Saturday 4th September – Friday 10th September.

Intro:

… passerines in the ascendancy …

Passerines and others:

Whilst there were still some good waders about, the main thrust of the week’s news moved towards passerines with some good sightings particularly towards the end of the week.  A juvenile Rose-coloured Starling found at Amlwch Port (9^th – 10^th) by @atypicalbirder was undoubtedly the star bird in terms of national scarcity, but it is interesting to note that in the context of Anglesey both a Redstart at South Stack (9^th) and Pied Flycatchers at Rhoscolyn (9^th) and Holyhead (10^th) are scarcer.  In what has been a good year for Rose-coloured Starlings, Anglesey has had 12 birds (assuming no duplication), whilst there have been only 6 sightings of Redstart (also a good year) and just the 2 Pied Flycatchers!  The last few days of the week delivered a number of Spotted Flycatchers, with 1 at Wylfa woods (8^th), 4 birds at South Stack (9^th), 1 bird at Rhoscolyn (10^th), 5 birds at Cemlyn (10^th), 7 birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th) and 2 birds in a Holyhead private garden (10^th) .  A Tree Pipit was at Rhoscolyn (9^th).

It was a good early part of the week for Whinchat with 2 birds at Carmel Head (4^th), 1 on The Range, Holyhead (4^th) and 1 at South Stack (6^th).  Northern Wheatear were again seen in reasonably good numbers with 13 birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th), 5 birds at Rhoscolyn (6^th) – 1 possibly being of the Greenland form leucorhoa and 2 birds at South Stack (6^th).

Sightings of warblers included a late Sedge Warbler around Malltraeth cob pool (4^th), 2 Garden Warblers at Carmel Head (4^th), a Garden Warbler at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th) and a Lesser Whitethroat at Carmel Head (4^th).  There were good numbers of Common Whitethroats about, including 2 birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th), 3 birds at South Stack (4^th), 1 bird at Llam Carw (5^th), 1 bird at Octel/Amlwch Port sewage works (6^th), 2 birds at South Stack (9^th) and 3 birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th).   Blackcaps were also seen in good numbers during the last few days of the week with 5 birds at South Stack (9^th), 3 birds at Cemlyn (10^th) and 8 birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th).  The highest count of Chiffchaff was 8 birds at South Stack (4^th), with 2 birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th), 3 birds at Llam Carw, Amlwch Port (4^th), 4 birds at South Stack (6^th), 2 birds at the Octel/ Amlwch Port sewage works (6^th, 10^th) – 1 of which was still in full song – and 4 birds at South Stack (9^th).  There were 2 Willow Warblers at Llam Carw (8^th), 1 bird at South Stack (9^th), 1 bird at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (10^th) and 1 at Octel/ Amlwch Port sewage works (10^th).  2 Stock Dove were at Pont Marquis, near Malltraeth (4^th), while there were sightings of Hooded Crow at South Stack (7^th) and off the approach road to The Range (10^th).  Kingfishers were seen at Traeth Dulas (4^th & 9^th) and on the Alaw estuary (9^th).

Waders:

The week started with multiple sightings of both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper.  Up to 7 Little Stint were at the Cefni estuary / Malltraeth cob pool (7 on 5^th, 3 on 4^th) and up to a further 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 6^th, 1 on 5^th).  3 sites had juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, with birds seen at Traeth Dulas (4^th-5^th), at the Alaw estuary (5^th) and at Malltraeth cob pool (6^th). 

A Dotterel was seen and heard in flight from the approach road to The Range (10^th).  Sightings of Green Sandpiper included 2 birds on the Alaw estuary (5^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (9^th).  There were 5 Sanderling at Llanddwyn (9^th), 1 Sanderling on the Alaw estuary (6^th) and 4 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).  Up to 271 Dunlin were seen on the Alaw estuary (6^th), with 68 birds at Traeth Dulas (8^th) and 63 birds at Red Wharf Bay, Pentraeth (7^th).  Sightings of Ringed Plover included 32 birds at Traeth Dulas (4^th), 23 birds at Red Wharf Bay, Pentraeth (7^th) and 12 birds on the Alaw estuary (6^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit included 17 birds at the Alaw estuary (6^th), 4 birds on the Inland Sea (4^th) and 1 bird at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  25 Black-tailed Godwit were on the Inland Sea (4^th), with up to 8 birds at Malltraeth cob pool (8 on 9^th, 6 on 6^th) and 1 bird at Traeth Dulas (5^th-6^th).  19 Greenshank were on the Alaw estuary (6^th), with 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (4^th-5^th, 8^th) and 1 at Malltraeth (4^th).  There were 23 Redshank on Alaw estuary (6^th) and 9 birds at Traeth Dulas (4^th).  A Ruff was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th, 8^th) and 2 Snipe were at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  There was 1 Whimbrel at Traeth Dulas (5^th), 72 Curlew at Traeth Dulas (9^th), 109 Curlew at the Alaw estuary (6^th) and 217 Oystercatcher at Alaw estuary (6^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Sightings of Great Egret included birds at Pont Marquis, near Malltraeth (4^th), Llyn Maelog (5^th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th).  Up to 21 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (21 on 9^th, 16 on 5^th).

Gulls and Terns:

45 Mediterranean Gulls were on the Inland Sea (4^th), with 3 birds at Penhos Coastal Park (10^th).  A Black Tern was seen feeding off Cemlyn (10^th).

Raptors:

2 sightings of Hobby, the 1^st at Pont Marquis, near Malltraeth (4^th) then a 2^nd sighting at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th).  5 Little Owls were found at RSPB South Stack (4^th), with another at The Range, Holyhead (4^th).  Belated news of 2 adult Red Kites and 2 fledglings seen at an Anglesey site – supportive evidence of them joining the breeding avifauna of the island.

Seabirds:

A quiet week for seabirds, with just a report of a single Black Guillemot in the bay at Cemlyn (9^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

2 Barnacle Geese were on the Inland Sea (6^th), together with a probable Lesser Snow Goose x Barnacle Goose hybrid.  6 Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew past Cymyran beach (7^th). 

A Garganey was on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (10^th), while the build-up of winter ducks continues with 1 Pintail on Alaw estuary (6^th), 9 Pintail on the Inland Sea (6^th), 6 Wigeon on Alaw estuary (6^th), 106 Wigeon on the Inland Sea (6^th) and 160 Teal on the Inland Sea (6^th).  There were 7 Red-breasted Merganser on Inland Sea (4^th) and 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (9^th).

Divers & Grebes:

27 Great Crested Grebe were counted on the Inland Sea (6^th).

 

Forthcoming week – 11^th September – 17^th September?

Still a good time for scarce waders with 3 Pectoral Sandpipers, with birds at Malltraeth (11^th) in 1960, at Llyn Alaw (11^th) in 1982 and at Llyn Alaw (12^th) in 2003.  Also 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, with birds seen at Cemlyn (11^th) in 2005 and at The Range (14^th) in 2011.  Wader sightings were topped off with 2 Baird’s Sandpiper, with birds seen at Rhosneigr (14^th) in 1992 and at the Alaw estuary (15^th) in 2009.

Seabirds have included 2 Barolo Shearwaters, with birds seen off South Stack (12^th) in 1987 and again at South Stack (15^th) in 1987.  A Cory’s Shearwater was off North Stack (17^th) in 1983.

There is a historical record of a Little Bittern that was shot at an unspecified site (11^th) in 1882, a Purple Heron was on the Inland Sea (15^th) in 2007 and a Glossy Ibis was at the Alaw estuary (17^th) in 2009.

Turning to passerines, there was an Ortolan Bunting at the Breakwater Country Park (13^th) in 2003 and another at Soldier’s Point (15^th) in 2008.  A Red-breasted Flycatcher was found near Holyhead (13^th) in 2013, a Barred Warbler was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (14^th) in 2010 and a Red-backed Shrike was at Cestyll (14^th) in 2020.

Saturday 28th August – Friday 3rd September.

Intro:

… Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers delight ….

Waders:

Little Stint had over recent years become somewhat of a scarce sighting on Anglesey.  Perhaps the easterly bias to the winds has helped, but whatever the reason they have showed up in good numbers this year.  Whilst there is a potential that some birds may have been seen at multiple sites - Inland Sea – Beddmanarch Bay – Alaw estuary and the Cefni estuary – Malltraeth Cob pool, there must have been a minimum of 7 birds involved.  Sightings included up to 4 birds on Malltraeth cob pool (4 on 1^st, 3 on 2^nd-3^rd), 3 birds at Beddmanarch Bay from Stanley embankment (2^nd), up to 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 1^st), 1 bird on the Inland Sea (31^st) and 1 bird on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (29^th, 31^st).

 

Little Stint, Malltraeth cob pool, 1^st September 2021.  Photo: J Martin Jones

Alongside Little Stint, the other scarce wader to be looked for in late August / early September is Curlew Sandpiper and again birds have turned up.  A juvenile was at Traeth Dulas (28^th – 29^th, 1^st-3^rd), another at the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (29^th) and 2 flew in briefly to join the Little Stints on Malltraeth cob pool (2^nd).

A Green Sandpiper was on the Alaw estuary (1^st), with Common Sandpipers reported from Cemlyn (29^th) and the Alaw estuary (1^st).  The number of Dunlin continues to build, with up to 434 birds at the Alaw estuary (434 on 3^rd, 246 on 1^st, 91 on 29^th), 72 birds at Malltraeth (1^st) and 49 birds at Traeth Dulas (28^th).  Sightings of Ringed Plover included 42 birds at the Alaw estuary (3^rd), 32 birds at Traeth Dulas (28^th) and 32 birds at Malltraeth (30^th).  A bird with a Lime coloured flag / red ring seen last week at Traeth Dulas on the evening of the 23^rd, had just been ringed at Llanfairfechan around lunchtime the previous day.  A Grey Plover was on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (29^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  2 Golden Plover were on The Range, Holyhead (28^th), with up to 8 birds at the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (5 on 1^st, 8 on 31^st, 2 on 29^th).  Up to 72 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (72 on 3^rd, 32 on 29^th & 31^st, 19 on 1^st), with 2 birds on the Inland Sea (31^st) and up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 on 29^th & 1^st, 1 on 31^st, 1 on 30^th, 1 on 28^th).  8 Sanderling were at Traeth Crigyll (1^st), with up to 4 birds at the Alaw estuary (4 on 3^rd, 3 on 1^st, 1 on 29^th) and 1 on Malltraeth cob pool (3^rd).  A Ruff was at Malltraeth cob pool (29^th) and reports of Snipe included 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (29^th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (29^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwit included up to 34 birds at the Alaw estuary (34 on 3^rd, 24 on 29^th, 23 on 31^st, 19 on 1^st), up to 4 birds at Malltraeth (4 on 30^th, 2 on 1^st), 2 birds at Cemlyn (28^th) and 2 birds at the Inland Sea as seen from Ynys Leurad (31^st).  The largest count of Black-tailed Godwit was 18 birds at Malltraeth cob pool (18 on 1^st, 17 on 31^st, 15 on 30^th), with 13 birds on the Inland Sea (13 on 3^rd, 4 on 31^st), up to 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (3 on 29^th & 31^st, 2 on 28^th, 1 on 3^rd) and up to 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 29^th, 1 on 31^st).

Greenshank are now back on many of the island’s estuaries with up to 24 birds at the Alaw estuary (24 on 3^rd, 23 on 1^st, 19 on 31^st, 18 on 29^th), up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 on 28^th, 1 on 29^th - 3^rd), 2 birds on the Inland Sea (31^st), 1 bird at Cemlyn (29^th) and 1 bird at Malltraeth (30^th).  Up to 59 Redshank were counted at Malltraeth (59 on 30^th, 53 on 1^st), with up to 25 birds at the Alaw estuary (25 on 31^st) and 20 birds at Cemlyn (1^st).

Sightings of Curlew included 104 birds at the Alaw estuary (104 on 29^th, 99 on 3^rd) and 87 birds at Traeth Dulas (29^th).  A colour ringed bird seen at Penrhos Coastal park had been ringed as a breeding adult near Bryn Eglwys, Denbighshire on the 2^nd May 2019.  A single Whimbrel was on the Alaw estuary (1^st), while 3 flew over Talwrn (2^nd).  383 Oystercatcher were at the Alaw estuary (383 on 29^th, 374 on 3^rd).  An Icelandic ringed Oystercatcher seen at Penrhos Coastal Park had been ringed at a site in South West Iceland on the 19^th May 2017.   For more info on Icelandic Ringed Oystercatchers see wadertales.  There was a belated report of an Avocet seen and photographed at Malltraeth cob pool (27^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at Cemlyn (28^th-30^th, 1^st-3^rd) and was at times giving excellent views at Tyn Llan pool.  Counts of Little Egrets included 58 birds at the Inland Sea (31^st), 13 birds at Cemlyn (28^th, 2^nd) and 13 birds at Traeth Dulas (29^th).  2 Bitterns were seen in flight at RSPB Valley wetlands (29^th).

Great Egret, Tyn Llan pool, Cemlyn, 2^nd September 2021.  Photo: J Martin Jones

Passerines and others:

A good week for Redstarts with a female bird seen at The Ridge, south of Talwrn (30^th) and a male Redstart in fields opposite the information centre at South Stack (2^nd).  A Yellow Wagtail flew over Cemlyn (3^rd), which also had 2 White Wagtails (3^rd).  There was a notable increase in the number of Northern Wheatear reported with up to 38 birds at The Range, South Stack (38 on 3^rd, 6 on 30^th, 4 on 28^th, 4 on 1^st), 8 birds south of Llyn Trafwll (2^nd), 6 birds at the Inland Sea (31^st), 5 birds at Cemlyn (3^rd), 4 birds on the Alaw estuary (31^st) and 1 bird at Traeth Crigyll (1^st).

2 Swifts were seen over The Range, Holyhead (3^rd), whilst a white ‘albino’ Barn Swallow was again at Malltraeth (2^nd-3^rd).  A Green Woodpecker was seen just behind Ty Dderw Hotel, Moelfre (30^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at a number of locations with birds at South Stack (28^th, 3^rd), The Range, Holyhead (30^th, 1^st) and Cemlyn (30^th); a hybrid was at Bull Bay (2^nd).  Sightings of Kingfishers included up to 2 birds at Cemlyn (2 on 29^th, 1 on 30^th) and 1 on the Alaw estuary (31^st&1^st).

Gulls and Terns:

The scarcest gull was a juvenile Little Gull seen off Octel, Amlwch (28^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included up to 84 adults and 5 juvenile birds on the Inland Sea (89 on 2^nd, 19 on 3^rd) 2 adult and 3 juvenile birds at Penrhos Coastal Park, Beddmanarch Bay (30^th), with 5 adults at the same site the following day (31^st).  A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at Traeth Dulas (31^st), with another juvenile at Cemlyn (1^st).  The Yellow darvic ringed Mediterranean Gull ‘AK.AT’ from Germany was seen again at Beddmanarch Bay, whilst a white darvic ringed Mediternnean Gull ‘39JE’ ringed on the 25^th June 2020 in Belgium was seen in the NE corner of the Inland Sea (2^nd).  A juvenile Common Gull was at Traeth Dulas (29^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen west of The Range, Holyhead (31^st) and headed south, while another was seen perched on a pylon at Tregele (1^st) before also flying off south.  A Merlin was on The Range, Holyhead (3^rd), while a Red Kite was seen over Talwrn (1^st & 2^nd).  A Barn Owl was seen south of Llyn Trafwll each evening over the week.

Seabirds:

It wasn’t typical sea-watching conditions yet they were sufficient on-shore winds for a few shearwaters and skuas.  The highlight was a Balearic Shearwater that flew past Point Lynas (30^th).  Sightings of Arctic Skuas included a bird seen to fly past Bull Bay (29^th), 3 past Point Lynas (30^th) and 1 past Llam Carw (31^st).  A Great Skua was seen lingering off Bull Bay / Octel, Amlwch Port (2^nd) with another off Cemlyn (3^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

5 Barnacle Geese were seen at Traeth Dulas (29^th), 3 of which had colour rings.  Enquiries showed that the birds had originated from the feral breeding population in Cumbria, with 2 birds having been ringed at Derwentwater and 1 at Ullswater.  2 further birds were seen on the Inland Sea (31^st).

53 Mute Swans were seen at the Cefni reservoir (30^th) and was a very respectable count for the island.  The number of Wigeon reported is increasing, with 13 birds at the Cefni reservoir (30^th), 6 birds on the Inland Sea from Ynys Leurad (31^st) and up to 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (3 on 30^th, 1 on 29^th).  Likewise, the number of Teal continue to increase with up to 165 birds on the Inland Sea (3^rd), 51 birds on the Alaw estuary (51 on 3^rd, 43 on 31^st, 26 on 29^th), 17 at the Cefni reservoir (30^th) and 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (30^th).  A female Pintail was on the Mitigation pond, Inland Sea (31^st).  The Cefni reservoir (30^th) also had 4 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 21 Gadwall, 27 Tufted Duck, 186 Coot and 216 Mallard.  Up to 4 Goosander were on the Alaw estuary (4 on 1^st, 3 on 31^st).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver flew east at South Stack (3^rd) and was the 1^st reported for the 2^nd part of the year.  52 Little Grebes on the Cefni reservoir was a notable count (30^th).

 

Special thanks:

A special thanks to Dawn Balmer, Bethany Wilson and Peter Wilson for all their contributions to the bird news this week whilst they have been on holiday on the island.  The very best wishes to Dawn for her new role on the British Birds Rarities Committee.

 

The forthcoming week – 4^th September – 10^th September?

A significant ticking up in the number of rare and scarce birds, with 18 records.  Another Temminck’s Stint would very much be appreciated, with 2 now historical records of a bird at Malltraeth (4^th) in 1945 and another – again - at Malltraeth (6^th) in 1959.  Likewise, there are 2 records of Pectoral Sandpiper with birds at Rhosneigr (8^th) in 1998 and a bird at Cemlyn (9^th) in 2020.  Other notable waders included a Baird’s Sandpiper at Traeth Dulas (4^th) in 2009, an American Golden Plover at Malltraeth cob pool (5^th) in 2012, a Lesser Yellowlegs at the Alaw estuary (6^th) in 2016 and a Red-necked Phalarope at Llyn Llywenan (8^th) in 1995.  A Purple Heron was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th) in 2020.

There have been 2 recent records of Rose-coloured Starlings with 1 at Bull Bay (6^th) in 2020 and 1 at Cemlyn (10^th) in 2019.  There have been 2 records of Barred Warbler with 1 at South Stack (8^th) in 2008 and a historical record of 1 on the Skerries (10^th) in 1910.  There have been 2 Bluethroats as well, with 1 on the Skerries (10^th) in 1961 and 1 at Carmel Head (10^th) in 1963.  A Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Point Lynas (8^th) in 1972 and a Wryneck was at Cemlyn (10^th) in 2016.

And to round things off, it is not too late for a scarce tern with a White-winged Black Tern at Llyn Trafwll (8^th) in 1998 which was in the company of 8 Black Terns.

Saturday 21st August – Friday 27th August.

Intro:

… approaching 24 years since the last real opportunity …

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Common Cranes are a rare sight on Anglesey with a number of the records relating to birds just seen to ‘fly over’.  The last opportunity to catch up with this species for many was a bird that was present in the Llantrisant area west of Llyn Alaw from the 28^th September – 11^th October 1997 … approaching 24 years ago.  It was, therefore, very welcome when news emerged during the early evening of the 24^th that 2 birds had been seen earlier in the day on wet fields to the west of RSPB Cors Ddyga.  Whilst the area the Cranes had chosen was difficult to view – albeit that some enterprising souls managed to see them from farm access roads off the Llangaffo road - the pair were obliging enough to take a pre-roost flight around the western end of the reserve to the delight of those watching from the cycle track at the west end of the reserve.  The birds were reported to have circled over the southern edge of reserve the following morning before heading off south.

Keeping with ‘fly overs’, there was a report of a probable Purple Heron seen in flight over Beaumaris which headed west (26^th) and a Spoonbill was seen to fly over Holyhead and Beddmanarch Bays in direction of the Inland Sea (23^rd).  Up to 2 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 22^nd, 1 on 24^th, 1 on 25^th, 1 on 27^th), with another at the east end of Cemlyn (27^th).  15 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (21^st).  A Bittern was seen in flight at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th) and 2 ‘squealing’ Water Rails were heard at the reserve (25^th).

Waders:

Another good week for waders, with a Wood Sandpiper seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (22^nd-23^rd) and a Spotted Redshank at the Braint Estuary (24^th & 27^th) being the two highlights.  Up to 3 Common Sandpiper were seen on the Alaw estuary (3 on 22^nd, 1 on 27^th) and up to 2 birds were at Traeth Dulas (2 on 21^st, 1 on 22^nd).  There were 74 Dunlin on the Alaw estuary (23^rd) and up to 47 Dunlin at Traeth Dulas (47 on 23^rd).  There were also good numbers of Ringed Plover at Traeth Dulas with up to 62 birds (26^th & 27^th).  Up to 32 Knot were on the Alaw estuary (32 on 23^rd, 10 then 29 on 27^th) with up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (1 on 23^rd, 2 from 25^th-27^th).  3 Sanderling at the Alaw estuary (23^rd) and 1 bird was at Traeth Dulas (22^nd).  There was a juvenile Ruff at RSPB Cors Ddyga (24^th-25^th), 2 Ruff at the Alaw estuary (27^th), while Cemlyn had up to 7 Golden Plover (7 on 27^th, 5 on 24^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits continue to be concentrated around the Holyhead area with up to 22 birds at the Alaw estuary (22 on 23^rd, 16 then 20 on 27^th) and 1 bird at Holyhead breakwater (26^th).  Black-tailed Godwits were more widely distributed with up to 10 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (10 on 23^rd, 8 on 26^th), 3 birds at the Alaw estuary (27^th), up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 from 21^st-22^nd, 1 on 25^th) and 1 bird at Penmon pool (22^nd).  Up to 15 Greenshank were on the Alaw estuary (15 on 27^th, 13 on 22^nd), with 7 birds at Llyn Penrhyn (24^th), 4 birds at the Braint estuary (24^th & 27^th), 1 at Traeth Dulas (22^nd), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th) and 2 at Cemlyn (27^th).  10 Redshank were on the Alaw estuary (22^nd) and 6 Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (22^nd).  There were 3 Whimbrel at Traeth Dulas (21^st), with 1 bird on the Alaw estuary (23^rd & 27^th).  233 Curlew were on the Alaw estuary (23^rd), 138 Curlew at Traeth Dulas (23^rd) and 217 Oystercatcher at the Alaw estuary (23^rd).

Passerines and others:

A Melodious Warbler was reported at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (25^th), but the bird could not be relocated.  It is always difficult at this time of year to know whether sightings of flycatchers and warblers are of local breeding birds or birds on passage, but whatever their origins there were reasonable numbers of commoner summer migrants.  There was a Spotted Flycatcher at RSPB Cors Ddyga (23^rd) and 2 others at South Stack (22^nd - 23^rd).  Sightings of Common Whitethroats included 2 birds at South Stack (2 on 22^nd & 24^th, 1 on 23^rd), 5 birds at The Range, Holyhead (22^nd), 1 bird at Parys Mountain (23^rd), 1 bird at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (26^th) and 2 birds at the Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (26^th).  There were 2 Garden Warblers at the Plantation, South Stack (24^th), a Blackcap at South Stack (24^th) and another Blackcap at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (24^th).  Up to 8 Chiffchaff were at South Stack (8 on 22^nd, 3 on 23^rd, 1 on 24^th), with 1 bird at The Range, Holyhead (22^nd), up to 2 birds at the Breakwater Country Park (2 on 24^th, 1 on 26^th), 1 bird at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (26^th) and 2 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th).  There were 2 Willow Warblers at South Stack (23^rd), with a further 2 birds at the Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (26^th).  Sightings of Northern Wheatear included a bird at Traeth Dulas (22^nd), 4 birds at The Range, Holyhead (22^nd) and 3 birds at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (24^th).  A Hooded Crow was at RSPB South Stack (24^th).  Kingfishers were seen at a number of sites including 1 on the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (22^nd), 2 on the Afon Cefni, adjacent to RSPB Cors Ddyga (24^th), 1 at Cemlyn (27^th) and 1 at the Inland Sea (27^th).

Gulls and Terns:

Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 2 adults and a juvenile at Traeth Dulas (22^nd- 23^rd), a German ringed adult at Beddmanarch Bay and a 2^nd calendar year bird at Braint Estuary (24^th).

Raptors:

Marsh Harriers were seen at Cemlyn (23^rd) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (23^rd & 24^th).  A Red Kite was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (27^th).

Seabirds:

2 Great Skuas were seen off Cemlyn (27^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

8 Wigeon and 3 Pintail were seen on the Inland Sea (27^th) and are further evidence of returning waterfowl.

Divers & Grebes:

Nothing of particular note.

 

The forthcoming week – 28^thAugust – 3^rd September?

A good week for Pectoral Sandpiper with birds at Llyn Llaethdy (1^st) in 1984, at Malltraeth (3^rd) in 1961 and at Malltraeth (3^rd) in 1999.  Seabirds have included a Great Shearwater past Point Lynas and Soldiers Point (30^th) in 1982 and a Cory’s Shearwater past Point Lynas (30^th) in 1999.  A Barred Warbler was at South Stack (28^th) in 2004, a Melodious Warbler at Cemlyn (30^th) in 2005 and a Melodious Warbler at the Plantation, South Stack (31^st) in 2014.

Saturday 14th August – Friday 20th August.

Intro:

Skua season!!!

Seabirds:

The week started with some slight-moderate NW winds that brought an early start to the skua season.  Whilst recognising that it is likely that there will have been some duplication in daily counts as birds travel west around the coast, 10 Arctic and 11 Great Skuas was nonetheless a good start.  Of the 10 Arctic, 1 was seen from Point Lynas (14^th), 1 from Llam Carw, Amlwch Port (15^th), 3 from Point Lynas (16^th), 2 from Octel, Amlwch Port (16^th), 1 from Bull Bay (16^th) and 2 from Cemlyn (16^th).  The bulk of the Greats were seen on the same day (16^th), with 6 past Point Lynas, 3 past Cemlyn and 1 past Bull Bay; 1 was then seen at Cemlyn (18^th).  Amongst the many Manx Shearwater there were a few gems, with 3 sightings of Balearic Shearwater with 1 past Point Lynas (14^th), 1 past South Stack (16^th) and 1 past Point Lynas (16^th).   6381 Manx Shearwater were counted past South Stack in a 2hr seawatch (16^th).  There were 16 Black Guillemots in Holyhead Bay (16^th) and a further 2 birds flew past Cemlyn (16^th).

Waders:

Another good week for waders.  A Wood Sandpiper was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th), which is likely to have been the same bird as last week.  Three Green Sandpipers were seen with a bird on the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (14^th) and then on the river (15^th), 1 at Cemlyn (16^th) with a further bird at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th).  Up to 5 Common Sandpiper were at the Alaw estuary (5 on 15^th, 4 on 18^th) with 2 birds at Cemlyn (20^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (18^th-20^th).  A European Golden Plover was at Traeth Dulas (19^th), with another at Cemlyn (20^th) and a Grey Plover was on the Alaw estuary (20^th).  The number of Dunlin have increased with up to 105 birds at the Alaw estuary (105 on 15^th, 84 on 18^th) and up to 32 birds at Traeth Dulas (32 on 19^th, 22 on 16^th).  Likewise, the number of Ringed Plover are up with up to 142 birds at the Alaw estuary (142 on 15^th, 103 on 18^th) and up to 89 birds at Traeth Dulas (89 on 18^th, 62 on 16^th).  The Alaw estuary held up to 23 Knot (23 on 19^th, 21 on 18^th, 1 on 20^th) and up to 11 Sanderling (11 on 18^th, 2 on 15^th, 1 on 19^th, 2 on 20^th); a single Sanderling was at Traeth Dulas (18^th).  While Turnstones have been present on rocky coastline such as Cemlyn for a while, this week brought a few records from estuarine sites including 4 on the Alaw estuary (15^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (16^th).  Sightings of Common Snipe included 1 at the Alaw estuary (15^th & 18^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga.

It was a good week for Black-tailed Godwits with 12 birds on the Inland Sea (20^th), 9 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th), 6 birds on the Alaw estuary (6 on 18^th, 1 on 15^th), 5 birds at Cemlyn (16^th), up to 2 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 on 17^th, 1 15^th- 20^th) and 1 bird at Malltraeth cob pool (16^th).  There were up to 15 Bar-tailed Godwit at the Alaw estuary (15 on 19^th, 12 on 18^th, 8 on 15^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (15^th -16^th).

Sightings of Greenshank included up to 16 birds at the Alaw estuary (16 on 15^th, 12 on 18^th, 9 on 20^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (17^th).  The number of Redshank continue to increase with up to 35 birds at the Alaw estuary (35 on 19^th, 27 on 15^th, 16 on 18^th), 22 birds at Malltraeth cob pool (16^th) and 5 birds at Traeth Dulas (17^th).  Whimbrel were thin on the ground with up to 2 on the Alaw estuary (2 on 20^th, 2 on 18^th, 1 on 15^th) and 2 on the Inland Sea (17^th).  There were 156 Curlew at Traeth Dulas (17^th), with up to 120 birds at the Alaw estuary (120 on 20^th, 97 on 18^th, 72 on 15^th) and c. 80 birds on the Inland Sea (17^th).  There were up to 259 Oystercatcher at the Alaw estuary (259 on 15^th, 206 on 18^th).

Gulls and Terns:

A Little Gull was seen on the rocks at Octel, Amlwch (16^th), with another seen to fly up the Dulas estuary (16^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included up to 53 birds on the Alaw estuary (53 on 16^th, 42 on 18^th, 5 on 20^th), 10 on the Inland Sea (17^th), an adult at Traeth Dulas (20^th) and a white darvic ringed juvenile 35PV at Traeth Dulas (15^th).  It was ringed in the Netherlands on the 01/07/21 at Zwarts eiland, Ventjagersplaten (Haringvliet), Den Bommel; Goeree-Overflakkee.  Traeth Dulas also had a black darvic ringed Black-headed Gull (20^th), with a white inscription of 2CTA which had been ringed as a pullus at Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, Meriden, West Midlands on the 01/06/2018.  It was its first sighting after having being ringed.  A good number of Kittiwake are passing offshore, with 810 counted from Cemlyn (18^th).

Raptors:

A Red Kite was seen over Llangaffo (16^th) and 2 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th).  A Sparrowhawk with young were at the Malltraeth cob (17^th).  A Little Owl was at The Range, near Holyhead (14^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

There were 38 Mute Swans on the Cefni reservoir (17^th).  Further evidence of returning waterfowl came in the form of increased numbers of Teal with 8 birds on the Alaw estuary (15^th), 9 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th), 6 birds on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (17^th) and 28 birds on the Inland Sea (20^th).  There were 3 Wigeon on the Cefni reservoir (17^th), a single Shoveler on Malltraeth cob pool (16^th), 4 Gadwall at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th) and 104 Coot at the Cefni reservoir (17^th).  Seawatching in the early part of the week produced Common Scoter as might have been expected, with 11 birds past Llam Carw, Amlwch Port (15^th) and 7+ past Cemlyn (15^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Cattle Egret was reported at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th), with 2 Great Egrets (17^th) also being seen at the site.  Little Egrets are now a well-established part of the island’s avifauna, with good counts of 30 birds at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (16^th), 20 birds on the Bodorgan side of the Cefni estuary (16^th) and 8 birds at Traeth Dulas (17^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver flew past Cemlyn (16^th) and was the 1^st for the 2^nd half of the year.  There were 14 Little Grebes on the Cefni reservoir (17^th).

Passerines and others:

Perhaps the first sight of autumn migrants with 7 Spotted Flycatchers (20^th), with 3 at South Stack, 3 at Cemlyn and 1 at a Benllech garden.  Also, Common Whitethroats were noted (20^th) with 4 at South Stack and 1 at a Benllech garden.  South Stack (20^th) also produced 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warblers, a Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest.  A Reed Bunting at Breakwater Country Park (16^th) was noteworthy for the site, whilst a juvenile Cuckoo was at Cemlyn (20^th).  Kingfishers were seen at the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (14^th) and at Pont Bulkeley, Afon Cefni (14^th).

 

The forthcoming week 21^st – 27^th August?

A ticking up in the number of scarce and rare sightings.  Three good waders with a Temminck’s Stint at Malltraeth (22^nd) in 1970, a Pectoral Sandpiper at Malltraeth (22^nd) in 1994 and a Black-winged Stilt at Newborough Warren (23^rd) in 1965.  Two Cory’s Shearwaters were seen with one at Fedw Fawr (24^th) in 1985 and one at Cemlyn (27^th) in 1985.  A mix of European and Northern passerines, with a Melodious Warbler at South Stack (22^nd) in 1987, a European Bee-eater at South Stack (25^th) in 1984, and a Woodchat Shrike at Cemlyn (26^th) in 1981.

Looking back to 2020, Storm Francis was named on the 24^th and hit on the 25^th.  It led to some good sightings from sea-watching efforts, particularly on the 26^th - https://angleseybirdnews.blogspot.com/2020/08/saturday-22nd-august-friday-28th-august.html

Saturday 7th August – Friday 13th August.

Intro:

Wader numbers increase by the day …

Waders:

It is always a good week when Wood, Green and Common Sandpipers are all reported, with the former being a scarce bird on Anglesey.  Anglesey’s 2^nd Wood Sandpiper for the year was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th) – the same site as the 1^st – but stayed all too briefly.  There were two sightings of Green Sandpiper with birds at the Alaw estuary (10^th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  Common Sandpipers were more plentiful, with up to 8 birds at the Alaw estuary (3 on 13^th, 6 on 12^th, 8 on 10^th, counts of 5 and 4 on 8^th), up to 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (3 on 10^th, 2 on 7th & 8^th) and 2 birds at Cemlyn (10^th).

Grey Plover are stunning birds in summer plumage and birds on return passage were seen at Cemlyn (7^th), the Alaw estuary (12^th, 13^th) and at Traeth Dulas (12^th).  The number of Ringed Plover have shown a marked increase with up to 42 birds at Traeth Dulas (40 on 13^th, 42 on 12^th, 13 on 11^th, 7 on 9^th) and up to 42 birds at the Alaw estuary (42 on 13^th, 22 on 10^th, counts of 20 & 16 on the 8^th).  The numbers of Dunlin continue to be rather modest, with up to 37 birds at the Alaw estuary (5 on 13^th, counts of 37 and 33 on 8^th) and up to 11 Dunlin at Traeth Dulas (10 on 13^th, 11 on 12^th, 9 on 11^th).  Sanderling were seen at Cemlyn (7^th) and at Traeth Dulas (11^th-12^th).  12 Snipe were in the field with the electrified fence at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th).

Up to 16 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (13 on 13^th, 16 on 12^th, 14 on 11^th and counts of 12 and 10 on 8^th), with up to 3 birds at Traeth Dulas (2 on 13^th, 2 on 11^th, 3 on 10^th).  A Spotted Redshank was reported from the Alaw Estuary (11^th).  There were 18 Redshank on the Alaw estuary (10^th & 12^th) and up to 10 birds at Treath Dulas (10 on 11^th).  There were up to 12 Bar-tailed Godwit at the Alaw estuary (12 on 13^th, 5 on 12^th, 1 on 10^th , 7 on 8^th), with 2 birds at Beddmanarch Bay (7^th).  Up to 10 Black-tailed Godwits were at Traeth Dulas (10 on 13^th, 1 on 12^th) with up to 4 birds at the Alaw estuary (1 on 13^th, 1 on 10^th, 4 on 8^th).  Sightings of Whimbrel included up to 4 birds at Traeth Dulas (1 on 12^th, 4 on 10^th, 1 on 8^th), 3 birds at the Alaw estuary (2 on 13^th, 3 on 12^th, 2 on 8^th), 1 bird at Cemlyn (7^th) and 1 bird at Holyhead harbour (10^th).  The number of Curlew have increased with up to 154 birds at Traeth Dulas (154 on 12^th, 95 on 8^th) and up to 107 birds on the Alaw estuary (107 on 12^th, 94 on 10^th).  The Alaw estuary also held up to 286 Oystercatcher (201 on 13^th, 286 on 10^th).

Gulls and Terns:

The number of Mediterranean Gulls continues to increase with at least 77 birds at the Alaw estuary (77 on 13^th, at least 63 on 12^th – possibly 90 with birds commuting to nearby fields and counts of 42 & 32 on 8^th and 22 & 10 on 10^th).  1 was seen at Beddmanarch Bay (7^th).

There are still Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns at Cemlyn but the number of birds is now much diminished following the post-breeding dispersal.

Seabirds:

Whilst the winds haven’t been that supportive of sea-watching, a few skuas were nevertheless seen with 3 Arctic Skuas past Cemlyn in a 3-hour sea-watch (7^th), an Arctic Skua past Point Lynas (8^th) and a Great Skua past Point Lynas (8^th).

A European Storm Petrel seen off South Stack (7^th) was an excellent record, with most records of this species over recent years coming from night-time ringing sessions.  A single Puffin was seen off Cemlyn (7^th).

Passerines:

1 possibly 2 albino Swallows were reported from Malltraeth (10^th), with 1 bird subsequent being seen and photographed at a site between Newborough and Llangaffo (11^th).  A Spotted Flycatcher was seen feeding 2 young at Malltraeth (12^th).  A Wheatear was at the Alaw estuary (8^th), a Hooded Crow at South Stack (10^th) and up to c. 250 Linnets were at the Alaw estuary (250 on 13^th, 80 on 12^th).

Raptors:

There was a further sighting of a Hobby at RSPB Cors Ddyga (10^th) and an Osprey was seen at the Alaw estuary (13^th).  Red Kites were reported from several places along the A55 with birds seen over the A55 near Rhosneigr (7^th), 2 Red Kite over the A55 near Gwalchmai (10^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (10^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Some evidence of returning Teal, with 15 birds on the pools in field surrounded by electrified fence at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th).  c. 12 Common Scoter flew west past Octel (8^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

No records of note.

Divers & Grebes:

No records of note.

 

The forthcoming week 14^th – 20^th August?

Still in the Doldrums in respect of the number of rare and scarce birds, with just the three records of note.  An Icterine Warbler was found and photographed at Newborough Forest (18^th) in 2020, a Rose-coloured Starling was in Rhosneigr (20^th) in 1997 and a Cory’s Shearwater flew past Point Lynas (20^th) in 2005.

Saturday 31st July – Friday 6th August.

Intro:

Just enough to keep interests piqued …

Waders:

Waders have traditionally been one of the main sources of interest during late July and early August.  While Anglesey can boast a good list, there is one particularly glaring gap following the recent filling of another gap with last week’s Pacific Golden Plover.  Each year, Ireland and the east coast of England turn up records of White-rumped Sandpiper, with one being as close as the Swords estuary, Dublin at the time of writing.  It’s a rare bird in the context of North Wales with only two previous records – a bird found at Shotton, Flintshire on the 30^th July 1984 and a late record of a bird at Broadwater, Tywyn on the 5^th November 2011.  Perhaps it is a tad greedy to look to have another gap filled so soon after last week’s Pacific Golden Plover, but here’s hoping!

Getting back to what has been seen, there were 2 Green Sandpiper on the Alaw estuary (31^st), up to 7 Common Sandpiper on the Alaw estuary (7 on 2^nd, 3 on 31^st) and 2 Common Sandpiper at Traeth Dulas (6^th).  There are still very few small waders being reported with up to 22 Dunlin at the Alaw estuary (22 on 5^th, 3 on 2^nd), a single Dunlin at Traeth Dulas (1^st), up to 21 Ringed Plover at the Alaw estuary (18 on 2^nd, 21 on 5^th), 1 Sanderling at the Alaw estuary (2^nd, 5^th), 2 Snipe at the Alaw estuary (2^nd) and 1 Snipe at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd). 

Up to 16 Greenshank were on the Alaw estuary (16 on 31^st, 12 on 2^nd), 1 Greenshank at Malltraeth cob (5^th), 45 Redshank at Malltraeth cob (5^th), 3 Black-tailed Godwit were at Treath Dulas (1^st) and up to 10 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (4 on 31^st, 10 on 2^nd, 10 on 5^th).  There were up to 3 Whimbrel on the Alaw estuary (3 on 2^nd, 1 on 31^st), 1 Whimbrel at Traeth Dulas (2^nd), 86 Curlew at the Alaw estuary (5^th) together with 238 Oystercatcher (5^th).

Gulls and Terns:

Having been found on the 4^th July, the Elegant Tern was last seen on the 30^th and has since been seen at the Formby Point / Hightown areas of Merseyside.  The number of Sandwich Terns at Cemlyn has fallen to c. 40 birds (5^th), with 60+ Common Terns (5^th) and a few Arctic Terns still present (5^th).  A colour ringed Sandwich Tern seen at Cemlyn (3^rd) had been seen at Minsmere, Suffolk as recently as the 1^st July 2021.  Several of the Common Terns had yellow flags and are part of a ringing scheme on the Skerries off the north Anglesey coast.

 

Common Tern - Colour flagged Yellow LM, Cemlyn 05/08/21 - ringed as an adult on the Skerries 24/06/19.  Photo: J Martin Jones.

25 Mediterranean Gulls were seen at the Alaw estuary (25 on 31^st, 12 on 2^nd), with just the 1 bird at Treath Dulas (2^nd, 5^th).

Seabirds:

The wind direction hasn’t offered particularly good sea-watching opportunities, but 2197 Manx Shearwater past South Stack in 1 hour (1^st) was noteworthy.  There was just the 1 report of a skua, with a Great Skua being seen off Cemlyn (5^th).  Cemlyn also had 3 Black Guillemot in the bay Cemlyn  (5^th).

Passerines:

Perhaps an early sign of some migrants with a Wheatear at Cemlyn (6^th) and the first trickle of warblers with Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (6^th).  A Hooded Crow was at Mynachdy (1^st), a Kingfisher at Malltraeth cob (5^th) and a Kingfisher on the Afon Cefni south of Llangefni (6^th).

Raptors:

Three good raptor reports with an Osprey at the Braint estuary (4^th), an Osprey at Malltraeth cob (5^th) and a Hobby at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 2 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 2^nd, 1 on 4^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Nothing of particular note, but please assist if you can with records of evidence of breeding of Red-breasted Merganser on the island as the UK’s Rare Breeding Birds Panel has asked for records.  Please send details to Steve Culley, Anglesey County recorder either via twitter @Zoobirder or e-mail at: SteCul10@aol.com.  There were 2 uneven broods at Traeth Dulas (6^th) with one female with 17 young and another with just the 3.

Divers & Grebes:

No records of note.

 

The forthcoming week 7^th – 13^th August?

A quiet week with just the three records of note; a Spotted Crake at Malltraeth (7^th) in 2001, a Rose-coloured Starling at Llanfachraeth (7^th) in 2003 and a Temminck’s Stint at the Cefni reservoir (12^th) in 1984.

Other news:

A couple of changes to the scientific names of birds on the Anglesey list with the IOC Word Bird List having changed the scientific name of Shag to Gulosus aristotelis and Leach’s Petrel to Hydrobates leucorhous.