Saturday 19th November – Friday 25th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

… quietening down for the winter …

Divers & Grebes:

The Black-necked Grebe continued its stay at Cors Ddyga RSPB (19^th – 25^th) and a Slavonian Grebe was seen at Beddmanarch Bay (21^st).  Up to 2 Great Northern Divers were at Beddmanarch Bay (2 on 19^th, 1 on 21^st), while sightings of Red-throated Divers included 1 in Holyhead harbour (19^th), 1 in the bay at Cemlyn (22^nd) and 20 off Traeth Bychan (22^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The 2 Long-tailed Ducks were seen again off Benllech (22^nd), while sightings of Eider included 3 (2 drakes, 1 duck) seen to fly west past Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (19^th) and 3 (1 drake, 2 ducks) that flew west past Holyhead breakwater (23^rd).  150 Common Scoter were off Benllech (22^nd).

At inland sites, 2 Whooper Swans were on fields east of the A55 near Llangefni (23^rd) and c. 215 Pintail and c. 450 Shelduck were at Malltraeth cob (19^th).  8 Goldeneye were on the lagoon at Cemlyn (22^nd), with 2 at Llyn Llywenan (25^th).  A Goosander was at Aberffraw (19^th), while 3 (1m, 2f) were at Llyn Coron (25^th).

Passerines and others:

Black Redstarts continue to feature in reports with up to 3 at Octel, Amlwch Port (m & 2f / imm on 19^th, m on 20^th & 25^th) and 1 on the ruined hotel at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (23^rd).  Just the 1 Snow Bunting remained at Holyhead Breakwater (23^rd).

A Firecrest was at Church Island (19^th), while sighting of Chiffchaff included 2 at South Stack (19^th), 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (19^th) and 1 at Octel, Amlwch Port (20^th).

Waders:

6 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (25^th), while a Common Sandpiper was at Church Island (19^th) with another at Holyhead Harbour (19^th).  c. 45 Dunlin were at Traeth Dulas (25^th).  A Jack Snipe was seen at Cemlyn (22^nd), as were c. 50 Common Snipe (22^nd).  21 Woodcock were seen at dusk at Newborough Forest (19^th), with 1 at Octel, Amlwch Port (20^th) and 1 that flew over a road near Rhosybol (23^rd) at twilight.  4 Grey Plover were at Cemlyn (25^th) and 900 Lapwing were on fields between the A55 and Llangefni (19^th).  2 Greenshank were at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (19^th) and 234 Curlew were at Traeth Dulas (25^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

A Black Guillemot was in Holyhead Harbour (19^th & 23^rd), while sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 1 off Holyhead Breakwater (23^rd) and 1 (1^st winter) at Traeth Dulas (25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great White Egret was seen at Llyn Llywenan (19^th & 25^th).

Raptors:

A Short-eared Owl was seen over the wet field at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (22^nd) and another was seen near to Llyn Coron (25^th).  A Little Owl was at South Stack (19^th).  A Hen Harrier was seen hunting the cob at Malltraeth (25^th).  A Marsh Harrier was seen at the northern end of Llangefni marshes (19^th) and 2 were at Llyn Llywenan (19^th).  Sightings of Red Kite included 1 at Llangefni (19^th), 2 near Tregaian (21^st) and 1 over Llanwenllwyfo, Dulas (23^rd).  A Merlin was near Llyn Coron (25^th)

 

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 223.

Saturday 12th November – Friday 18th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  a sought after winter grebe …

Divers & Grebes:

Black-necked Grebe is a rare bird, on and around the coast of Anglesey, with the last record probably relating to a bird that wintered on the Inland Sea into January 2017.  News of one on the flooded enclosure to the right of the path to the river at Cors Ddyga RSPB (13^th - 18^th) was warmly welcomed and the bird has been enjoyed by many.  On occasions, the bird would come quite close and at least once ventured on to the inner drainage channel that runs alongside the cycle track.

Sightings of Great Northern Divers included 1 in the bay at Cemlyn (12^th), up to 2 at Beddmanarch Bay (2 from 12^th-13^th, with 1 on 17^th & 18^th), 1 at Holyhead fish quay (13^th), up to 2 at the Inland Sea (2 on 17^th, 1 on 13^th) and 2 that flew past Point Lynas (18^th).  Sightings of Red-throated Divers included 2 that flew west past Cemlyn (12^th), up to 15+ seen off Benllech (15+ on 16^th, 6 on 12^th), 1 off Holyhead fish quay (13^th), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (13^th) and 5 that flew past Point Lynas (18^th).  A Slavonian Grebe was at Beddmanarch Bay (12^th-13^th).

Passerines and others:

Up to 3 Tree Sparrows were in a mixed finch flock at Llanfwrog (3 on 13^th, 1 on 16^th), with up to 5 Water Pipits at Cors Ddyga RSPB (1 on 12^th, 14^th – 16^th, 2 on 18^th – 5 reported by warden but date unspecified).  Up to 4 Snow Buntings remained on the rough ground at the base of Holyhead breakwater (4 on 12^th&14^th, 3 on 15^th, 2 on 16^th), with 1 also seen at Cemlyn (15^th).

The excellent run for Firecrest and Black Redstart continued.  Sightings of Firecrest included 1 at the Pentre Berw water treatment plant (12^th), 1 near Cerrig yr Adar, Rhoscolyn (15^th) and 2 at Llyn Coron (16^th).  Black Redstarts were seen on the rough ground at the base of Holyhead breakwater (12^th), at Amlwch Port (14^th), at Newborough (17^th) and at Point Lynas (18^th).  A Ring-Ouzel was seen between Garreg Lwyd and Bryn Ffysiwn, Rhoscolyn (12^th &16^th), while another flew across a road at Llanfairynghornwy (17^th).

A Cetti’s Warbler was in scrub behind Cymyran beach (13^th), with another in scrub at Porth Eilian (17^th) while others could be heard calling all week at Cors Ddyga RSPB.  A Chiffchaff was at South Stack (12^th), with 1 at Rhoscolyn (16^th), 2 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (16^th) and 2 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (16^th).  A female Blackcap was near Llafur, Rhoscolyn (15^th).

There was a single Twite at Holyhead breakwater (12^th & 14^th), with 1 at Porth Trecastell (14^th).  35 Siskin were at South Stack (12^th), c. 30 Siskin were seen near to the Cymyran estuary (12^th) and 4 were feeding in alders around the rough ground at Octel, Amlwch Port (12^th).

Sightings of Kingfisher included 1 at Traeth Dulas (13^th), 1 at Malltraeth (13^th) and 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (14^th).  There was a notable pre-roost assembly of 28 Collared Doves on overhead wires at Llanynghenedl (13^th).

Waders:

Up to 22 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (22 on 13^th, 18 on 12^th).  A Common Sandpiper was seen at Holyhead Harbour (14^th & 16^th), with another at Church Island (14^th).  A Green Sandpiper was at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  222 Dunlin were at the Alaw estuary (15^th), with 20 at the Cymyran estuary (12^th) and 8 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (15^th).  4 Knot were at Beddmanarch Bay (12^th).

15 Jack Snipe were flushed from the saltmarsh at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (13^th), with 1 at Porth yr Ych, Rhoscolyn (12^th), 1 at Ynys Leurad, Inland Sea (13^th) and up to 2 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (2 on 17^th, 1 on 16^th).  200+ Common Snipe were at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (13^th), with 30 at the Alaw estuary (13^th), 30 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (14^th) and 6 at Porth yr Ych, Rhoscolyn (12^th).  There was a marked increase in the number of Woodcock reported with 1 at Rhoscolyn (13^th), 1 at Cymyran (13^th), 1 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (14^th), 2 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (14^th) and 1 at Pentraeth (16^th).

47 Grey Plover were at the Alaw estuary (15^th), with 6 at Cemlyn (12^th).  There were 93 Common Ringed Plover at Beddmanarch Bay (17^th) and 16 Golden Plover were at Cymyran (13^th).  369 Lapwing were at the Alaw estuary (15^th), with 160 at Cymyran (13^th), 85 at the Inland Sea (17^th) and 50 at South Stack (12^th).  A Ruff was at Cors Ddyga RSPB (15^th).

11 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (15^th), with 5 at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (13^th), 1 at Church Island (14^th), 1 at the Inland Sea (17^th) and 5 at Traeth Dulas (18^th).  Counts of Redshank included 113 at Cymyran (13^th), 85 at Traeth Dulas (13^th) and 37 at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  Up to 100 Black-tailed Godwits were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (100 on 15^th, c.50 on 14^th), while 31 were on a flooded field at Valley cross roads (13^th), 15 were at the Gorad flood, Valley (12^th) and 8 were at Beddmanarch Bay (17^th).  14 Bar-tailed Godwit at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  172 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (15^th) with 59 at Cymyran (13^th).

Up to 141 Curlew were at Cymyran (141 on 13^th, 90 on 15^th), with 133 at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  News was received this week that a colour ringed Curlew seen at Traeth Dulas on the 5^th July and 6^th August was part of a programme set up to understand autumn movements from breeding grounds in Northumbria and Lancashire.  14 Curlew were tagged with GPS-transmitters paid for by local landowners. 10 birds were caught and tagged in Northumbria (South Tynedale) and 4 in Lancashire (Forest of Bowland). Amazingly, 2 of the 14 birds are wintering within a few kms of each other at Traeth Dulas, 1 from Lancashire and 1 from Northumbria. The colour ringed bird reported from Traeth Dulas was a male from Lancashire and had been ringed at its breeding site during May.  The bird’s satellite tag had shown that it had left its breeding site in the Forest of Bowland on the 21^st June, and arrived at Traeth Dulas later that day.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A Whooper Swan was at Gorad flood, Valley (12^th), with the same or another seen nearby at the Inland Sea (13^th & 17^th).  41 Mute Swans were at the Inland Sea (17^th), with 7 at the Gorad flood, Valley (12^th) and 5 at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  The 5 Barnacle Geese were seen again on fields to the west of the west car park at Cemlyn (12^th), while 5 Egyptian Geese were seen at Llyn Coron (16^th).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 311 at the Inland Sea (17^th), 123 at the Alaw estuary (15^th) and 72 at Cymyran (13^th). 

The male and female Long-tailed Ducks were seen again off Benllech (12^th-15^th), while a female Common Scoter was on the Inland Sea (17^th).  There was a noticeable increase in the number of Goldeneye reported which included 14 at the Inland Sea (17^th), 2 at Llyn Llywenan (17^th) and 1 that flew past Point Lynas (18^th).  There were 298 Wigeon at the Alaw estuary (15^th), with 293 at Cymyran (13^th).  The Alaw estuary also held 28 Teal (15^th) and 6 Pintail (15^th).  13 Gadwall were seen on the flooded field off Gorad Road, Valley (13^th).  A Goosander was at Cors Ddyga RSPB (16^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

A late Arctic Skua flew past Point Lynas (18^th), while 30 Gannets also flew past (18^th).  2 Black Guillemot were at Beddmanarch Bay (12^th), with 1 at Holyhead Harbour (16^th).

A Little Gull was seen off Beaumaris (13^th) and 2 flew past Cemlyn (18^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 2 seen from Four-mile bridge (12^th), an adult winter at Traeth Dulas (13^th, 14^th, 18^th) and 4 at the Alaw estuary (15^th).  21 Great Black-backed Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (15^th), along with 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (15^th).   A late Sandwich Tern was seen at Beddmanarch Bay (13^th). 

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great White Egret was seen at Llyn Llywenan (15^th), with another at Cors Ddyga RSPB (17^th).  Sightings of Water Rail included 1 Valley cob (13^th) and 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (16^th).

Raptors:

Cors Ddyga RSPB was the place to be for raptors with 2 Marsh Harriers (14^th), a ring-tailed Hen Harrier (16^th), a Red Kite (16^th & 17^th) and a Barn Owl (14^th).

2022 Year List:

Black-necked Grebe was an addition to the 2022 year list which now stands at 223.

Saturday 5th November – Friday 11th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  a new species for the county list …

Passerines and others:

Water Pipit is not an easy bird to catch up with on Anglesey, so 1 at Cemlyn (9^th) was a good find.  Some of the scarcer birds from last week carried over into this week, with the Great Grey Shrike being seen again at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (5^th).  The number of Snow Buntings on the rough ground at the base of Holyhead breakwater increased to 8 before falling back a little (8 from 5^th-6^th, 6 on 9^th, 4 on 11^th).  Also present were up to 2 Lapland Bunting (2 from 5^th-6^th, 1 on 8^th-11^th) and up to 2 Twite (2 from 5^th-6^th, 1 on 8^th).

It has been an exceptional year for Firecrest, with sightings this week including 2 at Wern-y-Wylan, near Llanddona (6^th), 1 in the garden of a private residence at Benllech (7^th) and 1 Pentre Berw water treatment plant (8^th).  There have been at least 21 reported this year (4 in winter/spring, 17 in autumn), compared in just 4 in 2020 and 5 in 2021.  Likewise, the good run for Black Redstarts continued with 1 on the roof of a private residence on Mynydd Bodafon (5^th), 2 in the quarry at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (6^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (9^th).  2 late Swallows flew over Rhoscolyn (8^th) and headed off in a south-westerly direction.

Whilst sightings of Ring-necked Parakeet may be of birds of suspect origin, they have been counted in the totals for ’20 and ’21 so 1 seen at the outskirts of Benllech (5^th) will be treated the same and added to this year’s list.  A Cetti’s Warbler was by the disused railway on the cycle track, Llangefni marshes (5^th) and a Chiffchaff was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th).  10,000 Starlings flew over Cors Ddyga (5^th), while a Kingfisher was seen at Cemlyn (8th).  11 Siskin were at Cae Llyn, Rhoscolyn (10^th) and 30 Greenfinches were seen at Church Island (6^th).

Waders:

A Grey Phalarope was seen briefly on the sea off Tyn Llan beach, Cemlyn (9^th).  10 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (9^th), 3 were on the rocks by the lifeboat slipway at Trearddur Bay (8^th) and 2 were at Holyhead breakwater (5^th).  There were 56 Dunlin at the Alaw estuary (7^th), with 26 at the Cymyran estuary (6^th).  5 Knot were at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th).  There were 13 Turnstone at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th) with a further 2 birds at Cymyran Bay (6^th).  There was a Jack Snipe at Porth yr Ych, Rhsocolyn (10^th), while sighting of Common Snipe included 5 at the Cymyran estuary (6^th) and 4 at Porth yr Ych (10^th).

43 Grey Plover were at the Alaw estuary (9^th), which also held 9 Ringed Plover (7^th) while 55 Ringed Plover were at the Cymyran estuary (6^th).  There were 300 Lapwing at Cors Ddyga (5^th), with 238 at the Alaw estuary (7^th).  A Ruff was at Cemlyn (9^th), while sightings of Greenshank included 1 at Church Island (6^th), 2 at Traeth Dulas (6^th) and 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th).  There were 32 Bar-tailed Godwit at the Alaw estuary (7^th), with a single bird at the Cymyran estuary (6^th).  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwit included 15 at Cors Ddyga (5^th) and 3 on the flooded field off Lôn Spencer (6^th).  There were 24 Curlew at the Alaw estuary (7^th), with 10 at the Cymyran estuary (6^th).  144 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (7^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

There were 3 Whooper Swan at Cors Ddyga (5^th), with 1 at the Inland Sea (8^th) and 2 on fields between Bodedern and Llanfigael (11^th).  11 Mute Swans were at the Alaw estuary (7^th).  5 Barnacle Geese were on fields near Cemlyn (5^th – 9^th).  202 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at the Alaw estuary (7^th), with 62 at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th) and 13 at Lleiniog (6^th).  There were 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese (from Arctic Russia) among the Pale-bellied (from Arctic Canada) at Beddmanarch Bay (7^th), with 1 at the Inland Sea (9^th).

2 Long-tailed Ducks were seen off Benllech – (9^th – m & f), with 1 on Llyn Maelog (9^th-10^th - f).  10 Eider (1m, 9f) flew over Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn (6^th) before circling back and landing on the sea of Cymyran Bay (6^th).  2 Eider (2f) were at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th), while 100+ Common Scoter were off Benllech (8^th).

There were c. 275 Wigeon at Cors Ddyga (5^th), with 272 at the Alaw estuary (7^th) and 114 at the Cymyran estuary (6^th).  There were up to 20 Pintail at Cors Ddyga (20 on 10^th, 6 on 5^th) and 12 at the Alaw estuary (7^th).  80 Shoveler were at Cors Ddyga (5^th) and 50 were on the eastern basin of Llyn Cefni (11^th).  There were c. 630 Teal at Cors Ddyga (5^th), with 5 at the Cymyran estuary (6^th).  c.10 Gadwall were at Cors Ddyga (5^th) and 19 Shelduck were at the Alaw estuary (7^th).  200 Coot were on the eastern basin of Llyn Cefni (11^th) and 3 Goosanders were on Llyn Maelog (9^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Traeth Dulas (9^th), while 1 was seen to fly over Cemaes Bay (11^th).  An Arctic Tern was seen and photographed off Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (5^th) and a Sandwich Tern was at Penmon pool (7^th).  18 Kittiwakes were off the headland at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (11^th).  A Black Guillemot was at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th) and 2 Razorbills were in Holyhead harbour (11^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great White Egret was roosting with Little Egrets on rocky islets off Rhosneigr (9^th).  Water Rails were either heard or seen at Cemlyn (8th) and at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th).

Raptors:

A Marsh Harrier (m) was at Llangefni marshes (5^th), while up to 2 were at Llyn Llywenan (2 on 7^th, 1 on 6^th).

News emerged this week that the record of a White-tailed Eagle seen at Fedw Fawr on the 13^th June 2021 has been accepted by the Welsh Birds Rarity Panel.  It was considered to have originated from the Scottish population (Isle of Wight birds are satellite tagged and hadn’t ventured to Wales) and it is the first record for Anglesey.

Divers & Grebes:

Great Northern Divers were reported from a number of sites including 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (7^th), 1 on the Inland Sea (9^th-10^th), 3 off Cemlyn (9^th) and 2 off Benllech (9^th).  There were at least 15 Red-throated Divers off Benllech (9^th), 8 off Cemlyn (9^th), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th) and 1 on the Inland Sea (9^th).  10 Great Crested Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (6^th) and 12 Little Grebes were on the eastern basin of Llyn Cefni (11^th).

2022 Year List:

Water Pipit, Ring-necked Parakeet and Grey Phalarope were all additions to the 2022 year list which shoots up to 222 (surpasses yearly totals for 2020 = 219, and 2021 = 219 with the recent addition of White-tailed Eagle).

Saturday 29th October – Friday 4th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  shrikes and buntings …

Passerines and others:

Any week with a shrike is noteworthy; a week with two is truly exceptional.  Firstly, a late Red-backed Shrike was at Pentre Iago, Rhoscolyn (1^st) but unfortunately could not be relocated.  A Great Grey Shrike at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (4^th) was a little more co-operative and was watched by a small crowd over the course of the afternoon (4^th).  A 2nd Richard’s Pipit for the year was found and photographed in fields surrounding the chapel at Rhoscolyn (31^st). 

The Yellow-browed Warbler continued its stay at a private garden north of Llanfairynghornwy (29^th - 31^st), while sightings of Firecrest included 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (30^th), 1 in the scrub behind the beach car park, Benllech (31^st), 1 in the woods at Lleiniog (4^th) and 1 at Llyn Coron (4^th).  Up to 2 Chiffchaff were as at a private garden north of Llanfairynghornwy (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 30^th), with 2 at Wylfa woods (2^nd).

There was a bit of a winter feel courtesy of the arrival of buntings and Black Redstarts.  Snow Buntings are always popular and their arrival started slowly with 1 on the rough ground at the base of Holyhead breakwater (31^st – 1^st), 1 at Newry Beach Road, Holyhead (2^nd) and 1 that was seen to fly over Mynydd Bodafon (3^rd).  By the end of the week the number at Holyhead Breakwater had increased to 7 (3^rd&4^th), with the Snow Buntings perhaps also contributing to pulling down at least 2 Lapland Buntings (4^th).  A single Twite was seen on the same rough ground at the start of the breakwater (1^st), then increasing to 2 (4^th).  3 Twite were also seen on the road from Llyn Coron to Aberffraw (4^th).

There was also a marked arrival of Black Redstarts with 1 at Point Lynas (31^st), 1 at South Stack (1^st), 1 at Porth Saint, Rhoscolyn (1^st), 1 at Holyhead breakwater (3^rd), 1 at Newry Beach Road, Holyhead (4^th), 1 at Porth y Garan, Rhoscolyn (4^th), 1 at the Church, Rhoscolyn (4th) and 3 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (4^th).  A Northern Wheatear was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (4^th).

A belated report emerged of a Turtle Dove photographed at a garden in Cemaes Bay on the 11^th October.  Sightings of Kingfishers included 1 at Traeth Dulas (3^rd), 1 at Cemlyn (3^rd) and 1 at Holyhead harbour (3^rd).  A Stock Dove was at Llyn Coron (4^th) and 2 hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crows at Bull Bay (3^rd).

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was at Traeth Dulas (31^st & 3^rd), while the Common Sandpiper remained at Holyhead harbour (31^st & 4^th).  A Jack Snipe was at Cors Erddreiniog (4^th), 40 Dunlin were at Traeth Dulas (31^st), with 18 at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (4^th). 

A Grey Plover was at Cemlyn (3^rd), with the same site also having 300+ European Golden Plover (31^st).  20 Lapwing were at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (4^th).

There were 14 Black-tailed Godwits on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (31^st), with 10 on the flooded field off Lôn Spencer, Valley (3^rd).  Up to 5 Greenshank were at Traeth Dulas (5 on 31^st, 1 on 3^rd) as were up to 45 Redshank (45 on 3^rd, 40 on 31^st).  51 Curlew were at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (4^th)

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Up to 13 Whooper Swans were at Llyn Alaw (13 on 29^th, 1 on 3^rd), with 10 at Llyn Coron (4^th), 2 on fields off the approach road to Cemlyn (29^th, 31^st & 2^nd) and 1 at Twr reservoir, South Stack (31^st) – with possibly the same bird seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (1^st) and off Salt Island, Holyhead (3^rd).

The Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech (31^st).  Sightings of Goldeneye include a drake and duck on the Inland Sea and a duck at Cemlyn (3^rd).  5 Eiders and 30 Common Scoter flew past Point Lynas (4^th).  The drake Scaup was seen again at Llyn Penrhyn (29^th) and 60 Wigeon were at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (4^th),

Seabirds & gulls:

7 Little Gulls were seen to fly past Point Lynas (4^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included an adult winter at Traeth Dulas (31^st), 1 on the lagoon at Cemlyn (2^nd), 2 off the car park at Penrhos Coastal Park and 1 that flew past Point Lynas (4^th).  Up to 2, 1st winter Arctic Terns were at Cemlyn (2 on 2^nd , 1 on 3^rd ). A late Manx Shearwater flew past South Stack (1^st).  There were 3 winter-plumaged Black Guillemots at Holyhead harbour (4^th)

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Water Rail was heard squealing at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (31^st & 4^th), with another in the willow scrub behind Hen Borth (3^rd) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (4^th).

Raptors:

A Short-eared Owl was seen at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (31^st), a Red Kite was at Talwrn (30^th & 2^nd) and sightings of Marsh Harriers included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (3^rd) and 1 at Llyn Coron (4^th).  Sightings of Merlin included a female near Wylfa woods (31^st), 1 at Cae Llyn, Rhoscolyn (2^nd), 1 at South Stack (3^rd) and a male between Cemlyn and Hen Borth (3^rd).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver flew past South Stack (1^st), while sightings of Red-throated Diver included 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (30^th) and 4 that flew past Point Lynas (4^th).

2022 Year List:

Turtle Dove, Red-backed Shrike, Great Grey Shrike and Twite were new additions to the 2022 year list which leaps up to 219.