Saturday 12th March – Friday 18th March 2022

Intro:

… another harbinger of spring …

Seabirds & gulls:

Another harbinger of spring came in the form of the first Manx Shearwater of the year that was seen off RSPB South Stack (13^th).  Last year’s earliest was on the 11^th, with 2 past North Stack and 6 past Cemlyn – so they are pretty consistent in the timing of their return from their wintering grounds off South America.  

It was a good week for sightings of Mediterranean Gulls with up to 8 at Hen Borth (12^th), 5 off Penrhos Coastal Park – 3 adults and 2, 2^nd winters (13^th) and up to 8 at Cemlyn (8 on 16^th, 2 on 12^th, 1 on 14^th & 15^th).

Sightings of Black Guillemots included 2 off Traeth yr Ora (15^th), 1 off Cemlyn (12^th), 1 off Benllech (18^th) and 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (18^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

When putting together a 1^st draft of the news update on Thursday evening I mused over whether we would get another Ring-necked Duck this spring.  One has wintered on Llyn Tegid, Bala in Snowdonia over at least the past 2 winters and last spring there was some speculation as to whether the drake found by Ken Croft on Llyn Maelog on the 16^th March 2021 was the Bala bird.  I suggested in the draft that any flock of Tufted Duck should be given a good looking over, just in case there was something better among them.  Move forward less than 18 hours and David Wright finds a drake in the North-east corner of Llyn Cefni (18^th). 

Up to 4 Whooper Swans were still at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 12^th, 2 on 14^th), with 6 in fields near Rhosgoch (16^th).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 19 at Traeth Bychan and then Benllech (12^th) and 10 that flew north off Traeth yr Ora (15^th).  Following an absence over recent weeks, there were 2 reports of Pink-footed Geese with 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th) and then 20 that were seen to fly in from the north and land on fields to the north of the Afon Cefni adjacent to RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).

A splash of colour came in the form of a drake Mandarin Duck at Llyn Parc Mawr, Newborough (14^th).  Whilst breeding on the River Dee and present in small numbers on the Afon Glaslyn, this had until recently been a very scarce bird on Anglesey – but it has now been recorded in each of the last 3 years.  Originally an introduced species from China, they have now become widely established across the UK.  Opinions on introduced species are likely to vary enormously, but there would no doubt be some local birders who would warmly welcome the establishment of a small breeding populations on the island if only to avoid an annual trip to Llangollen to add them to a year list.  

Sightings of Eider included up to 10 birds off Benllech seafront (10 on 12^th).  Ducks at Llyn Maelog (15^th) included 7 Pochard, 27 Tufted Duck and 6 Goldeneye, while at Llyn Cefni there were 15 Gadwall, 45 Tufted Duck, 21 Wigeon and 6 Goldeneye (15^th).  There were 12 Pintail at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).

Passerines and others:

Small numbers of Sand Martins continued to arrive including up to 2 at South Stack (2 on 18^th, 1 on 12^th) and 2 that flew over Tyn Llan pool, Cemlyn and then off in the direction of Hen Borth (15^th).  Likewise, there were further sightings of Northern Wheatears with up to 6 at Cemlyn (6 on 15^th, 2 on 14^th), 1 at RSPB South Stack (15^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  3 White Wagtails were seen on Tyn Llan fields (14^th), with a further 2 at the west car park for Cemlyn (14^th).  The small number of wintering Chiffchaffs were joined by a noticeable arrival of migrant birds at various sites including 3-4 at the Breakwater Country Park (13^th) and 8 singing at Llyn Cefni (15^th), while 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th).  2 Crossbills flew South-west over RSPB South Stack (17^th).  Sightings of Dippers included up to 2 on the Afon Cefni by Market Place, Llangefni (2 on 12^th, 1 on 18^th), with another on the stream close to the water treatment plant at Bodffordd (15^th).  Reports of Grey Wagtails included 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (13^th), 2 at Cemlyn (14^th) and 1 on the stream at Bodffordd (15^th).  A Kingfisher was at Holyhead Harbour (16^th).  Sightings of Hooded Crows included up to 2 at South Stack (2 on 18^th, 1 on 12^th & 14^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (15^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret was seen again NE of Valley, but is ranging from fields next to and up to 3 fields back from the A5025 (15^th & 16^th).  Up to 3 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 14^th, 2 on 12^th, 1 on 15^th & 18^th).  A Water Rail was at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (13^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was off Llanddwyn (14^th), a Black-throated Diver was off Benllech (18^th) and 4 Red-throated Divers were off Traeth yr Ora (15^th).  Up to 3 Slavonian Grebes were seen off Penrhos Coastal Park – up to 2 of which were in summer plumage (3 on 16^th, 1 on 12^th, 13^th& 15^th) with a winter-plumaged bird being seen at the Alaw estuary (18^th).  12 Little Grebes were seen at Llyn Cefni (15^th).

Waders:

The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at Holyhead harbour (12^th & 16^th), with a further bird at Malltraeth (15^th).  12 Purple Sandpipers were at Llanddwyn (14^th) and up to 10 were at Cemlyn (10 on 14^th, 5 on 17^th, 2 on 16^th).  2 Dunlin were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th) and 2 were at Traeth Dulas (17^th).  Up to 10 Grey Plovers were at Cemlyn (10 on 14^th, 7 on 17^th, 2 on 16^th, 1 on 12^th), while sightings of Golden Plover included 374 at the Alaw estuary (18^th), up to c.300 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (c. 300 on 14^th, 35 on 12^th) and 150 at Cemlyn (17^th).  Up to 2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 12^th, 1 on 16^th & 18^th).  Black-tailed Godwits continue to be present in good numbers with up to c.300 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (c. 300 on 14^th, 22 on 16^th) and up to 170 at Malltraeth cob (170 on 18^th, 21 on 14^th), while 71 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the Alaw estuary (18^th).  Up to 5 Greenshank were on the upper reaches of Traeth Dulas (5 on 15^th, 4 on 17^th) and 3 were of the Alaw estuary (18^th).  Counts of Redshank included 125 at Malltraeth (18^th) and up to 60 at Traeth Dulas (60 on 17^th, 52 on 15^th).  A Whimbrel was seen at Cemlyn (12^th, 15^th, 16^th, 18^th), while 3 ‘bubbling’ Curlews were heard and seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th) which also held c. 20 displaying Lapwing (14^th).  A Jack Snipe was on The Range, Holyhead (16^th), with another seen at Cemlyn (18^th).

Raptors:

Up to 3 Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 14^th, 2 on 12^th), while a Hen Harrier was also seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  Sightings of Red Kite included 1 above the Church at the bottom of the Dingle, Llangefni (12^th), 1 over the A55 near Pentre Berw (14^th), 1 at Dolmeinir near Llangefni (17^th), 1 at Llyn Cefni (17^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th).  A Merlin was seen at RSPB South Stack (18^th).

2022 Year List:

Manx Shearwater, Ring-necked Duck, Mandarin Duck and Crossbill were all new for the year and takes the 2022 year list up to 157 – 72% of the mean of the annual total for the previous 2 years.

Saturday 5th March – Friday 11th March 2022

Intro:

…early Wheatears …

Passerines and others:

After last week’s early record of a Sand Martin, it was the turn of Northern Wheatears to put in an early appearance with one found by Ken Croft at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (7^th) and another found by Tony White on the coastal footpath at Hen Borth (7^th).  Ken has commented that it was his earliest on Anglesey for 30 years, since one at South Stack on the 6^th March 1992.  120+ Meadow Pipits – the first obvious arrival of the spring – were seen at South Stack (6^th).  Singing warblers included a Cetti’s Warbler at Valley wetlands (5^th) and 7 Chiffchaffs around Llyn Cefni (11^th).  A Grey Wagtail was at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (8^th).

At this time of year, we have an overlap of winter visitors and early spring migrants.  Some of the noteworthy winter visitors still being found included a Snow Bunting at Cemlyn (9^th), a male Black Redstart at the former Octel site, Amlwch Port (5^th) and a Firecrest reported at Penrhos Coastal Park (6^th). 

Sightings of Hooded Crows included birds at The Range, Holyhead (5^th), South Stack (6^th) and on the Alaw estuary (9^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

Single adult Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Cemlyn (7^th), off Penrhos Coastal Park (8^th) and on the Alaw estuary (9^th), while a 3^rd calendar year bird was seen at Trearddur Bay (5^th).  15 Kittiwake were on the sea below the cliffs at South Stack (6^th).

Sightings of Black Guillemots included up to 3 off Benllech Seafront (3 on 7^th, 2 on 5^th, 1 on 10^th), 3 off Moelfre (6^th) and 2 off Cemlyn (7^th).  2400 Guillemots and 80 Razorbills were at South Stack (6^th). 

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret was seen again 800m NE of Valley crossroads & north of the A5025 (5^th), with presumably the same bird being seen in a cattle field north of Llyn Trafwll (10^th).  Sightings of Great Egrets included 3 at Llyn Llywenan (5^th) and 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (7^th).  A Water Rail was seen at Rhoscolyn (7^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

3 Whooper Swans continued their stay at RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th, 7^th).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 351 on the Alaw estuary (9^th), 14 that flew north past Traeth Lligwy (5^th) and 1 off Benllech seafront (10^th).  The drake Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech seafront (7^th), while sightings of Eider included up to 10 Eider off Benllech seafront (10 on 7^th, 6 on 5^th, 2 on 10^th) and 5 at Ynys Moelfre (6^th).  6 Common Scoter were seen off Benllech seafront (10^th).  2 female Scaup were seen again on Llyn Cefni (6^th&11^th), while 17 Pintail were on the Alaw estuary (9^th), 125 Wigeon were at Cemlyn (7^th) and 3 Goldeneye were on the Alaw estuary (9^th).  There were 2 Goosander at Llyn Llywenan (5^th) and 5 at Llyn Cefni (11^th).

Divers & Grebes:

Sightings of Great Northern Diver included 1 off Benllech seafront (5^th) and 1 off the coast near Cribinau (6^th).  There were 2 Red-throated Divers off Benllech seafront (5^th, 7^th), 2 off Cemlyn (7^th) and 1 in Holyhead Bay (10^th).  Up to 2 Slavonian Grebes were in Beddmanarch Bay – one of which is now in summer plumage (2 on 10^th, 1 on 5^th&7^th).  18 Great-crested Grebes were off Benllech seafront (10^th).

Waders:

2 Green Sandpipers were at the Alaw estuary (9^th), while the wintering Common Sandpiper remained at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (6^th, 8^th, 10^th, 11^th).  There were up to 5 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (5 on 9^th, 2 on 7^th), with 2 at Trearddur Bay (9^th).  24 Knot were on the Alaw estuary (9^th) and 3 Sanderling were at Traeth Dulas (5^th). 

Sightings of Grey Plover included 28 on the Alaw estuary (9^th) and 7 at Cemlyn (7^th).  204 Golden Plover were also at Cemlyn (7^th).  A Spotted Redshank flew off the pool at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn and called (7^th) and 60+ Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  Up to 71 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (71 on 9^th, 44 on 8^th), while sightings of Greenshank included 8 birds on the Alaw estuary (9^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  3 Jack Snipe were at Cemlyn (9^th).

Raptors:

3 Marsh Harriers at RSPB Cors Ddyga (7^th) and 2 Red Kites were at Llyn Llywenan (5^th).  A Merlin was at Rhoscolyn (8^th).

Other wildlife of note:

A pod of 8 Common Dolphins was reported off Benllech seafront (7^th).

Saturday 26th February – Friday 4th March 2022.

Intro:

New for the year – Ring-billed Gull and Sand Martin.

Seabirds & gulls:

You have to go all the way back to 2008 for the last ‘twitchable’ Ring-billed Gull on Anglesey – a 2^nd winter bird that could be found at the Penrhos Coastal Park car park between the 23^rd February and the 7^th April.  Given a noticeable increase in the number of records across the UK and Ireland this year – following on from a considerable number of quieter years – it was good to hear news that Norman Rowbotham had found a 1^st winter bird at Gorad beach, Valley, during a low-water WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) count (27^th).  Unfortunately, it was found late in the afternoon and time didn’t permit for others to reach the site before darkness.  It may well be that the bird had been in the area for a few days, as Ken Croft had noted a possible off Penrhos Coastal Park (16^th), but it unfortunately disappeared when he went to his car for his ‘scope.  Whilst his views had been brief, they were sufficient to raise his suspicion that it might be a Ring-billed and for him to record it as such in his note book at the time.  Thus far, the bird hasn’t resurfaced despite some searches.  Nonetheless, there is always a chance that the bird might be still around the Holyhead area, so keep you mind open to the possibility of one being about.

The Holyhead area also had a number of sightings of Mediterranean Gulls with up to 4 at Beddmanarch Bay (3^rd) – 2 adults, 1 2^nd winter, 1 1^st winter, 2 adult birds in Holyhead harbour (2^nd), a 2^nd winter off Penrhos Coastal Park (28^th) and 1 bird at Trearddur Bay (1^st).

Sightings of Black Guillemot included 1 in Holyhead harbour (1^st) and 3 at Porth-y-Mor (4^th).  A 3hr seawatch off The Range, Holyhead (4^th) produced 2 Gannets, 5 Fulmars and 923 auks (4^th).

Passerines and others:

Had it not been for the Ring-billed Gull, this week’s blog would have led with news of an early Sand Martin over Llyn Pen-y-Parc, near Beaumaris (27^th).  Whilst there have been February records in the past, it is more often the case that we wait well into the month of March for the first birds to arrive.  A male Black Redstart is still at the former Octel site, Amlwch Port (27^th), a Grey Wagtail was at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (2^nd) and 80 Skylarks were on a field by Bwlan farm, Aberffraw (1^st).  A Hooded Crow was seen again at South Stack (1^st).  There are still good number of winter thrushes about - 50 Redwing and 10 Fieldfare were sharing the field with the Skylarks near Bwlan farm, Aberffraw (1^st).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret continues to be seen in a field off the B5109, 500m from junction with A5025 at Llanynghenedl (27^th-4^th).  It is often associating with up to 13 Little Egrets.  Sightings of Great Egrets included up to 2 birds at Llyn Llywenan (2 on 26^th, 1 on 4^th) and up to 2 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 26^th, 2 on 1^st, 1 on 2^nd).  A male Bittern was heard ‘booming' on two occasions at RSPB Cors Ddyga after 1725hrs (1^st).  A Water Rail was seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (4^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

4 Whooper Swans continue to be seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st).  1 Whooper Swan was on the Alaw estuary (3^rd), as were 26 Mute Swans (3^rd).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 190 on the Alaw estuary (3^rd) and 36 off Benllech seafront (26^th).  A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was seen off Penrhos Coastal Park (28^th-1^st).

The drake Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech seafront (1^st), from where 6 Eider were also seen (26^th).  A female Scaup was still at Llyn Cefni (1^st), as were 4 Goldeneye (1^st).  14 Pintail were on the Alaw estuary (3^rd) and 6 Goosander were at Llyn Coron (26^th).

Divers & Grebes:

2 Red-throated Divers were seen off Benllech (1^st), with 2 seen past The Range, Holyhead (4^th).  Up to 2 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (2 on 28^th, 1 on 1^st, 2 on 3^rd).

Waders:

The wintering Common Sandpiper continues its stay at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th, 27^th, 1^st, 2^nd & 4^th).  Sightings of Purple Sandpipers included 18 at Cemlyn (27^th), up to 8 at Trearddur Bay (8 on 1^st, 3 on 2^nd) and 3 at The Range, Holyhead (4^th).  24 Knot were at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th), with 5 on the Alaw estuary (3^rd).  8 Grey Plovers were at Cemlyn (27^th), with 5 on the Alaw estuary (3^rd).  150+ Black-tailed Godwits remain at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th), while 38 were at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th).  76 Bar-tailed Godwits were seen at the Alaw estuary (3^rd).  Sightings of Greenshank included up to 2 at Traeth Dulas (2 on 26^th, 1 on 4^th), 2 on the Alaw estuary (3^rd), 1 on the Afon Ffraw at Aberffraw (1^st) and 1 along the Afon Nodwydd, Red Wharf Bay (2^nd).  A single Whimbrel was seen in flight past Cemlyn and called several times (27^th).  Sightings of Jack Snipe included birds at The Range, Holyhead (4^th) and at Llyn Coron (4^th).

Raptors:

Up to 3 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 1^st, 2 on 2^nd, 1 on 26^th), while sightings of Hen Harrier included birds at Cors Erddreiniog (1^st), RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd) and Llyn Coron (4^th).  A Red Kite was seen over Wylfa woods (27^th) and a Merlin was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st, 2^nd).

Other wildlife of note:

2 Risso’s Dolphins were noted heading west past Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (1^st).

Saturday 19th February – Friday 25th February 2022

Intro:

Bittern or Velvet Scoter?  Both are new for the 2022 Anglesey year list that now stands at 149.  Let’s start with the Bittern.

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Whilst they have undoubtedly been hiding away in the island’s reedbeds over the winter, it was something of a surprise that no birds had been reported during the year to date – that is until the first confirmed record came in of a male ‘booming’ at RSPB Valley wetlands (22^nd).  Many will be looking forward to some warmer evenings to hear this wonderful sound emanating from the reedbeds at the likes of RSPB Cors Ddyga and RSPB Valley wetlands. 

The Cattle Egret was seen again in the roadside field 800m north-east of Valley (19^th, 22^nd, 25^th), with sightings of Great Egrets including 1 at Llyn Llywenan (22^nd) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).  A Water Rail was seen at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (21^st) and others heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Velvet Scoter is a scarce bird on Anglesey and many local birders will have fond memories of the drake that lingered off Benllech between the 3^rd -15^th March 2000 prior to the first national lockdown.  None were reported in 2021, but this week there was a further sighting of a drake off Benllech seafront (21^st).

Sightings of Whooper Swans included 52 birds north of the Llangefni – Llanerchymedd road and 4 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).  36 Mute Swans at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th) was a notable count.  Reports of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 264 at the Alaw estuary (21^st), 69 at Penmon pool (23^rd) and 5 at Traeth Dulas (20^th).

Back to Benllech seafront, where there was a further sighting of the drake Long-tailed Duck (23^rd), along with up to 15 Eider (15 on 19^th, 3 on 21^st) and 30 Common Scoter (19^th).  Elsewhere, 7 Eider were seen between Aberlleiniog and Trwyn-y-Penrhyn, Penmon (23^rd) and 6 past Penmon Point (25^th).  On inland waters, there were 2 female Scaup on Llyn Cefni (24^th) and 8 Goldeneye (24^th).  A pair of Goosander were on Llyn Penrhyn (22^nd) and 5 Red-breasted Mergansers were at Holyhead harbour (21^st).

Divers & Grebes:

Sightings of Great Northern Divers included 2 birds at Beddmanarch Bay (19^th), 2 between Aberlleiniog and Trwyn-y-Penrhyn, Penmon (23^rd), 1 on the Inland Sea (22^nd) and 1 off Benllech seafront (23^rd).  Records of Red-throated Divers included up to 7 birds off Benllech seafront (7 on 23^rd, 1 on 19^th), 2 at Holyhead Harbour (21^st) and 1 between Aberlleiniog and Trwyn-y-Penrhyn, Penmon (23^rd).  Up to 3 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (3 on 19^th, 2 on 24^th, 1 on 22^nd), with 2 on the Inland Sea (22^nd).  60 Great-crested Grebes were seen off Benllech seafront (19^th).

Waders:

The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at the freshwater outlet at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead harbour (19^th, 21^st, 22^nd, 24^th). 18 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (21^st) and 25 Knot were on the Alaw estuary (21^st).  Counts of Grey Plover included 62 on the Alaw estuary (21^st) and 12 at Cemlyn (21^st).  RSPB Cors Ddyga continues to hold 200+ Black-tailed Godwits (22^nd), while the Alaw estuary held 75 Bar-tailed Godwits (21^st).  Sightings of Greenshank included 2 birds at the Alaw estuary (21^st) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (19^th).  There was a good count of 45 Redshank at Traeth Dulas (19^th).  25 Snipe and 2 Woodcock were seen at Talwrn (21^st), with a further sighting of a Woodcock at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).  3 Jack Snipe were flushed from the shore at Llyn Coron (24^th).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Black Guillemots included 9 birds in Holyhead harbour (21^st), 5 between Aberlleiniog and Trwyn-y-Penrhyn, Penmon (23^rd), up to 2 off Benllech seafront (1 on 17^th, 2 on 23^rd) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (17^th, 22^nd).  Small numbers of Gannets were seen off the coast with 3 seen off Benllech seafront (19^th) and 7 past South Stack (24^th).  3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (21^st).

Passerines and others:

A Dipper was on the Afon Cefni at Market Place, Llangefni (23^rd) and a Kingfisher was at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead harbour (23^rd).  Reports of Grey Wagtails included 1 on the Afon Cefni at Market Place, Llangefni (23^rd), 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (22^nd, 24^th) and 2 by the RSPB offices at RSPB Cors Ddyga (24^th).  Cetti’s Warblers were heard singing at Llyn Penrhyn (22^nd), with at least 3 singing birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 25^th, 1 on 24^th).  A flock of 28 Linnets at RSPB South Stack was the first of the spring for one of the wardens (22^nd).  There were 11 Chough at South Stack (22^nd) and 2 at Llyn Penrhyn (22^nd).  Hooded Crows were seen at the Alaw estuary (21^st), Hen Borth (21^st) and South Stack (22^nd).

Raptors:

Up to 3 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 25^th, 2 on 24^th), a Goshawk was seen over Llyn Pen-y-Parc, while Red Kites were seen over Penysarn (22^nd) and Malltraeth cob (24^th).  A Merlin was also at Malltraeth cob (24^th) and a Short-eared Owl was seen at Aberffraw (24^th).

Saturday 12th February – Friday 18th February 2022.

Intro:

Despite a week dominated by high winds, there were no wind-blown waifs of note.  Nonetheless, a good selection of birds were still seen.

Passerines and others:

3 Snow Buntings were seen on Ynys Moelfre and even took a brief flight over the headland (15^th).  The Lesser Whitethroat, of possible eastern origin, was seen again in a private garden at Holyhead (15^th).  A Cetti’s Warbler was heard singing at Llyn Maelog (15^th) and the wintering Swallow was seen again near Bodorgan school (15^th).  A Grey Wagtail was at Holyhead harbour (14^th), a Stock Dove was at Traeth Dulas (15^th) and 12 Siskin were at Penrhos Coastal Park (16^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at The Range, Holyhead (14^th), at the Alaw estuary (16^th) and at Henborth (17^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Sightings of Whooper Swans included 10 birds near Rhosgoch (14^th), 7 on fields close to the Braint estuary (15^th) and 4 on fields north of RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  18 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were off Benllech seafront (15^th).

The female Scaup was seen again at Llyn Cefni (15^th), while the drake Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech seafront (14^th).  Benllech seafront also produced 6 Eider (15^th).  14 Goldeneye were at Llyn Cefni (15^th), 6 Goosander were at Llyn Maelog (15^th) and 8 Red-breasted Merganser were at Holyhead harbour (14^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret was relocated back in the original field in which it was found, some 800m NE of Valley  and north of the A5025 (15^th & 17^th).  The same field also held up to 11 Little Egrets (17^th).  A Great Egret continues to enjoy the shallow reedy bay on the north-west side of Llyn Llywenan (17^th), while there was a good count of 20 Grey Herons seen from Church Island, Menai Bridge (16^th).

Waders:

The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at the freshwater outlet at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead harbour (14^th).  100+ Black-tailed Godwits continue to be seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th), while 37 were seen on the mudflats off Penrhos Coastal Park (17^th).  Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits included 60 at the Alaw estuary (16^th), 10 at the north end of Llanfwrog beach (17^th) and 4 off the mouth of the Alaw estuary as viewed from Penrhos Coastal Park (17^th).  4 Greenshank were at Traeth Dulas (15^th).  Counts of Grey Plover included 75 at the Alaw estuary (16^th) and 60 at the north end of Llanfwrog beach (17^th).  2000+ Golden Plover were on the mudflats at Cefni estuary (15^th).  20+ Knot and 10+ Dunlin were also seen at the north end of Llanfwrog beach (17^th), while a Jack Snipe was seen at Traeth Dulas (15^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A quiet week for reports of divers, with just the 1 report of a Red-throated Diver off Benllech seafront (15^th).  1 Slavonian Grebe was seen at Beddmanarch Bay (16^th) and 25 Little Grebes were at Llyn Cefni (15^th).

Raptors:

A ring-tailed Hen Harrier was seen over the saltmarsh at the Cefni estuary as viewed from the Newborough end of the cob (14^th), while 4 Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Sightings of Red Kite included birds over Talwrn (12^th), Llangaffo (12^th) and Brynteg – Marianglas (17^th).  A Merlin was seen between Llyn Coron and Aberffraw (14^th).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Black Guillemot included 6 birds in Holyhead harbour (14^th), 3 off Moelfre lifeboat station (15^th) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (17^th).  26 Fulmars were seen on the cliffs between Traeth Lligwy and Moelfre, with 9 at apparently occupied nest sites (15^th).  47 Cormorants were counted on Ynys Moelfre (15^th).  A 2^nd calendar year Mediterranean Gull was on the mudflats off Penrhos Coastal Park (17^th) and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen at Ynys Moelfre (15^th).

Saturday 5th February – Friday 11th February 2022

Intro:

… Firecrests …

Passerines and others:

Firecrest is a jewel of a bird that will brighten up most birding days.  Prior to this week, it had been a quiet year for them with just the 1 sighting of a bird at Traeth Bychan.  This week it was all change, with 1 found among a roving Tit flock at Penrhos Coastal Park (7^th) and the subsequent sighting of 3 birds at the same site (11^th). 

 

 Archive Photo: Firecrest, Amlwch Port, 2017 – Martin Jones. 

The unseasonal sighting of Swallows continues, with a bird seen at Bodorgan (9^th, 11^th).  The wintering Chiffchaff at Llyn Coron was seen again (9^th) and a Kingfisher was at Aberffraw (9^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at South Stack (6^th, 11^th), at Hen Borth (8^th, 10^th) and on the Alaw estuary (11^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

In last week’s update, I rather conservatively set out that the 197 Pink-footed Geese seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) was the highest number on the island for the past 10 years or more.   Whilst I personally hadn’t recalled a higher number in the past 30 years, I had hedged my bet a little as I hadn’t had the opportunity to speak to Ken Croft whose records are both meticulous and go back either further.  I received a message from Ken early this week to say that he had dug through his records and that he had to go back to the winter of 1982 to find larger numbers on Anglesey. In that year numbers increased at Llyn Alaw from 120 on 1st January, to 203 on 27th January, 450 on 30th January, then peaking at 500 on 15th & 26th February with only 52 remaining by 4th March. 

Returning to this week’s bird sightings, 4 Whooper Swans were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th-9^th) with 10 birds on fields near Rhosgoch (8^th).  91 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, together with 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, were at Penmon Pool (5^th).  The drake Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech seafront (6^th), where there was also a drake Eider (6^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret continued its stay in the field north of the B5109 Llanynhhenedl to Bodedern road (5^th, 8^th, 9^th, 11^th), with a sighting of a Cattle Egret – presumably the same bird – in a cattle field to the north-west of Llyn Trafwll (9^th).  2 Great Egrets were at Llyn Llywenan (6^th, 10^th), with 1 reported at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th). 

Waders:

The first report of wintering Whimbrel this year involved 1, possibly 2, birds at Porth-y-Pistyll, Wylfa (10^th).  The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at the freshwater outfall at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (9^th), while the wintering Green Sandpiper was seen again on the Alaw estuary (11^th).  Sightings of Purple Sandpiper included 5 birds at Trearddur Bay (5^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (5^th&7^th).  Up to 2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 9^th, 1 on 10^th) and they can often be found among the 200+ Black-tailed Godwits which are still on the flooded field on the right of the path as you walk down to the Afon Cefni (6^th, 10^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included single birds at Traeth Dulas (6^th), Penrhos Coastal Park (7^th), Aberffraw (9^th) and Malltraeth (9^th), with 6 birds on the Alaw estuary (11^th).  2000+ Golden Plover were on fields off the minor road from Aberffraw – Bordorgan (9^th), while 200+ Lapwing were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th).  A Jack Snipe was at Llyn Coron (9^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was off Trwyn y Penrhyn, Penmon (5^th).  2 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (5^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of ring-tailed Hen Harrier included a bird at RSPB Cors Ddyga (7^th) and the same / or another over the saltmarsh at Malltraeth (8^th).  Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th) and at Llyn Coron (8^th-9^th).  A Red Kite was seen over Carmel Head (9^th).  Sightings of Peregrine included 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th) and 2 at South Stack (11^th).  A Short-eared Owl was seen at Aberffraw dunes (9^th). 

Seabirds:

Back in the day, the prime site for Black Guillemots was Fedw Fawr.  As birds have spread particularly around the north and east coasts, most reports come from more accessible sites such as this week’s sightings of 2 in Beddmanarch Bay (5^th) and 4 in Holyhead Harbour (8^th).  The sighting of 17 birds at Fedw Fawr (11^th) perhaps acts as a reminder of the site’s history of being the best, if not the only, site to see them at one time.  450 Guillemots and 15 Razorbill were at South Stack (11^th).  Sightings of Lesser Black-backed Gull included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (6^th) and 14 back on the lighthouse island, South Stack (9^th).

Saturday 29th January – Friday 4th February 2022

Intro:

… Pinkfeets…

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The headline bird, or birds to be more specific, was the unusually large number of Pink-footed Geese on fields to the north of RSPB Cors Ddyga.  Whilst this species is plentiful at sites as near as the Dee Estuary, it has been a scarce bird on Anglesey over the last 10 years or more.  While the last 2 years have offered better opportunities to catch up with them locally, none have surpassed this week’s where a flock of up to 197 birds were seen (1^st-3^rd, 197 on 3^rd).

While Anglesey has its small wintering population of Greenland White-fronted Geese, the presence of a Russian White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons among the flock of Pinkfeets created a bit of added interest.  Sightings of Whooper Swans included 7 birds on the Braint estuary (31^st), 1 among 23 Mute Swans on the Alaw estuary (31^st) and 4 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).

The drake Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech seafront (2^nd-3^rd), with a single drake Eider off Benllech seafront (2^nd) and 2 drakes off Trwyn y Penrhyn, Penmon (31^st).  89 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (1^st), with c. 30 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).  A female Goosander was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd-3^rd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Cattle Egret, presumably the one seen earlier in the year north of Valley, was seen in a cattle field north of the B5109 Llanynhhenedl to Bodedern road (30^th – 4^th).  The same field held up to 18 Little Egrets (18 on 1^st).  A Great Egret was at Llyn Llywenan (30^th), with 2 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).  2 Water Rails were noted at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).

Passerines and others:

The un-seasonal presence of Swallows continues, with reports of single birds near the school at Bodorgan (31^st) and near Aberffraw (3^rd).  Brambling continue to be seen in fields at the Braint estuary (31^st).  Up to 2 Cetti’s Warbler were heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 2^nd, 1 or 3^rd).  Sightings of Kingfisher included birds seen at low water on the seaward side of Cadnant bridge, Menai Bridge (31^st) and on the pool alongside the car park at Penrhos Coastal Park (31^st).  22 Chough were in a field south of Llyn Trafwll (1^st), while sightings of Hooded Crow included birds at South Stack (30^th) and on the Alaw estuary (1^st).  A large murmuration of Starlings was seen between Llyn Trafwll and Llyn Penrhyn (2^nd).

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (31^st), while last week’s Common Sandpipers were seen again at the freshwater outfall at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (30^th-1^st, 4^th) and at Church Island, Menai Bridge (31^st).  Up to 6 Purple Sandpipers were at Trearddur Bay (6 on 4^th, 4 on 2^nd).  1000+ Knot were on the Braint estuary (31^st), with 24 birds on the Alaw estuary (1^st).  The Alaw estuary also held 23 Ringed Plover (1^st).  Two Ruff were seen, 1 at the Braint estuary (31^st) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd-3^rd).  c. 400 Black-tailed Godwit were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd), with 55 Bar-tailed Godwits on the Alaw estuary (1^st).  Greenshanks were seen at multiple locations including 1 on the Braint estuary (31^st), 1 at Church Island, Menai Bridge (31^st), 1 at Traeth Dulas (31^st), 1 at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (31^st), 2 at Beddmanarach Bay (1^st) and 1 at Aberffraw (2^nd).  1000+ Lapwing were on fields north of Tywyn Trewan Common (1^st) – as were 13 Curlew (1^st) - with c. 400 Lapwing birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).  The was a single Jack Snipe at the Braint estuary (31^st), with 30 Common Snipe counted at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).

Divers & Grebes:

Sightings of Great Northern Diver included 1 in Holyhead Harbour (1^st-2^nd) and 1 in Beddmanarch Bay (2^nd).  2 Red-throated Diver were in Holyhead harbour (31^st).  2 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (1^st-2^nd).

Raptors:

A ring-tailed Hen Harrier was seen over the Cefni estuary (2^nd), with 2 Marsh Harriers at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd) and a female Marsh Harrier over the Llyn Trafwll area (4^th).  A Red Kite was seen over at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).  Sightings of Peregrine Falcon included 2 birds at RSPB South Stack (3^rd) and 1 at RSPB Valley lakes (3^rd).  The latter site also produced a Merlin (3^rd).  A Short-eared Owl was at Llyn Coron (29^th).

Seabirds:

8270 Common Guillemots were counted on the cliffs at RSPB South Stack (3^rd).  There were 5 Black Guillemots in Holyhead harbour (31^st, 2^nd), with a further 3 in Beddmanarch Bay (1^st).  A Mediterranean Gull was off Penrhos Coastal Park (1^st-2^nd).  While there are good wintering populations of Lesser Black-backed Gulls elsewhere in the UK, it is a surprising rare bird on Anglesey during the winter months.  It is, however, our first real migrant of the year and this week saw 1 on the roof of old factory buildings, Laird’s, Llanfaes (31^st), 1 on a roadside pool at Llandrygan (31^st) and 4 on the Alaw estuary (1^st).