Saturday 9th April – Friday 15th April 2022

Intro:

Well, those southerly winds certainly helped …

Passerines and others:

It was a good week for spring migrants, with 11 new species for the Anglesey year list.  Ring Ouzel is a scarce passage migrant to Anglesey, but 4 were seen this week with a female at Porth-y-Garan, Rhoscolyn (11^th), a male and female at Bwa Du, Rhoscolyn (13^th) and a female on the coastal footpath between Llanbadrig and Llanlleiana (15^th).  Grasshopper Warblers were fresh onto the island with 1 - possibly 2 - at Cemlyn (12^th), 3 at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (13^th), 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and 2 at RSPB Valley wetlands (15^th).  The first Sedge Warbler was back at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th) with at least 6 birds the following morning at Llyn Penrhyn (14th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (15^th).  3 Reed Warblers were also at Llyn Penrhyn (14^th), with 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  A Greater Whitethroat was at Cestyll Gardens, near Cemlyn (14^th) and a Garden Warbler was at Newborough Forest (14^th).  A Yellow Wagtail was heard calling overhead at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (11^th), while 3 Tree Pipits were heard over Llanlleiana (14^th) with 13 logged between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th).  An early Common Swift was seen over the dunes between Rhosneigr and Llanfaelog (12^th).  A Common Cuckoo was heard calling early morning at Lligwy (13^th) and the same or another bird was heard during the evening calling from land on the east side of Traeth Dulas (13^th).  Finally, a Whinchat was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).

Swallows and Sand Martins are now back in good numbers and were reported from multiple sites.  House Martins were reported in smaller numbers, but 65 seen among a mixed flock of hirundines at Llyn Llygeirian (12^th) was noteworthy.

Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Northern Wheatears are also being reported in good numbers and from multiple sites - 20+ Northern Wheatears at the Range, Holyhead (12^th) was a good count as was 17 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th).  A Siberian Chiffchaff was seen in a plantation at Carmel Head (15^th).  Reports of Cetti’s Warblers included 1 at Carreglwyd marsh, near Rhydwyn (10^th), up to 9 at RSPB Valley Lakes (9 on 14^th, 7 on 13^th, 1 on 10^th), 3 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (11^th) and 1 at Llyn Llygerian (12^th).  White Wagtails were reported from a number of sites and included 2 at Penmon pool (9^th), 5 on newly ploughed fields off Gorad Road, Valley (12^th), up to 7 at Cemlyn (7 on 13^th, 3 on 12^th) and 120 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15^th).  5 Crossbills flew over at Carmel Head (10^th).  30 Fieldfares were seen to head NE over Llandegfan (9^th) – it can’t be long before our winter thrushes depart.  Sightings of Hooded Crows included 1 at Carmel Head (10^th), 1 at South Stack (11^th, 13^th) and up to 3 were at the Range, Holyhead (3 on 13^th, 1 on 11^th & 12^th, 2 on 14^th).  A Kingfisher was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).

Waders:

Little Ringed Plover is still a scarce bird on Anglesey, so 1 on the Alaw estuary (10^th) was a good find – as was 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Staying with plovers, there were 190 Golden Plover at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th) and up to 230 at the Alaw estuary (230 on 15^th, 100 on 9^th).  A Grey Plover was at the Alaw estuary (12^th) while reports of Ringed Plover included 23 at Traeth y Gribin (10^th), 4 at the Alaw estuary (12^th) and 2 between Lligwy and Treath Dulas (15^th).

A Green Sandpiper was seen again on pool near the former Llandrygarn school (13^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (14^th).  Sightings of Common Sandpiper included the wintering bird at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (9^th, 15^th), 1 at Cemlyn (12^th) and 1 at Malltreath (12^th).  22 Purple Sandpipers were at Llanddwyn (14^th), 4 were on rocky islets off Trearddur Bay (14^th) and up to 2 were on the tideline of the beach east of the Trwyn, Cemlyn (2 on 12^th, 1 on 13^th).  Sightings of Sanderling included 2 at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th) and 1 on the Alaw estuary (10^th).  Up to 7 Knot were at the Alaw estuary (7 on 9^th, 6 on 10^th).  4 Dunlin were seen at the Alaw estuary (12^th), with 2 at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th).

Sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits included up to 57 on the Alaw estuary (57 on 10^th, 49 on 9^th, 1 on 12^th) and 37 at the Inland Sea (10^th), while reports of Black-tailed Godwits included up to 58 at Inland Sea (58 on 12^th, 1 on 10^th), 4 at the Alaw estuary (12^th), 1 at Cemlyn (11^th), 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and 125 on Malltraeth cob pool (14^th).  There were up to 3 Greenshank at the Alaw estuary (3 on 12^th, 1 on 14^th), 2 at Traeth Dulas (13^th) and 1 on the estuary at Aberffraw (12^th).  25 Redshank were counted on the Alaw estuary (14^th).  The wintering Whimbrel was seen again at Cemlyn (12^th), while the first passage migrant birds included 8 at the Alaw estuary (12^th) and 3 at Llanddwyn (15^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

25 Mute Swans were at the Alaw estuary (12^th).  Counts of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 277 at the Alaw estuary (277 on 10^th, 43 on 12^th), 165 at the Alaw estuary / Beddmanarch Bay (9^th), 45 at the Inland Sea (10^th), 4 at Traeth y Gribin, Valley (10^th), 2 off Moelfre (13^th) and 18 at Newborough beach (15^th).  2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese were also off Penrhos Coastal Park (12^th).  2 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Llywenan (11^th) and 7 Pink-footed Geese were at RSPB Valley wetlands (15^th).

12 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (12^th), with pairs being seen at Llyn Llywenan (14^th) and RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Sightings of Pochard included 22 birds at RSPB Valley lakes (14^th), 2 pairs at Llyn Cerrig Bach (11^th) and a pair at Llyn Llywenan (10^th).  Llyn Llywenan also held 2 pairs of Shoveler (10^th), 15 Tufted Duck (10^th) and a drake Goldeneye (10^th).

61+ Eiders were seen offshore between Trwyn y Penrhyn and Penmon Point (9^th), with 11 off Moelfre (11^th).  7 Common Scoter flew past the Range (9^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

Up to 9 Puffins were seen at South Stack (9 on 10^th, 4 on 9^th), with several also seen from Penmon Point (9^th).  There were 4 Black Guillemots at Penmon point (9^th) and 2 at Porth Penmon (9^th).  Reasonable numbers of the commoner seabirds were seen around the coast.  137 Manx Shearwaters were seen during a 2hr seawatch off the Range (9^th), with other sightings including 17 Gannets, 5 Fulmars and 50 Kittiwakes.  23 pairs of Kittiwakes were noted on Ynys Moelfre (13^th), with 20 Gannets fishing offshore.  Sandwich Tern numbers at Cemlyn have now built up to c. 600 (12^th) although daily totals are varying quite markedly.  3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (12^th) and 2 were at the Alaw estuary (12^th).

Divers & Grebes:

6 Red-throated Divers flew past the Range (9^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and a booming Bittern was heard at the southern end of the reserve (14^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Osprey included single birds at Malltraeth (11^th, 12^th, 14^th).  4 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th), with 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (11^th) and a female at Llyn Llywenan (11^th).  Sightings of Red Kites included 1 over the Alaw estuary (9^th), 1 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (10^th), 1 over Llangefni (11^th), 1 over Bryngwran (13^th), 1 over Mynydd Eilian (12^th-13^th), 1 over Lligwy (14^th) and 1 over Bodeilio (14^th).  Merlins were seen at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (11^th) and at the Range, Holyhead (12^th). Sighting of Short-eared Owls included 1 on the Range, Holyhead (11^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (11^th) and 2 on the coastal path south-east of Valley (13^th).

 

Big thanks:

I just want to take the opportunity to once again thank all those who share their sightings by whatever means to enable this weekly summary to be put together.  I know from personal feedback that the summary is enjoyed by both local birders and those who visit the area.  It would be impossible to weave in every sighting into the summary, but I hope that it strikes the right balance of scarcer and more common species to give a rounded feel of what has been seen over the past week.

 

2022 Year List:

Ring Ouzel, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Greater Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Common Swift, Common Cuckoo, and Whinchat were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 177.

Saturday 2nd April – Friday 8th April 2022

Intro:
Cold and windy conditions across the week weren’t particularly conducive to the arrival of spring migrants, but some pushed through nonetheless.  With a more southerly aspect to the wind from Sunday onwards, perhaps we will be blessed with a strong arrival of migrants with one or two scarcer species among the mix.

Herons, Egrets and allies:
The bird of the week was probably a Spoonbill seen by a single observer at RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th).  Unfortunately, there was no sign of the bird the following morning.  With several records of up to 3 birds last year - that were never pinned down to any particular site - there will hopefully be a good chance for further opportunities to connect with this species later in the year.  There was just the 1 report of a Great Egret, relating to a bird at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  A Cattle Egret was reported again near Llyn Trafwll (6^th).
Waders:
It was a good start to the week for records of Green Sandpiper with 4 birds seen across 3 separate sites.  Up to 2 were seen at the Llanfachraeth end of the Alaw estuary (2 on 4^th, 1 on 3^rd, 1 on 8^th), 1 near Ynys Wen cemetery, Valley (3^rd) and 1 on a pool at Llandrygan by the B5109 (3^rd).  The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead harbour (2^nd & 8^th).
Reports of Golden Plover included up to 130 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (130 on 3^rd, 125 on 2^nd, 112 on 6^th), 73 at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 20 at Cemlyn (8^th).  20 Ringed Plover were seen at the Alaw estuary (4^th), where a Ruff was seen again (3^rd, 4^th).  7 Knot were seen on the Alaw estuary (4^th), while 19 were on the Afon Cefni at Malltraeth (8^th). 
Up to 63 Bar-tailed Godwits at the Alaw estuary (63 on 4^th, 48 on 3^rd), while sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included 114 on the Afon Cefni at Malltraeth (8^th), up to 2 on the Alaw estuary (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 4^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2^nd).  There were up to 7 Greenshank at the Alaw estuary (7 on 3^rd, 3 on 4^th & 8^th) with 4 at Traeth Dulas (4^th & 6^th).  126 Oystercatcher were at the Alaw estuary (4th), with 250 at Cadnant bridge (8th). The Alaw estuary also held up to 31 Redshank (31 on 4^th, 16 on 8^th) and 34 Curlew (4^th).  A Whimbrel was seen at Cemlyn (5^th) and 2 Snipe were seen on a pool at Llandrygan by the B5109 (3^rd).

Seabirds & gulls:
It was a slow start to the week in respect of sightings of Manx Shearwaters, with just 2 birds seen off The Range, Holyhead (4^th).  The strong winds mid-week brought an increase in sightings with 12+ past Cemlyn (6^th), 19 past Cemlyn (7^th), 7 past Bull Bay (7^th) and 92 past South Stack (8^th).  21 Gannets flew past Cemlyn (7^th), with 10 past South Stack (8^th).  11 Fulmars flew past Cemlyn (7^th), 4 were at Bull Bay (7^th) and 1 flew past South Stack (8^th).
Up to 4 Puffins were at RSPB South Stack (4 on 4^th, 3 on 3^rd), while sightings of Black Guillemots included 3 at Holyhead harbour (3^rd) and 4 in the bay at Cemlyn (6^th).   Sightings of Sandwich Terns on passage included 16 seen on rocks off Ynys Leurad, Inland Sea (2^nd), 22 seen passing through the Menai Strait off Aberlleiniog (5^th) and 7 off South Stack (8^th).  At Cemlyn, numbers kept building with up to 60 + (60+ on 8^th, 48+ on 6^th, c. 30 on 2^nd). 
Up to 5 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (5 on 4^th & 8^th, 2 on 5^th) and 4 were at the Alaw estuary (4^th).
Swans, Geese & Ducks:
145 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at the Alaw estuary (4^th), with 3 seen during a seawatch off South Stack (8^th).  There were 7 Pintail at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) and 8 at the Alaw estuary (4^th).  Sightings of Pochard included 12 at RSPB Valley wetlands (4^th) and a pair at Llyn y Parc, near Beaumaris (7^th).  The Alaw estuary held 12 Wigeon (4^th) and 12 Teal (4^th), while Llyn Maelog held 16 Tufted Duck (5^th), 7 Gadwall (5^th), 1 Goosander (5^th) and 1 Goldeneye (5^th).  A drake Goldeneye was at Llyn Llywenan (7^th).  A drake Eider was seen in the bay at Cemlyn (2^nd) and 5 Common Scoter flew past South Stack (8^th).
Passerines and others:
News of a summer plumaged male Snow Bunting at Bull Bull (6^th) came out via a photo on Facebook, but alas the bird could not be relocated.  A Black Redstart, presumably 1 of 3 previously present at the site, was seen off South Stack Road (2^nd).  The early part of the week – associated with the poor weather - was slow for hirundines – with 3 Swallows at Cemlyn (2^nd), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), 8 Sand Martins over Llyn Cefni (2^nd) and 2 House Martins over Wylfa Head (5^th).  Once the winds died down on Thursday afternoon, there was a marked increase in sightings that included 12+ Sand Martins (7^th) and 12 + Swallows (7^th) at Llyn Llywenan.  Reports of both species increased the following day and there was also a House Martin at Llyn Llywenan (8^th).  The highest single count of Chiffchaffs was 15 recorded on a walk around Llyn Cefni (2^nd).  Willow Warblers started to appear in greater numbers with 1 at South Stack (3^rd & 4^th), 1 at Llyn y Parc (7^th), 2 at Llyn Llywenan (7^th), 1 at Cemlyn (8^th), 2 at Talwrn (8^th) and 3 at Llyn y Gors, Llandegfan (8^th).  Blackcaps are being recorded with greater frequency and included 5 around Llyn Cefni (2^nd), 1 at South Stack (2^nd), 2 at Llyn Llywenan (7^th) and 2 at Wylfa woods (8^th).  There were up to 6 or 7 singing Cetti’s Warblers at RSPB Valley wetlands (6-7 on 5^th, 3 on 4^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (7^th).  Sightings of Northern Wheatears included 5 at South Stack (2^nd) and 1 at Cemlyn (8^th).  2 White Wagtail were seen at Cemlyn (8^th) amongst a small arrival of Pied Wagtails.  There were still some winter thrushes about with 60+ Fieldfares heading SW over Llandegfan (2^nd), 65 Fieldfare at Brynteg (5^th) and 21 Redwing at Brynteg (5^th).  Up to 2 Hooded Crows were seen at RSPB South Stack (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 6^th), with 2 also seen on The Range, Holyhead (4^th) – sightings may involve the same birds.
Divers & Grebes:
Sightings of Red-throated Divers included 13 during a 2hr seawatch off South Stack (8^th), with 4 past Cemlyn (8^th), 2 off The Range, Holyhead (4^th) and 1 in the bay at Cemlyn (6^th).
Raptors:
An Osprey flew over the Menai Strait from Beaumaris towards Bangor harbour (8^th) and 2 Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  Merlins were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) and at Cemlyn (8^th). A Barn Owl was seen at Malltraeth (7th)
2022 Year List:
Spoonbill was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 166.

Saturday 26th March – Friday 1st April 2022

Intro:

A quiet week, not helped by a cold, northerly wind in the second half of the week.  Notwithstanding, there was still enough to keep spirits up.

Waders:

After being highlighted in last week’s round up as a potential new addition to the year list for the forthcoming week, a Little Ringed Plover made it in to Cemlyn (27^th) before the northerly winds set in mid- week.  The wintering Common Sandpiper remained at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th, 29^th, 31^st), a Green Sandpiper was at the Alaw estuary (29^th) and 3 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (28^th).  4 Sanderling were seen at Traeth Lligwy (26^th) and 46 Knot were at the cob pool, Malltraeth (29^th).  Sightings of Golden Plover included 341 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and 137 at Cemlyn (27^th).  Reports of Grey Plover included 2 at Cemlyn (27^th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (29^th), while 5 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (29^th) with 1 at Traeth Lligwy (26^th).  Up to 3 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 1^st, 2 on 26^th), with 1 at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  142 Black-tailed Godwits were at the cob pool, Malltraeth (29^th) and were incredibly vocal.  62 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 8 at the Alaw estuary (29^th) and up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (3 on 27^th, 1 on 28^th).  A single Whimbrel was at Cemlyn (28^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

A Manx Shearwater flew past The Range, Holyhead (30^th) during a 1hr seawatch.  Sightings of Black Guillemots included 14 off Point Lynas (28^th), 4 in the bay at Cemlyn (27^th) and 1 near the Lifeboat station at Moelfre (26^th).  2 Puffins were seen off South Stack (30^th).  Sandwich Terns continue to arrive with numbers increasing to 5 at Cemlyn (5 on 27^th, 2 on 26^th), while 2 were seen to fly past Penmon point (28^th) and 76 were seen in the Menai Strait as viewed from opposite Foryd (30^th).  Up to 4 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (4 on 28^th, 2 on 27^th) and a 2^nd winter bird was at the Alaw estuary (29^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The number of Pale-bellied Brent Geese continues to fall as birds head off to Arctic Canada for their breeding season, but small numbers were still reported including 6 between Moelfre and Traeth Bychan (26^th), 31 at Holyhead Bay (28^th), 45 at Beddmanarch Bay (28^th) and 41 at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  The drake Garganey was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th, 1^st) and there were 11 Pintail and 30 Wigeon at the Alaw estuary (29^th).  19 Eiders were seen off Moelfre (26^th) and 10 Common Scoters flew past The Range (30^th).

Passerines and others:

There were still a few Black Redstarts to be found, following on from last week’s notable arrival on the west coast, with a female type Black Redstart at South Stack (27^th) and another at Porth Saint, Rhoscolyn (28^th).  Despite the cold and northerly aspect to the wind, a few hirundines made it through with 2 Swallows at South Stack (1^st) and there were several sightings of Sand Martins including 7 birds at Llyn Llywenan (31^st), 3 at Llyn Penrhyn (31^st) and 2 at Llyn Dinam (31^st).  Blackcaps were noted on approach to Traeth Lligwy (26^th) and at South Stack (27^th), while Chiffchaffs sang out in most suitable habitat.  Cetti’s Warblers were heard singing at both Llyn Penrhyn and Llyn Dinam (31^st).  Relatively few Northern Wheatears were reported with 2 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th) and 1 at South Stack (27^th).  There were still a few Fieldfares to be found including 100+ that flew over Brynteg (29^th) and up to 50 at Talwrn (50 on 30^th, 5 on 31^st).  Likewise, Redwings were still being reported with 100+ that flew north over Brynteg (31^st), 10 at Talwrn (31^st) and 2 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (26^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at South Stack (27^th, 30^th) and The Range (27^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st).

Divers & Grebes:

7 Red-throated Divers flew past The Range, Holyhead (30^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen over the A55 near the Rhosneigr junction (31^st), while 3 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and an immature / female was seen to fly over Llyn-y-Parc, near Beaumaris (30^th).  Merlins were seen at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (29^th) and at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st).  A Short-eared Owl was seen at Aberffraw dunes (28^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Little Ringed Plover was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 165.

Saturday 19th March – Friday 25th March 2022.

Intro:

The fine weather brought an influx of migrants with 6 new species for the year.

 

Seabirds & gulls:

The first Puffin of the year was back at RSPB South Stack (19th) with subsequent sightings of up to 9 birds (9 on 22nd, 5 on 23rd).  Sightings of Black Guillemots included 2 at Porth Eilian (20th), 14 at Holyhead Harbour (21st), 5 at Holyhead fish quay (22nd), 3 at Beddmanarch Bay (21st) and up to 3 at Cemlyn (3 on 24th, 2 on 23rd).

Also new for the year list was the first Sandwich Tern seen at Cemlyn (22nd) with subsequent sightings of up to 2 birds (2 on 24th, 1 on 23rd).  Site preparations at Cemlyn are well advanced, if not complete, with the rope barrier up on the shingle ridge, roseate tern nest boxes out on the islands and the electric fences around the islands are operational.  There are good numbers of Mediterranean Gulls at Cemlyn – which are very vocal - with up to 14 birds present (14 on 23rd, 4 on 24th).

 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The third new addition to the year list came in the form of Garganey where birds arrived in Anglesey as part of a significant early influx into the UK.  6 birds were at Malltraeth cob pool (19th), with another drake at RSPB Cors Ddyga (20th, 21st, 25th).

Our wintering Swans and Geese won’t be with us for too much longer.  5 Whooper Swans flew over Cemlyn (20th), with presumably the same birds being seen a few days later at Llyn Llygerian (22nd).  170 Pink-footed Geese circled RSPB Cors Ddyga before landing on fields west of the Afon Cefni (21st).

Sightings of Eider included 16 at Ynys Moelfre (19th) and 8 off Penmon point (20th).  A Scaup was at Llyn Coron (23rd), while Cemlyn had 59 Wigeon (24th) and 10 Shoveler (24th).

 

Passerines and others:

It was a good week for passerines which collectively added 3 new species to the year list.  Willow Warbler was new for the year with several birds reported (23rd), with 1 at South Stack, 2 at Cemlyn, 1 at Llyn Coron and 1 at Amlwch Port.  Chiffchaffs are now plentiful and seem to be belting out their song from most areas of suitable habitat - 7 were at South Stack (19th, 22nd).  The first migrant Blackcaps are appearing, including 1 at South Stack (25th) and 2 at Wylfa woods (25th).  5 or 6 singing Cetti’s Warblers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (20th), with another bird singing at Llyn Llywenan (25th).

Also new for the year list was a Lapland Bunting that flew over RSPB South Stack and headed North-east (23rd), while 2 Snow Buntings were seen at Cemlyn (20th).  The first House Martin of the year was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (21st). 

The West coast enjoyed a significant influx of Black Redstarts, with 12 seen on Bardsey Island (23rd).  On Anglesey, there were up to 3 at South Stack (3 on 23rd, 2 on 22nd, 2 on 25th) and 1 on a roof top at Mynydd Bodafon (24th).  Northern Wheatears were seen at many sites across the island including 4 at RSPB South Stack (22nd).  31 Siskin were seen at South Stack (22nd).  Stock Dove is a scarce bird on Anglesey, so 5 seen over Cemlyn (20th) was a good count - 1 was also seen over South Stack (24th).  Sightings of Hooded Crows included up to 2 at South Stack (2 on 19th & 23rd, 1 on 20th, 21st, 22nd, 25th) and 1 at Cemlyn (23rd).  A Kingfisher was seen at Llyn Coron (23rd).

 

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Cattle Egret continues to be seen NE of valley and north of the A5025 (19th, 22nd).  Up to 4 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 20th, 3 on 21st), with 1 at Llyn Llywenan (19th).

 

Divers & Grebes:

A number of the wintering Slavonian Grebes are coming into summer plumage with 2 birds still at Beddmanarch Bay (21st-22nd).  They won’t be around for too much longer, with the latest report over the previous 2 years being of 1 on the Inland Sea on the 19th April ’20.  Once they leave, it will be late October before they return (18th in ’20, 23rd in ’21).   A Red-throated Diver was seen off Cemlyn (24th).

 

Waders:

The wintering Common Sandpiper was seen again at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead Harbour (19th & 21st), with sightings of Purple Sandpipers included 6 at Trearddur Bay (21st) and up to 3 at Cemlyn (3 on 24th, 1 on 21st).  A Sanderling was on the beach to the east of the Trwyn at Cemlyn (21st).  Counts of Golden Plover included 280+ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (280+ on 20th, 205 on 21st) and up to 42 at Cemlyn (42 on 24th, 14 on 21st).  Up to 2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 21st, 1 on 20th, 1 on 22nd) with 1 at Malltraeth (20th).  There were up to 205 Black-tailed Godwit on Malltraeth cob pool (205 on 21st, 200 on 20th).  Traeth Dulas had 2 Greenshank (23rd) and 59 Redshank (23rd).  Reports of Dunlin included 11 at Traeth Dulas (23rd) and 3 at Cemlyn (23rd).  There were also 4 Ringed Plovers at Cemlyn (24th).

 

Raptors:

The first Osprey of the year was seen over Malltraeth (21st) where it stayed for approximately 45 minutes before moving on.  Hopefully, it will be the first of many and perhaps a few will decide to summer.  Up to 4 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4 on 20th & 21st), while a ring-tailed Hen Harrier was at Cors Bodeilio (25th).  Sightings of Red Kites included birds at RSPB South Stack (19th), Mona airfield (20th), at Gadfa (23rd) and over Holyhead mountain (24th).  A Barn Owl was heard over Holyhead Mountain (22nd).

 

2022 Year List:

Puffin, Sandwich Tern, Willow Warbler, Lapland Bunting, House Martin and Osprey were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 164 – 75% of the mean of the annual total for the previous 2 years.

Possible candidates for addition to the year list in the forthcoming week or so include Little Ringed Plover, Ring Ouzel and an early Cuckoo – although the advancing cold front and associated fall in temperatures may dampen things down for a while.  Birds that have eluded us so far this year include Rose-coloured Starling, Twite, Iceland, Glaucous and Little Gulls.  Any or all of these would be warmly welcomed.