Saturday 22nd October – Friday 28th October 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  Fabulous Firecrests …

Passerines and others:

It has been somewhat of a bumper year for Firecrests, with at least 14 birds seen on the island this year so far.  In 2020 there were just 4 records, with 5 in 2021.  Sightings this week included 2 at South Stack (22^nd), up to 4 at Wylfa woods (4 heard on 23^rd, 3 seen on 24^th, 2 seen on 22^nd&27^th), 1 at Moelfre in bushes by the RNLI car park (27^th) and 1 at Brynteg (27^th).

A Yellow-browed Warbler was at a private garden north of Llanfairynghornwy (23^rd-28^th), with another in trees surrounding a patch of rough ground to the west of access road to Octel, Amlwch Port (24^th).  5 Chiffchaff were at Wylfa woods (24^th), with 1 at Soldier’s Point (24^th) and 1 at South Stack (25^th).  A Willow Warbler was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (27^th).  Sightings of Blackcap included 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (23^rd-f), 2 at Wylfa woods (24^th), 1 west of the access road to Octel, Amlwch Port (24^th - f), 1 near the former Octel social club (25^th - m) and 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (26^th&27^th – m).

It was a good week for Ring Ouzel with 1 at South Stack (22^nd) and up to 3 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (3 on 23^rd, 1 from 25^th-28^th).  A Woodlark flew over Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (25^th), a Tree Sparrow flew west at Point Lynas (28^th) and up to 3 Lapland Buntings flew over South Stack (3 on 23^rd, 1 on 25^th).  Other flyovers at South Stack (23^rd) included 3 Brambling and 42 Siskin. 

A Sand Martin was at Traeth Lligwy (25^th) and a Barn Swallow was seen at Llanbadrig (24^th).  A Treecreeper at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (26^th) was only Ken Croft’s 2^nd site record in 48 years!  Up to 2 Kingfisher were at Holyhead Harbour (2 on 23^rd, 1 on 25^th), 1 was at Cemlyn (23rd) and 1 was near the bridge at Malltraeth (27^th).

Waders:

A Curlew Sandpiper was at Traeth Dulas (25^th) and a Common Sandpiper was at Holyhead Harbour (25^th).  A single Knot was at the Alaw estuary (24^th), as were 95 Dunlin (24^th) and 10 Turnstone (24^th). 

35 Grey Plover were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), 89 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (24^th) and 44 Lapwing were seen in flight over Gadfa (27^th).  A Ruff was at the Alaw estuary (24^th), as were 22 Bar-tailed Godwits (24^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 1 at Pont Cadnant, near Menai Bridge (23^rd), up to 8 at Traeth Dulas (8 on 28^th, 5 on 24^th) and 2 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  30 Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (24^th), with 23 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  49 Curlew were at the Alaw estuary (24^th) and 266 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (24^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech (22^nd), while other sea ducks included 3 Eider off Benllech (22^nd), a Eider duck off Beddmanarch Bay (26^th) and 66 Common Scoter off Benllech (22^nd).  A female Goldeneye was at Cemlyn (23^rd) and there was a report of a drake Scaup at Llyn Penrhyn (date unspecified).

2 Whooper Swans continued their stay at Twr reservoir, South Stack (23^rd – 27^th), as did 2 on fields off the approach road to Cemlyn (23^rd).  57 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  196 Wigeon were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), 39 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), while counts of Teal included 200+ at Llyn Coron (23^rd) and 61 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

Sightings Mediterranean Gull included 1 at Pont Cadnant, near Menai Bridge (23^rd), 2 at Traeth Dulas (24^th) and 7 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  A Black Guillemot was at Holyhead Harbour (25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Water Rail was heard at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (25^th-26^th) – the first of this autumn period.

Raptors:

A Short-eared Owl flew over Point Lynas (24^th), while 2 were seen to fly in over the sea at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (27^th).  A Marsh Harrier was at Llyn Coron (23^rd), with another at Llyn Llywenan (27^th). Sightings of Merlin included 1 at Henborth, Cemlyn (23^rd), 1 at South Stack (24^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (27^th) and 1 at Point Lynas (28^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was seen off Cemlyn (23^rd), with another at Beddmanarch Bay (23^rd) and 1 off Porth y Mor, near Lligwy (28^th).  Sightings of Red-throated Divers included 3 off Benllech (22^nd), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (23^rd) and 1 off Porth-y-Mor (28^th).

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 215.

Saturday 15th October – Friday 21st October 2022.

Introduction:                                         

… late migrants and winter visitors …

Passerines and others:

Wood Lark and Richard’s Pipit are less than annual on Anglesey so sightings of both this week were noteworthy.  The Wood Lark flew over South Stack (20^th), while the Richard’s Pipit was on a field at Porth Nobla, near Rhosneigr (21^st) but was only visible in flight.  A Lapland Bunting flew over calling at Llyn Alaw (20^th), with another over South Stack (20^th).  8 Brambling flew over South Stack (20^th) and 3 Redpoll were seen feeding in alders at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (20^th).  Winter thrushes arrived in good numbers with 2283 Fieldfare and 873 Redwing counted over South Stack (19^th) and a large arrival of Blackbirds noted at multiple sites across the week.

A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Amlwch water treatment plant (16^th).  Chiffchaffs were seen at several sites including 2 at South Stack (16^th),1 at Porth Eilian (16^th), 1 at Octel, Amlwch (16^th), 1 at Wylfa woods (19^th-20^th) and 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (20^th&21^st).  Up to 4 Blackcaps were at Amlwch water treatment plant (4 on 20^th – 2m, 2f, 2 on 16^th 1m, 1f), 3 were at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (20^th – 2m, 18^th – 1f), 2 were at Wylfa woods (20^th), 1 was at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (20^th) and 1 was at South Stack (20th – 1 m).  It was another excellent week for Firecrests, with 1 on the edge of Pentre Gwyddel housing estate, Rhoscolyn (15^th), 1 at Penmon Point (16^th), 3 at Wylfa woods (18^th) and 1 at South Stack (18^th-20^th).

There was a late Sand Martin at Llyn Llywenan (15^th), while sightings of Swallows included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (16^th), 2 at Point Lynas (16^th) and 2 at Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn (16^th).  A late Northern Wheatear was on the headland at Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn (15^th), with another at Cemlyn (20^th).  A Kingfisher was at Cemlyn (16^th), with another at Holyhead harbour (20^th).  A Hooded Crow was at South Stack (18^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

There were no particular species or numbers of note across the week.

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was at Valley cob (20^th), while sightings of Common Sandpiper included 1 at Holyhead harbour (18^th & 20^th) and 1 at Valley cob (19^th).  Up to 3 Greenshank were at Traeth Dulas (3 on 20^th, 1 on 15^th), while 2 were at Valley cob (20^th) and 2 were at Rhoscolyn (20^th).  28 Redshank were on the brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (15^th), while 21 were at Rhoscolyn (20^th).  A Whimbrel was at Cemlyn (16^th) and c. 80 Curlew were at Traeth Dulas (15^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

49 Little Egret were feeding on the Inland Sea as viewed from the Anchorage (20^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Anglesey has done well over the past few years to have at least 1 wintering Long-tailed Duck and hopes were raised for the forthcoming winter by a duck initially seen off Traeth Bychan (15^th) and then off Benllech (16^th&19^th).

Whooper Swans were reported from a number locations which included up to 4 at South Stack (4 on 20^th, 3 on 18^th, 2 on 21^st), 3 at Llyn Alaw (15^th&16^th) and 2 near Cemlyn (17^th-18^th).  80+ Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (15^th), 200+ Wigeon were at Rhoscolyn (20^th), 3 Pintail were at Malltraeth cob (19^th) and 25 Common Scoter were off Benllech (16^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Red Kite included 1 at Cors-y-Bol, between Llyn Alaw and Llyn Llywenan (15^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (15^th&16^th), 1 over Bethel (17^th) and 1 over Talwrn (18^th).  Up to 2 Marsh Harriers were at Llyn Llywenan (2 on 16^th, 1 on 15^th), with 1 at Cors-y-Bol (15^th).  A female Merlin was watched chasing Starlings at Cemlyn (20^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was seen off Cemlyn (15^th).  Reports of Red-throated Divers included 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (15^th), 3 off Benllech (16^th) and 4 that flew west past North Stack (17^th).

2022 Year List:

Wood Lark and Richard’s Pipit were new additions to the 2022 year list which creeps up to 215.

Saturday 8th October – Friday 14th October 2022.

Introduction:                                         

… warblers and crests…

Passerines and others:

Whilst the UK is this year notching up an impressive list of American passerines, there regrettably hasn’t been anything for Anglesey or indeed for North Wales.  A Yellow-browed Warbler at Wylfa woods (8^th-10^th) was probably the highlight bird for the week albeit that it could be rather elusive.  Up to 4 Chiffchaff were also at Wylfa woods (4 on 13^th, 1 on 8^th) with single birds at South Stack (8^th & 11^th), the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th) and Octel, Amlwch (14^th).  Up to 3 Blackcap were around the Amlwch water treatment plant (3 on 13^th, 2 on 14th), with single birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th) and at Soldiers Point Holyhead.   Cetti’s Warblers were singing at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and Valley wetlands (10^th).

A Firecrest was at Wylfa woods (9^th-11^th), while up to 5 Goldcrest were at South Stack (5 on 11^th, 4 on 8^th, 3 on 9^th&14^th) with 3 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th).  A late House Martin was at South Stack (8^th), while sightings of Swallows included 5 at Rhoscolyn (13^th), 4 feeding under the shelter of the quarry face at Holyhead Breakwater country park (9^th) and 1 at South Stack (10^th).

2 Brambling flew over South Stack (13^th) and 8 Crossbills flew over Wylfa woods (13^th).  A Grey Wagtail was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (11^th), while 3 Skylarks flew over the point (9^th).  3 Redwing were at Rhoscolyn (13^th) and 2 were at Llanlleianna (14^th).  2 Kingfishers were off Malltraeth bridge (14^th), with other sightings including 1 at Traeth Dulas (10^th), 1 at Valley wetlands (10^th), 1 at Valley cob (10^th) and 1 on the Afon Cefni, close to the Council Offices at Llangefni (10^th-14^th).  A Hooded Crow was at South Stack (14^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

It was quiet on the seawatching front with the best birds being 3 Arctic Skuas past Point Lynas (8^th) along with 2 Manx Shearwaters (8^th).  An adult Little Gull was seen from a boat off Dulas (13^th), with sighting of Mediterranean Gulls including 29 at Beddmanarch Bay (9^th), 6 between Cymyran and Valley cob (14^th), 1 off the headland at Holyhead Breakwater country park (9^th), a 2^nd winter at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and a 1^st winter at Llyn Coron (11^th).  2 Arctic Terns were seen from a boat off Dulas (13^th) and 20 ‘Commic’ (Common or Arctic) Terns flew past Point Lynas (8^th).  A Black Guillemot was in the outer harbour, Holyhead (11^th), while another flew east past Point Lynas (13^th).

Waders:

A Common Sandpiper was at Holyhead harbour (9^th) and 230+ Dunlin were at Penmon pool (9^th).  2 Jack Snipe were at Traeth Dulas (10^th), with sightings of Common Snipe including 11 at Traeth Dulas (10^th) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  Several Woodcock were reported from Mynydd y Garn (8^th).  600 European Golden Plover were at the Cefni estuary (14^th), while 5 Lapwing were at Valley wetlands (10^th).

6 Black-tailed Godwit were between Cymyran and Valley cob (14^th), with 1 at Llyn Coron (11^th).  A single Bar-tailed Godwit was at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 5 at Traeth Dulas (10^th) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  30 Redshank were at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  Counts of Curlew included 300+ at Penmon pool (9^th) and 92 at Rhoscolyn (13^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Sightings of Great Egret included 1 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (14^th) and 1 on the Inland Sea (14^th).  The Inland Sea also held 24 Little Egrets (14^th).  4 Water Rails showed well at the west end of Cefni reservoir (14^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

An Egyptian Goose was at Llyn Coron (11^th), while 4 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Llywenan (8^th) with the same 4 or others in fields off the approach road to South Stack from Holyhead (13^th).  12 Whooper Swans were at Llyn Alaw (13^th) and the 3 Black Swans were seen again on Inland Sea (9^th).  60+ Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (14^th).

c. 300 Wigeon were at Malltraeth (14^th), with 200+ at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  25 Shoveler were at Llyn Maelog (10^th), with 20 at Malltraeth (14^th).  140 Pintail were at Malltraeth (14^th) and 12+ Teal were at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  5 Goosander were at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and several were seen on the Inland Sea (9^th).

A drake Eider flew west past Point Lynas (13^th).  150+ Common Scoter flew past Cemlyn (14^th), with up to 160 past Point Lynas (160 on 8^th, 70 on 13^th).

Raptors:

The juvenile Osprey was at the Cefni estuary (8^th).  A Red Kite was seen at Llyn Llywenan (13^th&14^th), with another at Malltraeth (14^th).  Sightings of Marsh Harriers included 1 at Llyn Coron (11^th) and up to 3 at Llyn Llywenan (3 on 13^th, 1 on 14^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver flew past Point Lynas (8^th), while 2 flew east past Point Lynas (13^th).  A Red-throated Diver was in Beddmanarch Bay (12^th) and 3 flew past Cemlyn (14^th).  There was a report of 2 Slavonian Grebes near Beaumaris pier (14^th).

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022 year list which remains at 213.

Saturday 1st October – Friday 7th October 2022

Introduction:                                         

… windy and wet …

Seabirds & gulls:

In a week where the weather has been dominated by strong winds and rain, seabirds have led the line in respect of the scarcer sightings.  Cemlyn produced the best seawatching of the week with a Leach’s Petrel (5^th), a Sooty Shearwater (2^nd), a Balearic Shearwater (2^nd), 19 Manx Shearwaters (2^nd), 2 Arctic Skuas (2^nd) and 2 juvenile Sabine’s Gulls (6^th).  An adult Sabine’ Gull flew past Raven’s Point, Trearddur Bay (6^th).  There was a belated report of a 1^st calendar year Yellow-legged Gull at Porth Saint, Rhoscolyn (29^th), while 34 Mediterranean Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).  3 Arctic Terns flew past Cemlyn (2^nd).

Passerines and others:

A Yellow-browed Warbler was in willows around Cwm Lake at South Stack (1^st-2^nd), while a Lesser Whitethroat was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (5^th).  Sightings of Chiffchaff included 5 around Cwm lake (1^st) and 4 at Wylfa woods (1^st), while 2 Blackcap were at Wylfa woods (1st).  A Spotted Flycatcher was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (5^th).  2 House Martins were over Tyn Llan fields Cemlyn (1^st), with several Swallows still over Llyn Llywenan (6^th) and 1 over Porth Eilian (3^rd). 

There was a noticeable influx of Skylarks including 15 that flew west over Cemaes (1^st), 50 that were seen to come in over the sea at Cemlyn (2^nd) and 120 on the large arable field between Cemlyn and Hen Borth (2^nd).  Up to 2 Kingfishers were at the Alaw estuary (2 on 2^nd, 1 on 6^th), with 1 on the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (4^th) and 1 at Holyhead Harbour (7^th).  A Hooded Crow was at Hen Borth, near Cemlyn (1^st).

Waders:

2 Little Stints were at Traeth Dulas (4^th), with a Curlew Sandpiper at Valley cob (2^nd).  A Green Sandpiper was near the clapper bridge at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (2^nd).  10 Dunlin were at the Alaw estuary (6^th), as was a single Snipe (6^th).

200 + European Golden Plover were at Cemlyn (1^st), but there were no sightings during the week of the American Golden Plover. It could still be in the area as the European Golden Plovers were split across several groups around the Tyn Lan – Cemlyn area and it would be relatively easy for it to be overlooked.

Sightings of Grey Plover included 4 at Traeth Dulas (4^th) and 2 at Cemlyn (1^st).  Up to 2 Ruff were on the beach at Cemlyn (2 on 2^nd, 1 on 5^th).  40 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).  Up to 17 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (17 on 6^th, 9 at Llanfachraeth end on 2^nd), with up to 4 at Traeth Dulas (4 on 6^th, 1 on 4^th) and 1 at Valley cob (2^nd).  11 Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (6^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

No records of note.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

50 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (4^th), with a single Dark-bellied Brent Goose also present (4^th).  4 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (6^th), 7 Gadwall at Valley cob (4^th) and 168 Teal were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).

Raptors:

A juvenile Osprey – with 3^rd primary missing on 1 wing – was at Malltraeth (1^st-7^th).  A Red Kite was over Talwrn (5^th), a female Marsh Harrier at Llyn Llywenan (2^nd) and a Merlin at Cemlyn (3^rd&5^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Black-throated Diver was seen off Cemlyn (5^th), with sightings of Red-throated Diver including 8 past Cemlyn (2^nd), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (4^th) and 1 past North Stack (7^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Leach’s Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Yellow-legged Gull were new for the year.  A submission to the WBRC is still awaited in respect of a Ring-billed Gull at Gorad beach on the 27^th February, so this is being taken off the 2022-year to date tally pending a submission.  There is therefore a net increase of 2 in up to 213.