Saturday 21st – Friday 27th May 2022.

Intro:

A splash of colour …

Passerines and others:

A European Bee-eater flew NWW over RSPB South Stack (21^st), but alas was all too brief and couldn’t be relocated.  A Spotted Flycatcher was at the Alaw estuary (25^th) – an unusual location for such a sighting – while another was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (25^th).  A Tree Pipit flew over Carmel Head (21^st).  Reports of Wheatears have dropped off, but there were still a few sightings including 1 at Red Wharf Bay (21^st), 2 at Traeth Dulas (21^st), 1 at Lligwy (23^rd) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th).  5 Swifts were seen around the town hall, Llangefni (21^st).  Cuckoos were seen at Carmel Head (21^st), Lligwy (23^rd) and at Cemlyn (23^rd).  Up to 2 Hooded Crows were at The Range, Holyhead (2 on 23^rd, 1 on 27^th), with 1 at RSPB South Stack (23^rd-24^th).

Waders:

Two of last week’s Little Stints continued into this week with 1 at Cemlyn (21^st) and 1 on the Alaw estuary (21^st), while a late Purple Sandpiper was at Cemlyn (23^rd).   Sightings of Sanderling included 18 at Cymyran (21^st), up to 13 at the Alaw estuary (13 on 23^rd, 10 on 26^th & 1 on 21^st) and 3 that flew past The Range (27^th).  Counts of Dunlin included up to 83 at the Alaw estuary (83 on 21^st, 63 on 23^rd and 39 on the 26^th), 10 at Traeth Lligwy (21^st) and 4 at Traeth Dulas (25^th).

A Little Ringed Plover was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th), while counts of Ringed Plover included up to 114 at the Alaw estuary (114 on 21^st, 19 on 23^rd, 27 on 26^th), 18 at Traeth Lligwy (21^st) and 6 at Traeth Dulas (25^th).

A Greenshank at the Alaw estuary (26^th) was the observer’s 1^st at the site since the 12^th April - the last reported on Anglesey was at Malltraeth on the 25^th April.  Single Bar-tailed Godwits were seen at Traeth Dulas (21^st) and at the Alaw estuary (21^st).  2 Whimbrel were at the Alaw estuary (26^th), while counts of Curlew included up to 11 on the Alaw estuary (11 on 26^th, 5 on 21^st, 1 on 23^rd) and 4 at Traeth Dulas (26^th).  Up to 122 Oystercatchers were on the Alaw estuary (122 on 23^rd, 33 on 21^st, 6 on 26^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

One hardy stalwart @AngleseyBirdman undertook a 3hr (24^th) and a 4hr (27^th) seawatch from South Stack and The Range respectively.  Counts included up to 5418 Manx Shearwater (5418 on 27^th, 1663 on 24^th), up to 105 Gannets (105 on 24^th, 84 on 27^th), up to 27 Fulmars (27 on 27^th, 7 on 24^th), up to 112 Kittiwakes (112 on 27^th, 61 on 24^th), up to 8 Sandwich Terns (8 on 27^th, 6 on 24^th), 1 Common Gull (27^th) and up to 19 Puffins (19 on 24^th, 2 on 27^th).  Elsewhere 150+ Gannets were off Traeth Lligwy (27^th), a single Puffin was at South Stack (23^rd) and a Black Guillemot was at Cemlyn (23^rd).  2 Mediterranean Gulls were also seen at Cemlyn (23^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The highlight amongst the waterfowl was a drake Garganey at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th).  13 Mute Swans – probably non-breeders – were at the Alaw estuary (26^th), 52 Shelduck were at Traeth Lligwy (21^st) and 11 Common Scoter flew past South Stack (24^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

No sightings of note.

Divers & Grebes:

No sightings of note.

Raptors:

Sightings of Ospreys included 1 that flew over the A55 at the Rhosneigr junction and headed towards Llyn Maelog (21^st), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and 1 over Penmynydd (27^th).  A Marsh Harrier was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th), with a male seen hunting over Tywyn Trewan Common (26^th).  Reports of Red Kites included 1 over the road at Tregaian (21^st) and 1 at South Stack (24^th).  A male Sparrowhawk was at Traeth Dulas (21^st).

 

2022 Year List:

European Bee-eater was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 194.

Saturday 14th – Friday 20th May 2022

Intro:

Spotted Flycatcher or Little Stint? ……. Let’s start with Spotted Flycatcher.

 

Passerines and others:

Whilst Spotted Flycatchers breed on the island in small number, it can still take a little bit of effort to see one either on passage or at a breeding site.   This week delivered far more sightings than one might reasonably expect, with up to 6 at Cemlyn (6 on 16th, 2 on 14th), 3 at Cafnan farm, near Cemlyn (3 on 16th, 2 on 14th&15th, 1 on 19th&20th), 2 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th), 2 at the plantation, South Stack (16th), 2 at Rhoscolyn (18th), 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (16th), 1 at the Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (16th), 1 at Penysarn (17th) and 1 at Coedana (20th).

The spring passage of Whinchats appears to be tailing off, with just 3 birds – 1 at a wet field between Cafnan farm and Pencarreg, Cemlyn (15th), 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (18th).  2 Tree Pipits flew over Hen Borth - Carmel Head (15th).

Lesser Whitethroats were seen between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th) and at Talwrn (19th).  Stonechats already have fledged young with 2 broods at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th) and 2 broods along the cycle track south of Llangefni (17th) – each with 4 chicks.  10+ Swifts were over RSPB Cors Ddyga (18th), with 5 over the cycle track south of Llangefni (17th).

Hooded Crows were seen away from their usual sites, with 1 at a garden feeding station in Tregele (17th) and 1 at Cemaes Bay (17th).

 

Waders:

The majority of sightings of both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper on Anglesey involve juveniles in late summer / early autumn.  Spring birds are always noteworthy and this week delivered 3 Little Stints – new for the year – and a 2nd Curlew Sandpiper for the year.  The 1st Little Stint was found on the Alaw estuary (19th-20th), the 2nd at Cemlyn (20th) and the 3rd at Cymyran (20th) – an exceptional spring.  The 2nd Curlew Sandpiper for the year was at the Alaw estuary (18th-19th) and is presumed to be different to the 1 seen earlier in the spring between the 23rd-24th April.

3 Purple Sandpipers were seen on the Skerries (15th), while sightings of Common Sandpiper included 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th), 1 at Holyhead harbour (16th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (20th).

A Little Ringed Plover was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th&18th), while reports of Ringed Plover included 71 at the Alaw estuary (18th), 20 at Cymyran (20th) and 15 at Traeth Dulas (15th).  17 Sanderling was a good count at the Alaw estuary (20th), while elsewhere there were up to 3 at Cemlyn (3 on 18th, 1 on 17th) and 3 at Cymyran (20th).  Sightings of Dunlin included 119 at the Alaw estuary (18th), 20 at Cymyran (20th) and 5 at Traeth Dulas (17th).  c. 20 Turnstones were at Cemlyn (19th), with 3 at the Alaw estuary (18th).  The spring passage of Whimbrel seems to have pretty much petered out with just 2 reports involving 2 over Llyn Penrhyn (17th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (18th).  A single Redshank was at Cemlyn (16th) and a single Snipe at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th).  Godwit numbers have plummeted with birds having moved off to their breeding grounds – just 1 Black-tailed Godwit was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th), while there was 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Hen Borth (20th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (20th).

 

Seabirds & gulls:

Cemlyn delivered a couple of interesting hybrids with a Black-headed Gull x Mediterranean Gull (17th) and what was considered by some as a Roseate Tern x Common Tern (19th).  2 1st summer Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (16th&17th).  4 Black Guillemots at Holyhead Harbour (15th), with 3 off Penmon Point (16th).

 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A Barnacle Goose flew east at the Range, Holyhead (17th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th) has 6 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 4 Teal and 10 Tufted Duck.  A single drake Tufted Duck was at Cemlyn (20th).  In respect of sea ducks, 4 Common Scoter flew past the Range, Holyhead (18th) and several Eider were seen from Penmon Point (16th).

 

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 2 Bitterns were heard ‘booming’ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 16th, 1 on 15th).

 

Divers & Grebes:

Cemlyn produced the only reported sightings of Divers, with a Great Northern Diver (16th) and a Red-throated Diver (19th).

 

Raptors:

Hen Harriers are usually winter visitors, so 2 seen in mid-May is unusual.  A male was seen at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (18th) and a ring-tailed was seen at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (18th).  Sightings of Osprey included 1 over the Cefni estuary at Malltraeth (14th) - before flying off in the direction of Newborough forest – with another seen over Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (18th) before heading in direction of South Stack.  A Red Kite was seen over fields near Llyn Llywenan (15th), with another at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th) also produced a Barn Owl, Peregrine and Marsh Harrier.

 

2022 Year List:

Little Stint was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 193.

Saturday 7th – Friday 13th May 2022

Intro:

A 2^nd for Anglesey ….

Passerines and others:

A female Citrine Wagtail at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th) was a great find and is only the 2^nd record for the island.  A Blue-headed Wagtail was seen late morning at Hen Borth (8^th), before it relocated to Tyn Llan fields later in the day where it could be seen on the same wet field as the Citrine Wagtail.  10 White Wagtails were at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th), while a single Tree Pipit flew over Carmel Head (8^th).

The excellent year for sightings of Whinchat continued with 1 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th), 2 at Carmel Head (8^th), 1 at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th), 1 near Cestyll Gardens, Cemlyn (8^th) and 1 near the cromlech, Rhoscolyn (9^th&11^th). 

Newborough Forest produced up to 3 Garden Warblers (3 on 7^th, 2 on 9^th), 4 Crossbills (9^th) and several singing Siskin were heard (9^th).

There was a marked increase in the reports of Swifts which included 2 over Amlwch Port (9^th), 4 over Cemlyn (11^th) and 10+ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th).

2 Hooded Crows were at the Range (7^th) and 1 was at South Stack (8^th).  Away from their usual sites, 1 at Cors Bodeilio (8^th) was a site first for the observer, with the site also holding a single Wheatear (8^th). Elsewhere, double digit counts of Wheatears included 40 at Carmel Head (8^th) and 18 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th).   A Cuckoo was at the Alaw estuary (13^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

The vast majority of Skua sightings off the Anglesey coast are part of the return passage during late summer / early autumn, but a few are also seen during the northbound spring passage.  This week delivered the first of the year, with an Arctic Skua seen to fly east past Cemlyn (7^th).

This week also delivered the first sighting of Roseate Tern with 1, together with 2 hybrids, on the Skerries just off the Anglesey coast (12^th).  The number of Sandwich Terns at Cemlyn is c. 2500 (12^th), but that number can sometimes swell by a further 1000 as birds come in to roost.  There are c. 200 Arctic Terns at Cemlyn (12^th), but these numbers are dwarfed by the c. 4000 on the Skerries (12^th).  There are 100 Common Terns at Cemlyn (12^th) and 250 on the Skerries (12^th).  A pair of Mediterranean Gulls is still present at Cemlyn (12^th), with 3 seen on the Inland Sea (11^th).  30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (12^th).

A 2hr and a 1hr seawatch from the Range, Holyhead (2hr on 7^th, 1 hr on 11^th) produced up to 310 Manx Shearwaters (310 on 7^th, 30 on 11^th), up to 11 Gannets (11 on 7^th, 2 on 11^th), 7 Fulmars (7^th), up to 72 Kittiwake (72 on 7^th, 19 on 11^th) and a single Puffin (7^th).  On the Skerries, Puffins appear to be present in good numbers with a recent survey indicating 730 occupied burrows (12^th). 

Waders:

A female Ruff (or Reeve) – was on the wet field at Tyn Llan farm (9^th&11^th) and a Little Ringed Plover was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  Counts of Ringed Plover included 20 + on Tyn Llan fields (10^th – 11^th) and up to 16 at the Alaw estuary (16 on 10^th, 10 on 11^th, 4 on 12^th).

A few Sanderling can usually be found during early May and so it was this week with 1 on the beach east of the Trwyn, Cemlyn (10^th) - with possibly the same bird then being seen on the wet field at Tyn Llan (11^th) - 1 at the Alaw estuary (10^th) and 3 at the Inland Sea (11^th).  Sightings of Dunlin included 200+ on the Inland Sea (11^th), 30+ on the wet field at Tyn Llan (11^th) and up to 18 at the Alaw estuary (18 on 11^th, 14 on 10^th).  Reports of Common Sandpipers included 1 at Cemlyn (7^th&13^th), up to 3 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (3 on 8^th, 2 on 13^th) and 1 on the Skerries (8^th). 

23 Black-tailed Godwit were on Malltraeth cob pool (7^th), with 1 at Tyn Llan fields (11^th).  2 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (10^th).  24 Whimbrel headed north past Puffin Island (8^th), with up to 6 at Traeth Dulas (6 on 13^th, 1 on 8^th) and up to 5 at the Alaw estuary (5 on 12^th, 2 on 10^th&11^th).  19 Curlew were at the Alaw estuary (12^th) and a single Redshank was on the Inland Sea (11^th).

Up to 102 Oystercatchers were on the Alaw estuary (102 on 10^th, 77 on 11^th), with 24 seen at the Range (7^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

21 Mute Swans at Malltraeth cob (9^th) was a good count.  A late male Goldeneye was on the Inland Sea (11^th), while 24 Common Scoter flew north past South Stack (8^th).  80 Common Shelduck were on the estuary at Traeth Dulas (13^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th) and a ‘booming’ Bittern was heard at this site (12^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver flew past Cemlyn (7^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Osprey included 1 over Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th) - with presumably the same then seen over the Skerries (8^th) - 1 at Llyn Coron (8^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  A Marsh Harrier was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th) and a 1^st summer male Merlin was seen at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Citrine Wagtail, Arctic Skua and Roseate Tern were new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 192.

Saturday 30th April – 6th Friday May 2022

Intro:

It was another good week for waders, but passerines take top place given a good showing of summer migrants that contributed 2 new additions to the 2022 Anglesey year list.

Passerines and others:

The first week of May usually delivers our first Spotted Flycatcher and 1 duly obliged in being found at the plantation, South Stack (4^th).  Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn delivered a male Common Redstart (5^th) and was the place to be for various races of Yellow Wagtail.  Following on from last week’s white-throated Blue-headed Wagtail, with views either favouring a ‘channel wagtail’ – integrate between Blue-headed flava and ‘British’ flavissima or something having at least some Iberian iberiae genes, this week produced a more standard Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail flava (4^th) and 1 possibly up to 2 ‘British’ Yellow Wagtail flavissima (3^rd-5^th).  18 White Wagtails were at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 2 Tree Pipits flew over Carmel Head (2^nd).

In what is turning out to be a great spring for Whinchat on passage, sightings included 1 at Porth y Garan, Rhoscolyn (2^nd), up to 2 at Tyn Llan fields (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 5^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), 1 on the Range, Holyhead (4^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (4^th), 1 Hen Borth (6^th) and 2 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (6^th).

3 Garden Warblers were heard in song at Newborough Forest (3^rd), with another at the plantation at South Stack (4^th).  Cetti’s Warblers were reported at Llyn Maelog (30^th).  There are still good numbers of Wheatears moving through with 17 at South Stack (2^nd), 8 at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 6 on the rocks at Bull Bay (6^th).  A pair of Common Crossbills were seen at Newborough Forest (1^st).  A Swift was seen over RSPB Valley wetlands (2^nd), with 3 over RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  Cuckoos were head calling at Holyhead mountain (3^rd) and near Llaneilian church (3^rd).  Up to 2 Hooded Crows were near the Range, Holyhead (1 on 30^th&2^nd, 2 on 4^th) and a Dipper was on the Afon Cefni at the Dingle, Llangefni (3^rd).

Waders:

A Wood Sandpiper was seen briefly near Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn before flying off NE (3^rd), with another seen on the 2^nd field beyond the 2^nd bridge at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) and then presumably the same bird being seen on a field between the 2 bridges at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th).  2 Common Sandpipers were at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 2 were at Malltraeth (4^th).

At least 1 Little Ringed Plover was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th, 1^st, 2^nd), up to 85 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (85 on 1^st, 52 on 2^nd) with 32 at the Inland Sea (6^th) and 80 Golden Plover were on the Alaw estuary (30^th).  2 Sanderling were at the Inland Sea (6^th), 2 Knot were on the Alaw estuary (30^th), while counts of Dunlin included up to 96 Dunlin at the Alaw estuary (96 on 2^nd, 62 on 4^th), 54 on the Inland Sea (6^th) and 3 at Traeth Dulas (6^th).  The importance of grilling all groups of waders at this time of year can perhaps be illustrated by the fact that a Greater Sand Plover has been present not too far away at Tramore, Waterford between the 2^nd-5^th.  It hasn’t been seen today – Anglesey for the forthcoming week? - now, that would be a nice addition to the Anglesey list!

2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), as was a single Redshank – a scarce bird by the month of May.  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included up to 75 at Malltraeth cob pool (75 on 2^nd, 60 on the 3^rd, 50 on 5^th), 5 that flew over Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (3^rd) and up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (3 on 30^th, 1 on 6^th).  43 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (1^st).

Whimbrel were seen at multiple locations and included 26 Whimbrel at Porth y Cwch, Rhosneigr (30^th), 21 in flight over Gadfa (2^nd), up to 20 at the Alaw estuary (20 on 2^nd, 10 on 4^th), 3 at Penmon Point (1^st), 3 at the saltmarsh, Llandonna (30^th) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (30^th, 6^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The last of the winter wildfowl included 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Inland Sea (3^rd) and 3 pairs of Wigeon at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  Up to 61 Shelduck were at Traeth Dulas (61 on 5^th, 50+ on 6^th) and a single drake Eider was off Benllech (1^st).

Seabirds & gulls:

A 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (4^th) produced 29 Manx Shearwaters, 44 Gannets, 6 Kittiwakes and 1 Fulmar.  Sightings of Mediterranean Gull included 1 at Cemlyn (2^nd) and a 2^nd summer at the Alaw estuary (4^th).  A Puffin was seen at RSPB South Stack (2^nd), while sightings of Black Guillemots included up to 2 at Bull Bay (2 on 1^st, 1 on 6^th) and 8 at Holyhead fish quay (2^nd).       

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th, 1^st), while a Bittern was seen to fly from Llyn Penrhyn and onwards in the direction of Llyn Trafwll (2^nd).  The same or another was heard booming at Llyn Trafwll (2^nd), with at least 1 also still ‘booming’ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st. 3^rd).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver flew past South Stack (3rd).

Raptors:

A Red Kite was seen near RAF Valley (30^th) with another over Penysarn (3^rd).  A male Hen Harrier was at South Stack (5^th-6^th) and a Marsh Harrier was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th).  An Osprey was at Malltraeth (3^rd-5^th) and a Merlin was at Alaw estuary (2^nd).

2022 Year List:

Spotted Flycatcher and Common Redstart were new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 189.