A Common Snipe was at Cors Bodeilio (26^th), with another at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (26^th).

Whimbrel were reported from multiple sites including up to 15 + at Hen Borth (15+ on 26^th, 12 on 25^th), up to 11 on the Alaw estuary (11 on 23^rd, 7 on 24^th), up to 6 at the Alaw estuary (6 on 26^th, 4 on 24^th), 5 at Cemlyn (23^rd & 26^th), up to 5 at Malltraeth (5 on 26^th, 3 on 23^rd), 4 at the Inland Sea (23^rd) and 3 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).

Passerines and others:

A Tree Sparrow was at a bird table in a private garden near Bryngwran (26^th) – the first record for the year following an earlier erroneous report.  It is a great shame that a bird that once could quite reasonably be expected to be seen during the course of the year has reduced in number to such a small remnant population.  A Black Redstart was seen near the entrance gates to Lighthouse at South Stack (25^th), while both a male and a female Ring Ouzel were seen on fields between the coastguard lookout and St Gwenfaen’s well, Rhoscolyn (26^th & 29^th).  Sightings of Whinchat included 1 at Carmel Head (24^th), 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (25^th), 1 at Pont Marquis (25^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th) and 1 around Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (29^th).

A Garden Warbler was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th), a Lesser Whitethroat at Cors Bodeilio (25^th), while sightings of Grasshopper Warblers included 2 birds east of Cemlyn (23^rd), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and 1 at Newborough (27^th).1

2 Yellow Wagtail were seen at Hen Borth (26^th) and a Blue-headed type - which is causing some discussion as to the exact sub-species - was at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (29^th).  4 Tree Pipits were noted at Carmel Head (24^th), with up to 4 flying through calling at Cemlyn (4 on 25^th, 1 on 29^th).  50+ White Wagtail were at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (26^th).  Several Siskin were seen at Llyn Parc Mawr (23^rd).  19 Wheatears were at Cemlyn (29^th), with 12 at the Range, Holyhead (25^th). 

Sightings of Hooded Crows included up to 3 at Hen Borth (3 on 23^rd, 2 on 25^th), 2 at Cemlyn (23^rd), 2 at Carmel Head (24^th), 2 at South Stack (25^th) and 2 on the Range, Holyhead (27^th).  A Kingfisher was seen in flight over the Afon Cefni, adjacent to RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and a Cuckoo was at Cemlyn (29^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

While the origin of Egyptian Geese is that of an introduced species, it is still on the British list courtesy of a classification of having a self-sustaining population.  It is a rare bird nonetheless on Anglesey although there are successful breeding records as close as RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Cheshire.  One seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (24^th – 26^th) caused some local interest and was last seen flying down the Menai Strait (29^th) before later being reported at RSPB Conwy.

A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was still at Traeth Dulas (28^th), a drake Wigeon was at Traeth Dulas (28^th), 10 Teal were at Malltraeth (23^rd) and 4 Goosander were at Malltraeth (23^rd).  Last week’s Black Swan was seen again, flying with the Egyptian Goose down the Menai Strait (29^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

The first Arctic Terns have returned to Cemlyn with 2 off the Trwyn, Cemlyn {25^th) with 2 on the bricks around the main island in the lagoon (26^th).  Wardens advise that the number of Sandwich Terns have been as high as 4000 (largest numbers at dusk), with up to 60 Common Terns and up to 10 Arctic Terns.  Up to 2 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (2 on 23^rd & 29^th, 1 on 26^th).  A Common Gull was seen at the Alaw estuary (27^th)

5 Puffins were seen off Puffin Island (28^th) with at least 1 photographed at RSPB South Stack (26^th).  A Black Guillemot and several Eider were seen from Penmon Point (28^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A pair of Little Grebes were seen at Llyn Parc Mawr, Newborough (23^rd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (23^rd), while a ‘booming’ Bittern as heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).

Raptors:

A Hobby seen over Wylfa woods (28^th), was the 1^st for the year.   An Osprey was seen over Malltraeth, with the same or another being seen over the Alaw estuary (23^rd).  There was a further sighting at Malltraeth (25^th) and another was seen drifting east over Cemlyn (26^th).  A Red Kite was seen at Llyn Llywenan (23^rd).  A Merlin was seen from the east car park, Cemlyn (25^th), with the same or another at Hen Borth (26^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Curlew Sandpiper, Egyptian Goose, Arctic Tern, Tree Sparrow, Hobby and Wood Sandpiper were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 187.

Saturday 16th April – Friday 22nd April 2022

Intro:

Wader fest …

Waders:

It is somewhat frightening to think that over 29 years have passed since the last occurrence of Black-winged Stilt on Anglesey, when 3 birds were present on pools towards Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn from the 10-21^st April 1993 before moving on with a pair then settling at Frodsham, Cheshire and attempting to breed.  For those who may have missed those birds, a fresh opportunity to add Black-winged Stilt to Anglesey life lists came with a bird found late morning at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th).  Regrettably, it and other waders were spooked – perhaps by a raptor – at around 12:30 hrs.  Much to the disappointment of those who arrived later, efforts to relocate the bird were unsuccessful. Widely presumed to have been the same bird that had been present at Dafen scrapes, Llanelli Wetlands Centre WWT, Carmarthen from the 11^th – 16^th April, the bird’s next stop was Marshside RSPB, Lancashire from the 18^th – 22^nd.

Photo: Black-winged Stilt, RSPB Cors Ddyga, 17^th April 2022 – by Nigel Matthews (finder).

Not quite as rare, but a good early find nonetheless, was a Dotterel found among a flock of European Golden Plover in a cattle field on the approach to Traeth Penial, Llanfwrog (18^th).  Found early in the afternoon, the bird did the decent thing and stayed put until early evening at least allowing a small appreciative crowd to catch up with this bird.

Despite their numbers elsewhere in the UK, Avocet is still a scarce bird on Anglesey.  After a bird on the Alaw estuary earlier in the year, a second record for the year came in the form of a bird at Cemlyn (20^th) which stayed for much of the afternoon.

Back to RSPB Cors Ddyga, where up to 3 Little Ringed Plovers were seen (3 on 17^th&18^th, 1 in display flight on 22^nd).  Last year was the first time this species bred on the island and it is very much hoped that they will do so again.  Lapwings are way ahead of them, with the first chicks already having been seen (18^th).  There were up to 16 Golden Plover at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16 on 18^th, 12 on 16^th, 11 on 21^st), with up to 275 at Traeth Penial, Llanfwrog (275 on 21^st, 250+ on 18^th).  2 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (17^th).

A Green Sandpiper was seen again on the pool near the former Llandrygan school (16^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (16^th).  A number of migrant Common Sandpipers were seen including 3 that flew over Cors Erddreiniog (16^th) and 2 at the Inland Sea (16^th).  The wintering Common Sandpiper at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead continued its stay (21^st).  A single Sanderling was seen at Traeth Penial (18^th), while 4 Knot and 17 Dunlin were seen at the Alaw estuary (19^th).

There were up to 2 Ruff at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 21^st, 1 on 18^th), while sightings of Godwits included 31 Bar-tailed Godwits at the Alaw estuary (19^th), 3 Black-tailed Godwits at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th) and 17 Black-tailed Godwits at Tyddyn-y-Cob, Valley (19^th).  Whimbrel were very much on the move with 3 flocks of 20, 15 & 10 passing through the Alaw estuary (17^th).  Elsewhere, 1 was at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (17^th), 2 were at the Range, Holyhead (17^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (19^th), 1 at Cemlyn (21^st), 3 at Traeth Llydan (22^nd), while calling birds were heard at Traeth Penial, Llanfwrog (18^th).  3 pairs of ‘bubbling’ Curlew were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th, 18^th).

Passerines and others:

A Hoopoe was seen in left hand field before Penmon Priory (17^th), but both the sighting of the Black-winged Stilt at RSPB Cors Ddyga and the spectre of Easter Sunday traffic around Penmon meant that few ventured out to search for it and the bird wasn’t relocated. 

A male Black Redstart was found in fields at Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn (16^th), with a female / 1^st winter bird on the roof of the visitor centre at RSPB South Stack (17^th) and then around the cottage opposite (19^th).  A Ring Ouzel was seen in the dunes at Newborough Warren (20^th) and a male Whinchat was at Hen Borth (22^nd).

The commoner warblers - Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers and Greater Whitethroats were back in good numbers and reported from multiple sites.  Grasshopper Warblers arrived in reasonable numbers and included 5 Rhydwyn (16^th), 2 at Cors Erddreiniog (16^th), 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th), 1 at RSPB Valley wetlands (16^th), 1 just west of Octel, Amlwch Port (17^th), 1 at Cors Efail Newydd, near Benllech (17^th) and 1 below the dam wall at Llyn Cefni (21^st).  Following a wintering Lesser Whitethroat at Holyhead, the first migrant birds included 1 singing west of the harbour, at Amlwch Porth (17^th), 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (18^th, 20^th), 2 at Llyn Alaw (21^st) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (21^st).  A Garden Warbler was at Newborough forest (18^th) and another was heard singing at Llyn Llywenan (20^th).  Reports of Cetti’s Warbler included 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th), 4 at Llyn Maelog (19^th), 1 below the dam wall at Llyn Cefni (20^th), 1 at Llyn Alaw (21^st) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (21^st).

Hen Borth (16^th) had a Yellow Wagtail, a fly over Tree Pipit and 100+ White Wagtails.  2 White Wagtails were seen at South Stack (20^th). 2 Common Crossbills were seen in flight at Newborough Warren (20^th).

There were further reports of Common Cuckoos calling, including 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th),1 at Bodffordd (17^th), 1 between Cemaes and Llanfechell (20^th) and 1 at Llanrhyddlad (21^st).  Sightings of Hooded Crow included 1 at the Range, Holyhead (16^th, 17^th &19^th), 2 at RSPB South Stack (17^th) and 4 at Hen Borth – 1 of which sported a metal ring on its ring leg (22^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

213 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen on the Inland Sea (16^th), with 58 at the Alaw estuary (19^th).  There were 4 drake Pochard at Llyn Penrhyn (16^th), 9 Wigeon at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th), up to 25 Shoveler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25 on 17^th, 22 on 16^th, 15 on 21^st), up to 75 Teal at RSPB Cors Ddyga (75 on 21^st, 50 on 17^th, 45 on 16^th) and 4 Gadwall at RSPB Cors Ddyga (21^st).  An Eider was in the bay at Cemlyn (21^st) and 11 Common Scoter were seen during a 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (19^th).  A touch of exotica came in the form of a Black Swan on the sea off the Trwyn, Cemlyn (21^st).

Seabirds & gulls:

The first returning Common Tern was seen at Cemlyn (19^th – 21^st), where there were up to 700 Sandwich Terns (19^th) although daily numbers fluctuate.  There was just the 1 report of a Puffin – 1 bird on the cliffs at RSPB South Stack (19^th).  The aforementioned 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (19^th) produced 228 Manx Shearwaters, 8 Fulmars, 12 Gannets and 12 Kittiwakes.

Divers & Grebes:

4 Red-throated Divers seen over a 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (19^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 3 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 18^th & 22^nd, 2 on 16^th&17^th) – 1 of which was in breeding plumage, while 12 Little Egrets were noted at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (17^th).  3 ‘booming’ Bitterns were heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 17^th, 2 on 19^th), where a wailing Water Rail was also heard (19^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen over the lake at RSPB Cors Ddyga (22^nd), with the same or another around Malltraeth (22^nd).  Up to 2 Marsh Harriers were also seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 16^th& 18^th, 1 on 21^st).  It wasn’t so long ago that Red Kite was an exceptional bird to see on the island.  How things have changed for the better with multiple sightings each week which this week included 1 over Bryngwran (16^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th), 1 over Cemaes beach (18^th), 1 over Talwrn (20^th) and 1 over Llyn Llywenan (21^st).  2 Merlins were seen at Hen Borth (16^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Black-winged Stilt, Dotterel, Hoopoe and Common Tern were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 181.

Saturday 9th April – Friday 15th April 2022

Intro:

Well, those southerly winds certainly helped …

Passerines and others:

It was a good week for spring migrants, with 11 new species for the Anglesey year list.  Ring Ouzel is a scarce passage migrant to Anglesey, but 4 were seen this week with a female at Porth-y-Garan, Rhoscolyn (11^th), a male and female at Bwa Du, Rhoscolyn (13^th) and a female on the coastal footpath between Llanbadrig and Llanlleiana (15^th).  Grasshopper Warblers were fresh onto the island with 1 - possibly 2 - at Cemlyn (12^th), 3 at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (13^th), 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and 2 at RSPB Valley wetlands (15^th).  The first Sedge Warbler was back at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th) with at least 6 birds the following morning at Llyn Penrhyn (14th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (15^th).  3 Reed Warblers were also at Llyn Penrhyn (14^th), with 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  A Greater Whitethroat was at Cestyll Gardens, near Cemlyn (14^th) and a Garden Warbler was at Newborough Forest (14^th).  A Yellow Wagtail was heard calling overhead at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (11^th), while 3 Tree Pipits were heard over Llanlleiana (14^th) with 13 logged between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th).  An early Common Swift was seen over the dunes between Rhosneigr and Llanfaelog (12^th).  A Common Cuckoo was heard calling early morning at Lligwy (13^th) and the same or another bird was heard during the evening calling from land on the east side of Traeth Dulas (13^th).  Finally, a Whinchat was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).

Swallows and Sand Martins are now back in good numbers and were reported from multiple sites.  House Martins were reported in smaller numbers, but 65 seen among a mixed flock of hirundines at Llyn Llygeirian (12^th) was noteworthy.

Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Northern Wheatears are also being reported in good numbers and from multiple sites - 20+ Northern Wheatears at the Range, Holyhead (12^th) was a good count as was 17 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th).  A Siberian Chiffchaff was seen in a plantation at Carmel Head (15^th).  Reports of Cetti’s Warblers included 1 at Carreglwyd marsh, near Rhydwyn (10^th), up to 9 at RSPB Valley Lakes (9 on 14^th, 7 on 13^th, 1 on 10^th), 3 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (11^th) and 1 at Llyn Llygerian (12^th).  White Wagtails were reported from a number of sites and included 2 at Penmon pool (9^th), 5 on newly ploughed fields off Gorad Road, Valley (12^th), up to 7 at Cemlyn (7 on 13^th, 3 on 12^th) and 120 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th).  5 Crossbills flew over at Carmel Head (10^th).  30 Fieldfares were seen to head NE over Llandegfan (9^th) – it can’t be long before our winter thrushes depart.  Sightings of Hooded Crows included 1 at Carmel Head (10^th), 1 at South Stack (11^th, 13^th) and up to 3 were at the Range, Holyhead (3 on 13^th, 1 on 11^th & 12^th, 2 on 14^th).  A Kingfisher was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).

Waders:

Little Ringed Plover is still a scarce bird on Anglesey, so 1 on the Alaw estuary (10^th) was a good find – as was 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Staying with plovers, there were 190 Golden Plover at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th) and up to 230 at the Alaw estuary (230 on 15^th, 100 on 9^th).  A Grey Plover was at the Alaw estuary (12^th) while reports of Ringed Plover included 23 at Traeth y Gribin (10^th), 4 at the Alaw estuary (12^th) and 2 between Lligwy and Treath Dulas (15^th).

A Green Sandpiper was seen again on pool near the former Llandrygarn school (13^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (14^th).  Sightings of Common Sandpiper included the wintering bird at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (9^th, 15^th), 1 at Cemlyn (12^th) and 1 at Malltreath (12^th).  22 Purple Sandpipers were at Llanddwyn (14^th), 4 were on rocky islets off Trearddur Bay (14^th) and up to 2 were on the tideline of the beach east of the Trwyn, Cemlyn (2 on 12^th, 1 on 13^th).  Sightings of Sanderling included 2 at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th) and 1 on the Alaw estuary (10^th).  Up to 7 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (7 on 9^th, 6 on 10^th).  4 Dunlin were seen at the Alaw estuary (12^th), with 2 at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits included up to 57 on the Alaw estuary (57 on 10^th, 49 on 9^th, 1 on 12^th) and 37 at the Inland Sea (10^th), while reports of Black-tailed Godwits included up to 58 at Inland Sea (58 on 12^th, 1 on 10^th), 4 at the Alaw estuary (12^th), 1 at Cemlyn (11^th), 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and 125 on Malltraeth cob pool (14^th).  There were up to 3 Greenshank at the Alaw estuary (3 on 12^th, 1 on 14^th), 2 at Traeth Dulas (13^th) and 1 on the estuary at Aberffraw (12^th).  25 Redshank were counted on the Alaw estuary (14^th).  The wintering Whimbrel was seen again at Cemlyn (12^th), while the first passage migrant birds included 8 at the Alaw estuary (12^th) and 3 at Llanddwyn (15^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

25 Mute Swans were at the Alaw estuary (12^th).  Counts of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 277 at the Alaw estuary (277 on 10^th, 43 on 12^th), 165 at the Alaw estuary / Beddmanarch Bay (9^th), 45 at the Inland Sea (10^th), 4 at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th), 2 off Moelfre (13^th) and 18 at Newborough beach (15^th).  2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese were also off Penrhos Coastal Park (12^th).  2 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Llywenan (11^th) and 7 Pink-footed Geese were at RSPB Valley wetlands (15^th).

12 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (12^th), with pairs being seen at Llyn Llywenan (14^th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Sightings of Pochard included 22 birds at RSPB Valley lakes (14^th), 2 pairs at Llyn Cerrig Bach (11^th) and a pair at Llyn Llywenan (10^th).  Llyn Llywenan also held 2 pairs of Shoveler (10^th), 15 Tufted Duck (10^th) and a drake Goldeneye (10^th).

61+ Eiders were seen offshore between Trwyn y Penrhyn and Penmon Point (9^th), with 11 off Moelfre (11^th).  7 Common Scoter flew past the Range (9^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

Up to 9 Puffins were seen at South Stack (9 on 10^th, 4 on 9^th), with several also seen from Penmon Point (9^th).  There were 4 Black Guillemots at Penmon point (9^th) and 2 at Porth Penmon (9^th).  Reasonable numbers of the commoner seabirds were seen around the coast.  137 Manx Shearwaters were seen during a 2hr seawatch off the Range (9^th), with other sightings including 17 Gannets, 5 Fulmars and 50 Kittiwakes.  23 pairs of Kittiwakes were noted on Ynys Moelfre (13^th), with 20 Gannets fishing offshore.  Sandwich Tern numbers at Cemlyn have now built up to c. 600 (12^th) although daily totals are varying quite markedly.  3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (12^th) and 2 were at the Alaw estuary (12^th).

Divers & Grebes:

6 Red-throated Divers flew past the Range (9^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and a booming Bittern was heard at the southern end of the reserve (14^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Osprey included single birds at Malltraeth (11^th, 12^th, 14^th).  4 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th), with 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (11^th) and a female at Llyn Llywenan (11^th).  Sightings of Red Kites included 1 over the Alaw estuary (9^th), 1 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (10^th), 1 over Llangefni (11^th), 1 over Bryngwran (13^th), 1 over Mynydd Eilian (12^th-13^th), 1 over Lligwy (14^th) and 1 over Bodeilio (14^th).  Merlins were seen at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (11^th) and at the Range, Holyhead (12^th). Sighting of Short-eared Owls included 1 on the Range, Holyhead (11^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (11^th) and 2 on the coastal path south-east of Valley (13^th).

 

Big thanks:

I just want to take the opportunity to once again thank all those who share their sightings by whatever means to enable this weekly summary to be put together.  I know from personal feedback that the summary is enjoyed by both local birders and those who visit the area.  It would be impossible to weave in every sighting into the summary, but I hope that it strikes the right balance of scarcer and more common species to give a rounded feel of what has been seen over the past week.

 

2022 Year List:

Ring Ouzel, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Greater Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Common Swift, Common Cuckoo, and Whinchat were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 177.

Saturday 2nd April – Friday 8th April 2022

Intro:
Cold and windy conditions across the week weren’t particularly conducive to the arrival of spring migrants, but some pushed through nonetheless.  With a more southerly aspect to the wind from Sunday onwards, perhaps we will be blessed with a strong arrival of migrants with one or two scarcer species among the mix.

Herons, Egrets and allies:
The bird of the week was probably a Spoonbill seen by a single observer at RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th).  Unfortunately, there was no sign of the bird the following morning.  With several records of up to 3 birds last year - that were never pinned down to any particular site - there will hopefully be a good chance for further opportunities to connect with this species later in the year.  There was just the 1 report of a Great Egret, relating to a bird at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  A Cattle Egret was reported again near Llyn Trafwll (6^th).
Waders:
It was a good start to the week for records of Green Sandpiper with 4 birds seen across 3 separate sites.  Up to 2 were seen at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (2 on 4^th, 1 on 3^rd, 1 on 8^th), 1 near Ynys Wen cemetery, Valley (3^rd) and 1 on a pool at Llandrygan by the B5109 (3^rd).  The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead harbour (2^nd & 8^th).
Reports of Golden Plover included up to 130 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (130 on 3^rd, 125 on 2^nd, 112 on 6^th), 73 at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 20 at Cemlyn (8^th).  20 Ringed Plover were seen at the Alaw estuary (4^th), where a Ruff was seen again (3^rd, 4^th).  7 Knot were seen on the Alaw estuary (4^th), while 19 were on the Afon Cefni at Malltraeth (8^th). 
Up to 63 Bar-tailed Godwits at the Alaw estuary (63 on 4^th, 48 on 3^rd), while sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included 114 on the Afon Cefni at Malltraeth (8^th), up to 2 on the Alaw estuary (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 4^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).  There were up to 7 Greenshank at the Alaw estuary (7 on 3^rd, 3 on 4^th & 8^th) with 4 at Traeth Dulas (4^th & 6^th).  126 Oystercatcher were at the Alaw estuary (4th), with 250 at Cadnant bridge (8th). The Alaw estuary also held up to 31 Redshank (31 on 4^th, 16 on 8^th) and 34 Curlew (4^th).  A Whimbrel was seen at Cemlyn (5^th) and 2 Snipe were seen on a pool at Llandrygan by the B5109 (3^rd).

Seabirds & gulls:
It was a slow start to the week in respect of sightings of Manx Shearwaters, with just 2 birds seen off The Range, Holyhead (4^th).  The strong winds mid-week brought an increase in sightings with 12+ past Cemlyn (6^th), 19 past Cemlyn (7^th), 7 past Bull Bay (7^th) and 92 past South Stack (8^th).  21 Gannets flew past Cemlyn (7^th), with 10 past South Stack (8^th).  11 Fulmars flew past Cemlyn (7^th), 4 were at Bull Bay (7^th) and 1 flew past South Stack (8^th).
Up to 4 Puffins were at RSPB South Stack (4 on 4^th, 3 on 3^rd), while sightings of Black Guillemots included 3 at Holyhead harbour (3^rd) and 4 in the bay at Cemlyn (6^th).   Sightings of Sandwich Terns on passage included 16 seen on rocks off Ynys Leurad, Inland Sea (2^nd), 22 seen passing through the Menai Strait off Aberlleiniog (5^th) and 7 off South Stack (8^th).  At Cemlyn, numbers kept building with up to 60 + (60+ on 8^th, 48+ on 6^th, c. 30 on 2^nd). 
Up to 5 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (5 on 4^th & 8^th, 2 on 5^th) and 4 were at the Alaw estuary (4^th).
Swans, Geese & Ducks:
145 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at the Alaw estuary (4^th), with 3 seen during a seawatch off South Stack (8^th).  There were 7 Pintail at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) and 8 at the Alaw estuary (4^th).  Sightings of Pochard included 12 at RSPB Valley wetlands (4^th) and a pair at Llyn y Parc, near Beaumaris (7^th).  The Alaw estuary held 12 Wigeon (4^th) and 12 Teal (4^th), while Llyn Maelog held 16 Tufted Duck (5^th), 7 Gadwall (5^th), 1 Goosander (5^th) and 1 Goldeneye (5^th).  A drake Goldeneye was at Llyn Llywenan (7^th).  A drake Eider was seen in the bay at Cemlyn (2^nd) and 5 Common Scoter flew past South Stack (8^th).
Passerines and others:
News of a summer plumaged male Snow Bunting at Bull Bull (6^th) came out via a photo on Facebook, but alas the bird could not be relocated.  A Black Redstart, presumably 1 of 3 previously present at the site, was seen off South Stack Road (2^nd).  The early part of the week – associated with the poor weather - was slow for hirundines – with 3 Swallows at Cemlyn (2^nd), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), 8 Sand Martins over Llyn Cefni (2^nd) and 2 House Martins over Wylfa Head (5^th).  Once the winds died down on Thursday afternoon, there was a marked increase in sightings that included 12+ Sand Martins (7^th) and 12 + Swallows (7^th) at Llyn Llywenan.  Reports of both species increased the following day and there was also a House Martin at Llyn Llywenan (8^th).  The highest single count of Chiffchaffs was 15 recorded on a walk around Llyn Cefni (2^nd).  Willow Warblers started to appear in greater numbers with 1 at South Stack (3^rd & 4^th), 1 at Llyn y Parc (7^th), 2 at Llyn Llywenan (7^th), 1 at Cemlyn (8^th), 2 at Talwrn (8^th) and 3 at Llyn y Gors, Llandegfan (8^th).  Blackcaps are being recorded with greater frequency and included 5 around Llyn Cefni (2^nd), 1 at South Stack (2^nd), 2 at Llyn Llywenan (7^th) and 2 at Wylfa woods (8^th).  There were up to 6 or 7 singing Cetti’s Warblers at RSPB Valley wetlands (6-7 on 5^th, 3 on 4^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (7^th).  Sightings of Northern Wheatears included 5 at South Stack (2^nd) and 1 at Cemlyn (8^th).  2 White Wagtail were seen at Cemlyn (8^th) amongst a small arrival of Pied Wagtails.  There were still some winter thrushes about with 60+ Fieldfares heading SW over Llandegfan (2^nd), 65 Fieldfare at Brynteg (5^th) and 21 Redwing at Brynteg (5^th).  Up to 2 Hooded Crows were seen at RSPB South Stack (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 6^th), with 2 also seen on The Range, Holyhead (4^th) – sightings may involve the same birds.
Divers & Grebes:
Sightings of Red-throated Divers included 13 during a 2hr seawatch off South Stack (8^th), with 4 past Cemlyn (8^th), 2 off The Range, Holyhead (4^th) and 1 in the bay at Cemlyn (6^th).
Raptors:
An Osprey flew over the Menai Strait from Beaumaris towards Bangor harbour (8^th) and 2 Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  Merlins were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) and at Cemlyn (8^th). A Barn Owl was seen at Malltraeth (7th)
2022 Year List:
Spoonbill was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 166.

Saturday 26th March – Friday 1st April 2022

Intro:

A quiet week, not helped by a cold, northerly wind in the second half of the week.  Notwithstanding, there was still enough to keep spirits up.

Waders:

After being highlighted in last week’s round up as a potential new addition to the year list for the forthcoming week, a Little Ringed Plover made it in to Cemlyn (27^th) before the northerly winds set in mid- week.  The wintering Common Sandpiper remained at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th, 29^th, 31^st), a Green Sandpiper was at the Alaw estuary (29^th) and 3 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (28^th).  4 Sanderling were seen at Traeth Lligwy (26^th) and 46 Knot were at the cob pool, Malltraeth (29^th).  Sightings of Golden Plover included 341 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and 137 at Cemlyn (27^th).  Reports of Grey Plover included 2 at Cemlyn (27^th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (29^th), while 5 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (29^th) with 1 at Traeth Lligwy (26^th).  Up to 3 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 1^st, 2 on 26^th), with 1 at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  142 Black-tailed Godwits were at the cob pool, Malltraeth (29^th) and were incredibly vocal.  62 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 8 at the Alaw estuary (29^th) and up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (3 on 27^th, 1 on 28^th).  A single Whimbrel was at Cemlyn (28^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

A Manx Shearwater flew past The Range, Holyhead (30^th) during a 1hr seawatch.  Sightings of Black Guillemots included 14 off Point Lynas (28^th), 4 in the bay at Cemlyn (27^th) and 1 near the Lifeboat station at Moelfre (26^th).  2 Puffins were seen off South Stack (30^th).  Sandwich Terns continue to arrive with numbers increasing to 5 at Cemlyn (5 on 27^th, 2 on 26^th), while 2 were seen to fly past Penmon point (28^th) and 76 were seen in the Menai Strait as viewed from opposite Foryd (30^th).  Up to 4 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (4 on 28^th, 2 on 27^th) and a 2^nd winter bird was at the Alaw estuary (29^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The number of Pale-bellied Brent Geese continues to fall as birds head off to Arctic Canada for their breeding season, but small numbers were still reported including 6 between Moelfre and Traeth Bychan (26^th), 31 at Holyhead Bay (28^th), 45 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) and 41 at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  The drake Garganey was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th, 1^st) and there were 11 Pintail and 30 Wigeon at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  19 Eiders were seen off Moelfre (26^th) and 10 Common Scoters flew past The Range (30^th).

Passerines and others:

There were still a few Black Redstarts to be found, following on from last week’s notable arrival on the west coast, with a female type Black Redstart at South Stack (27^th) and another at Porth Saint, Rhoscolyn (28^th).  Despite the cold and northerly aspect to the wind, a few hirundines made it through with 2 Swallows at South Stack (1^st) and there were several sightings of Sand Martins including 7 birds at Llyn Llywenan (31^st), 3 at Llyn Penrhyn (31^st) and 2 at Llyn Dinam (31^st).  Blackcaps were noted on approach to Traeth Lligwy (26^th) and at South Stack (27^th), while Chiffchaffs sang out in most suitable habitat.  Cetti’s Warblers were heard singing at both Llyn Penrhyn and Llyn Dinam (31^st).  Relatively few Northern Wheatears were reported with 2 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th) and 1 at South Stack (27^th).  There were still a few Fieldfares to be found including 100+ that flew over Brynteg (29^th) and up to 50 at Talwrn (50 on 30^th, 5 on 31^st).  Likewise, Redwings were still being reported with 100+ that flew north over Brynteg (31^st), 10 at Talwrn (31^st) and 2 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at South Stack (27^th, 30^th) and The Range (27^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st).

Divers & Grebes:

7 Red-throated Divers flew past The Range, Holyhead (30^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen over the A55 near the Rhosneigr junction (31^st), while 3 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and an immature / female was seen to fly over Llyn-y-Parc, near Beaumaris (30^th).  Merlins were seen at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (29^th) and at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st).  A Short-eared Owl was seen at Aberffraw dunes (28^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Little Ringed Plover was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 165.