Saturday 14th – Friday 20th May 2022

Intro:

Spotted Flycatcher or Little Stint? ……. Let’s start with Spotted Flycatcher.

 

Passerines and others:

Whilst Spotted Flycatchers breed on the island in small number, it can still take a little bit of effort to see one either on passage or at a breeding site.   This week delivered far more sightings than one might reasonably expect, with up to 6 at Cemlyn (6 on 16th, 2 on 14th), 3 at Cafnan farm, near Cemlyn (3 on 16th, 2 on 14th&15th, 1 on 19th&20th), 2 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th), 2 at the plantation, South Stack (16th), 2 at Rhoscolyn (18th), 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (16th), 1 at the Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (16th), 1 at Penysarn (17th) and 1 at Coedana (20th).

The spring passage of Whinchats appears to be tailing off, with just 3 birds – 1 at a wet field between Cafnan farm and Pencarreg, Cemlyn (15th), 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (18th).  2 Tree Pipits flew over Hen Borth - Carmel Head (15th).

Lesser Whitethroats were seen between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th) and at Talwrn (19th).  Stonechats already have fledged young with 2 broods at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th) and 2 broods along the cycle track south of Llangefni (17th) – each with 4 chicks.  10+ Swifts were over RSPB Cors Ddyga (18th), with 5 over the cycle track south of Llangefni (17th).

Hooded Crows were seen away from their usual sites, with 1 at a garden feeding station in Tregele (17th) and 1 at Cemaes Bay (17th).

 

Waders:

The majority of sightings of both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper on Anglesey involve juveniles in late summer / early autumn.  Spring birds are always noteworthy and this week delivered 3 Little Stints – new for the year – and a 2nd Curlew Sandpiper for the year.  The 1st Little Stint was found on the Alaw estuary (19th-20th), the 2nd at Cemlyn (20th) and the 3rd at Cymyran (20th) – an exceptional spring.  The 2nd Curlew Sandpiper for the year was at the Alaw estuary (18th-19th) and is presumed to be different to the 1 seen earlier in the spring between the 23rd-24th April.

3 Purple Sandpipers were seen on the Skerries (15th), while sightings of Common Sandpiper included 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (15th), 1 at Holyhead harbour (16th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (20th).

A Little Ringed Plover was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th&18th), while reports of Ringed Plover included 71 at the Alaw estuary (18th), 20 at Cymyran (20th) and 15 at Traeth Dulas (15th).  17 Sanderling was a good count at the Alaw estuary (20th), while elsewhere there were up to 3 at Cemlyn (3 on 18th, 1 on 17th) and 3 at Cymyran (20th).  Sightings of Dunlin included 119 at the Alaw estuary (18th), 20 at Cymyran (20th) and 5 at Traeth Dulas (17th).  c. 20 Turnstones were at Cemlyn (19th), with 3 at the Alaw estuary (18th).  The spring passage of Whimbrel seems to have pretty much petered out with just 2 reports involving 2 over Llyn Penrhyn (17th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (18th).  A single Redshank was at Cemlyn (16th) and a single Snipe at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th).  Godwit numbers have plummeted with birds having moved off to their breeding grounds – just 1 Black-tailed Godwit was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th), while there was 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Hen Borth (20th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (20th).

 

Seabirds & gulls:

Cemlyn delivered a couple of interesting hybrids with a Black-headed Gull x Mediterranean Gull (17th) and what was considered by some as a Roseate Tern x Common Tern (19th).  2 1st summer Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (16th&17th).  4 Black Guillemots at Holyhead Harbour (15th), with 3 off Penmon Point (16th).

 

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A Barnacle Goose flew east at the Range, Holyhead (17th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga (14th) has 6 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 4 Teal and 10 Tufted Duck.  A single drake Tufted Duck was at Cemlyn (20th).  In respect of sea ducks, 4 Common Scoter flew past the Range, Holyhead (18th) and several Eider were seen from Penmon Point (16th).

 

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 2 Bitterns were heard ‘booming’ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 16th, 1 on 15th).

 

Divers & Grebes:

Cemlyn produced the only reported sightings of Divers, with a Great Northern Diver (16th) and a Red-throated Diver (19th).

 

Raptors:

Hen Harriers are usually winter visitors, so 2 seen in mid-May is unusual.  A male was seen at Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn (18th) and a ring-tailed was seen at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (18th).  Sightings of Osprey included 1 over the Cefni estuary at Malltraeth (14th) - before flying off in the direction of Newborough forest – with another seen over Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (18th) before heading in direction of South Stack.  A Red Kite was seen over fields near Llyn Llywenan (15th), with another at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18th).  RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th) also produced a Barn Owl, Peregrine and Marsh Harrier.

 

2022 Year List:

Little Stint was new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 193.

Saturday 7th – Friday 13th May 2022

Intro:

A 2^nd for Anglesey ….

Passerines and others:

A female Citrine Wagtail at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th) was a great find and is only the 2^nd record for the island.  A Blue-headed Wagtail was seen late morning at Hen Borth (8^th), before it relocated to Tyn Llan fields later in the day where it could be seen on the same wet field as the Citrine Wagtail.  10 White Wagtails were at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th), while a single Tree Pipit flew over Carmel Head (8^th).

The excellent year for sightings of Whinchat continued with 1 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th), 2 at Carmel Head (8^th), 1 at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th), 1 near Cestyll Gardens, Cemlyn (8^th) and 1 near the cromlech, Rhoscolyn (9^th&11^th). 

Newborough Forest produced up to 3 Garden Warblers (3 on 7^th, 2 on 9^th), 4 Crossbills (9^th) and several singing Siskin were heard (9^th).

There was a marked increase in the reports of Swifts which included 2 over Amlwch Port (9^th), 4 over Cemlyn (11^th) and 10+ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th).

2 Hooded Crows were at the Range (7^th) and 1 was at South Stack (8^th).  Away from their usual sites, 1 at Cors Bodeilio (8^th) was a site first for the observer, with the site also holding a single Wheatear (8^th). Elsewhere, double digit counts of Wheatears included 40 at Carmel Head (8^th) and 18 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th).   A Cuckoo was at the Alaw estuary (13^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

The vast majority of Skua sightings off the Anglesey coast are part of the return passage during late summer / early autumn, but a few are also seen during the northbound spring passage.  This week delivered the first of the year, with an Arctic Skua seen to fly east past Cemlyn (7^th).

This week also delivered the first sighting of Roseate Tern with 1, together with 2 hybrids, on the Skerries just off the Anglesey coast (12^th).  The number of Sandwich Terns at Cemlyn is c. 2500 (12^th), but that number can sometimes swell by a further 1000 as birds come in to roost.  There are c. 200 Arctic Terns at Cemlyn (12^th), but these numbers are dwarfed by the c. 4000 on the Skerries (12^th).  There are 100 Common Terns at Cemlyn (12^th) and 250 on the Skerries (12^th).  A pair of Mediterranean Gulls is still present at Cemlyn (12^th), with 3 seen on the Inland Sea (11^th).  30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (12^th).

A 2hr and a 1hr seawatch from the Range, Holyhead (2hr on 7^th, 1 hr on 11^th) produced up to 310 Manx Shearwaters (310 on 7^th, 30 on 11^th), up to 11 Gannets (11 on 7^th, 2 on 11^th), 7 Fulmars (7^th), up to 72 Kittiwake (72 on 7^th, 19 on 11^th) and a single Puffin (7^th).  On the Skerries, Puffins appear to be present in good numbers with a recent survey indicating 730 occupied burrows (12^th). 

Waders:

A female Ruff (or Reeve) – was on the wet field at Tyn Llan farm (9^th&11^th) and a Little Ringed Plover was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  Counts of Ringed Plover included 20 + on Tyn Llan fields (10^th – 11^th) and up to 16 at the Alaw estuary (16 on 10^th, 10 on 11^th, 4 on 12^th).

A few Sanderling can usually be found during early May and so it was this week with 1 on the beach east of the Trwyn, Cemlyn (10^th) - with possibly the same bird then being seen on the wet field at Tyn Llan (11^th) - 1 at the Alaw estuary (10^th) and 3 at the Inland Sea (11^th).  Sightings of Dunlin included 200+ on the Inland Sea (11^th), 30+ on the wet field at Tyn Llan (11^th) and up to 18 at the Alaw estuary (18 on 11^th, 14 on 10^th).  Reports of Common Sandpipers included 1 at Cemlyn (7^th&13^th), up to 3 at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (3 on 8^th, 2 on 13^th) and 1 on the Skerries (8^th). 

23 Black-tailed Godwit were on Malltraeth cob pool (7^th), with 1 at Tyn Llan fields (11^th).  2 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (10^th).  24 Whimbrel headed north past Puffin Island (8^th), with up to 6 at Traeth Dulas (6 on 13^th, 1 on 8^th) and up to 5 at the Alaw estuary (5 on 12^th, 2 on 10^th&11^th).  19 Curlew were at the Alaw estuary (12^th) and a single Redshank was on the Inland Sea (11^th).

Up to 102 Oystercatchers were on the Alaw estuary (102 on 10^th, 77 on 11^th), with 24 seen at the Range (7^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

21 Mute Swans at Malltraeth cob (9^th) was a good count.  A late male Goldeneye was on the Inland Sea (11^th), while 24 Common Scoter flew north past South Stack (8^th).  80 Common Shelduck were on the estuary at Traeth Dulas (13^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th) and a ‘booming’ Bittern was heard at this site (12^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver flew past Cemlyn (7^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Osprey included 1 over Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th) - with presumably the same then seen over the Skerries (8^th) - 1 at Llyn Coron (8^th) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  A Marsh Harrier was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th) and a 1^st summer male Merlin was seen at Hen Borth, Cemlyn (7^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Citrine Wagtail, Arctic Skua and Roseate Tern were new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 192.

Saturday 30th April – 6th Friday May 2022

Intro:

It was another good week for waders, but passerines take top place given a good showing of summer migrants that contributed 2 new additions to the 2022 Anglesey year list.

Passerines and others:

The first week of May usually delivers our first Spotted Flycatcher and 1 duly obliged in being found at the plantation, South Stack (4^th).  Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn delivered a male Common Redstart (5^th) and was the place to be for various races of Yellow Wagtail.  Following on from last week’s white-throated Blue-headed Wagtail, with views either favouring a ‘channel wagtail’ – integrate between Blue-headed flava and ‘British’ flavissima or something having at least some Iberian iberiae genes, this week produced a more standard Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail flava (4^th) and 1 possibly up to 2 ‘British’ Yellow Wagtail flavissima (3^rd-5^th).  18 White Wagtails were at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 2 Tree Pipits flew over Carmel Head (2^nd).

In what is turning out to be a great spring for Whinchat on passage, sightings included 1 at Porth y Garan, Rhoscolyn (2^nd), up to 2 at Tyn Llan fields (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 5^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), 1 on the Range, Holyhead (4^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (4^th), 1 Hen Borth (6^th) and 2 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (6^th).

3 Garden Warblers were heard in song at Newborough Forest (3^rd), with another at the plantation at South Stack (4^th).  Cetti’s Warblers were reported at Llyn Maelog (30^th).  There are still good numbers of Wheatears moving through with 17 at South Stack (2^nd), 8 at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 6 on the rocks at Bull Bay (6^th).  A pair of Common Crossbills were seen at Newborough Forest (1^st).  A Swift was seen over RSPB Valley wetlands (2^nd), with 3 over RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  Cuckoos were head calling at Holyhead mountain (3^rd) and near Llaneilian church (3^rd).  Up to 2 Hooded Crows were near the Range, Holyhead (1 on 30^th&2^nd, 2 on 4^th) and a Dipper was on the Afon Cefni at the Dingle, Llangefni (3^rd).

Waders:

A Wood Sandpiper was seen briefly near Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn before flying off NE (3^rd), with another seen on the 2^nd field beyond the 2^nd bridge at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd) and then presumably the same bird being seen on a field between the 2 bridges at RSPB Cors Ddyga (4^th).  2 Common Sandpipers were at the Alaw estuary (4^th) and 2 were at Malltraeth (4^th).

At least 1 Little Ringed Plover was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th, 1^st, 2^nd), up to 85 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (85 on 1^st, 52 on 2^nd) with 32 at the Inland Sea (6^th) and 80 Golden Plover were on the Alaw estuary (30^th).  2 Sanderling were at the Inland Sea (6^th), 2 Knot were on the Alaw estuary (30^th), while counts of Dunlin included up to 96 Dunlin at the Alaw estuary (96 on 2^nd, 62 on 4^th), 54 on the Inland Sea (6^th) and 3 at Traeth Dulas (6^th).  The importance of grilling all groups of waders at this time of year can perhaps be illustrated by the fact that a Greater Sand Plover has been present not too far away at Tramore, Waterford between the 2^nd-5^th.  It hasn’t been seen today – Anglesey for the forthcoming week? - now, that would be a nice addition to the Anglesey list!

2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), as was a single Redshank – a scarce bird by the month of May.  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included up to 75 at Malltraeth cob pool (75 on 2^nd, 60 on the 3^rd, 50 on 5^th), 5 that flew over Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (3^rd) and up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (3 on 30^th, 1 on 6^th).  43 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (1^st).

Whimbrel were seen at multiple locations and included 26 Whimbrel at Porth y Cwch, Rhosneigr (30^th), 21 in flight over Gadfa (2^nd), up to 20 at the Alaw estuary (20 on 2^nd, 10 on 4^th), 3 at Penmon Point (1^st), 3 at the saltmarsh, Llandonna (30^th) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (30^th, 6^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The last of the winter wildfowl included 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese at the Inland Sea (3^rd) and 3 pairs of Wigeon at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd).  Up to 61 Shelduck were at Traeth Dulas (61 on 5^th, 50+ on 6^th) and a single drake Eider was off Benllech (1^st).

Seabirds & gulls:

A 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (4^th) produced 29 Manx Shearwaters, 44 Gannets, 6 Kittiwakes and 1 Fulmar.  Sightings of Mediterranean Gull included 1 at Cemlyn (2^nd) and a 2^nd summer at the Alaw estuary (4^th).  A Puffin was seen at RSPB South Stack (2^nd), while sightings of Black Guillemots included up to 2 at Bull Bay (2 on 1^st, 1 on 6^th) and 8 at Holyhead fish quay (2^nd).       

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th, 1^st), while a Bittern was seen to fly from Llyn Penrhyn and onwards in the direction of Llyn Trafwll (2^nd).  The same or another was heard booming at Llyn Trafwll (2^nd), with at least 1 also still ‘booming’ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st. 3^rd).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver flew past South Stack (3rd).

Raptors:

A Red Kite was seen near RAF Valley (30^th) with another over Penysarn (3^rd).  A male Hen Harrier was at South Stack (5^th-6^th) and a Marsh Harrier was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th).  An Osprey was at Malltraeth (3^rd-5^th) and a Merlin was at Alaw estuary (2^nd).

2022 Year List:

Spotted Flycatcher and Common Redstart were new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 189.

Saturday 23rd April – Friday 29th April 2022

Intro:

Scarce waders continue to dominate sightings …

Waders:

A Curlew Sandpiper seen and videoed on the Alaw estuary (23^rd-24^th) was a good early record.  Most of Anglesey’s records relate to juveniles during the autumn, so all spring records are noteworthy.  A Wood Sandpiper was seen for just 10 minutes at RSPB Cors Ddyga (29^th) between 0655 and 0705hrs in the electrified field by Tai'r gors before it flew towards the A55 and landed out of view at back of electrified field.  There have been no further sightings by late evening.  The Range, Holyhead is Anglesey’s premiere site for Dotterel on passage and it delivered once more with one seen and photographed (25^th).  It is turning out to be a bumper year for sightings of Avocet with 2 at Cemlyn (28^th) being the 3^rd and 4^th records for the year.

The best of the plovers included up to 2 Little Ringed Plover at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 25^th-27^th, 1 on 24^th), a Grey Plover at the Cemlyn (23^rd) and 4 Ringed Plover at Malltraeth (26^th).  Common Sandpipers were reported from a number of sites including 4 at the Alaw estuary (24^th), up to 4 at Cemlyn (4 on 29^th, 1 on 23^rd&26^th), 3 at Hen Borth (23^rd), 2 at Traeth Dulas (24^th) and 1 on the pool near the former school at Llandrygan (25^th).  4 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (23^rd) and sightings of Sanderling included up to 6 birds at the Alaw estuary (6 on 24^th, 5 on 23^rd) and 2 at Traeth y Gribin (25^th).  45 Dunlin were at Malltraeth (26^th), with 40 birds on the Alaw estuary (23^rd) and 4 at Cemlyn (29^th).

Up to 2 Ruff were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 25^th, 1 on 26^th), 26 Bar-tailed Godwits were on the Alaw estuary (24^th) while sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included up to 115 at Malltreath (115 on 26^th, 109 on 23^rd) and 3 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th).  A Greenshank was at Malltraeth (23^rd) as were 5 Redshank (23^rd).  A Common Snipe was at Cors Bodeilio (26^th), with another at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (26^th).

Whimbrel were reported from multiple sites including up to 15 + at Hen Borth (15+ on 26^th, 12 on 25^th), up to 11 on the Alaw estuary (11 on 23^rd, 7 on 24^th), up to 6 at the Alaw estuary (6 on 26^th, 4 on 24^th), 5 at Cemlyn (23^rd & 26^th), up to 5 at Malltraeth (5 on 26^th, 3 on 23^rd), 4 at the Inland Sea (23^rd) and 3 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).

Passerines and others:

A Tree Sparrow was at a bird table in a private garden near Bryngwran (26^th) – the first record for the year following an earlier erroneous report.  It is a great shame that a bird that once could quite reasonably be expected to be seen during the course of the year has reduced in number to such a small remnant population.  A Black Redstart was seen near the entrance gates to Lighthouse at South Stack (25^th), while both a male and a female Ring Ouzel were seen on fields between the coastguard lookout and St Gwenfaen’s well, Rhoscolyn (26^th & 29^th).  Sightings of Whinchat included 1 at Carmel Head (24^th), 1 between Hen Borth and Carmel Head (25^th), 1 at Pont Marquis (25^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th) and 1 around Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (29^th).

A Garden Warbler was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th), a Lesser Whitethroat at Cors Bodeilio (25^th), while sightings of Grasshopper Warblers included 2 birds east of Cemlyn (23^rd), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and 1 at Newborough (27^th).1

2 Yellow Wagtail were seen at Hen Borth (26^th) and a Blue-headed type - which is causing some discussion as to the exact sub-species - was at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (29^th).  4 Tree Pipits were noted at Carmel Head (24^th), with up to 4 flying through calling at Cemlyn (4 on 25^th, 1 on 29^th).  50+ White Wagtail were at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (26^th).  Several Siskin were seen at Llyn Parc Mawr (23^rd).  19 Wheatears were at Cemlyn (29^th), with 12 at the Range, Holyhead (25^th). 

Sightings of Hooded Crows included up to 3 at Hen Borth (3 on 23^rd, 2 on 25^th), 2 at Cemlyn (23^rd), 2 at Carmel Head (24^th), 2 at South Stack (25^th) and 2 on the Range, Holyhead (27^th).  A Kingfisher was seen in flight over the Afon Cefni, adjacent to RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th) and a Cuckoo was at Cemlyn (29^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

While the origin of Egyptian Geese is that of an introduced species, it is still on the British list courtesy of a classification of having a self-sustaining population.  It is a rare bird nonetheless on Anglesey although there are successful breeding records as close as RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Cheshire.  One seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (24^th – 26^th) caused some local interest and was last seen flying down the Menai Strait (29^th) before later being reported at RSPB Conwy.

A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was still at Traeth Dulas (28^th), a drake Wigeon was at Traeth Dulas (28^th), 10 Teal were at Malltraeth (23^rd) and 4 Goosander were at Malltraeth (23^rd).  Last week’s Black Swan was seen again, flying with the Egyptian Goose down the Menai Strait (29^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

The first Arctic Terns have returned to Cemlyn with 2 off the Trwyn, Cemlyn {25^th) with 2 on the bricks around the main island in the lagoon (26^th).  Wardens advise that the number of Sandwich Terns have been as high as 4000 (largest numbers at dusk), with up to 60 Common Terns and up to 10 Arctic Terns.  Up to 2 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (2 on 23^rd & 29^th, 1 on 26^th).  A Common Gull was seen at the Alaw estuary (27^th)

5 Puffins were seen off Puffin Island (28^th) with at least 1 photographed at RSPB South Stack (26^th).  A Black Guillemot and several Eider were seen from Penmon Point (28^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A pair of Little Grebes were seen at Llyn Parc Mawr, Newborough (23^rd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (23^rd), while a ‘booming’ Bittern as heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25^th).

Raptors:

A Hobby seen over Wylfa woods (28^th), was the 1^st for the year.   An Osprey was seen over Malltraeth, with the same or another being seen over the Alaw estuary (23^rd).  There was a further sighting at Malltraeth (25^th) and another was seen drifting east over Cemlyn (26^th).  A Red Kite was seen at Llyn Llywenan (23^rd).  A Merlin was seen from the east car park, Cemlyn (25^th), with the same or another at Hen Borth (26^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Curlew Sandpiper, Egyptian Goose, Arctic Tern, Tree Sparrow, Hobby and Wood Sandpiper were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 187.

Saturday 16th April – Friday 22nd April 2022

Intro:

Wader fest …

Waders:

It is somewhat frightening to think that over 29 years have passed since the last occurrence of Black-winged Stilt on Anglesey, when 3 birds were present on pools towards Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn from the 10-21^st April 1993 before moving on with a pair then settling at Frodsham, Cheshire and attempting to breed.  For those who may have missed those birds, a fresh opportunity to add Black-winged Stilt to Anglesey life lists came with a bird found late morning at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th).  Regrettably, it and other waders were spooked – perhaps by a raptor – at around 12:30 hrs.  Much to the disappointment of those who arrived later, efforts to relocate the bird were unsuccessful. Widely presumed to have been the same bird that had been present at Dafen scrapes, Llanelli Wetlands Centre WWT, Carmarthen from the 11^th – 16^th April, the bird’s next stop was Marshside RSPB, Lancashire from the 18^th – 22^nd.

Photo: Black-winged Stilt, RSPB Cors Ddyga, 17^th April 2022 – by Nigel Matthews (finder).

Not quite as rare, but a good early find nonetheless, was a Dotterel found among a flock of European Golden Plover in a cattle field on the approach to Traeth Penial, Llanfwrog (18^th).  Found early in the afternoon, the bird did the decent thing and stayed put until early evening at least allowing a small appreciative crowd to catch up with this bird.

Despite their numbers elsewhere in the UK, Avocet is still a scarce bird on Anglesey.  After a bird on the Alaw estuary earlier in the year, a second record for the year came in the form of a bird at Cemlyn (20^th) which stayed for much of the afternoon.

Back to RSPB Cors Ddyga, where up to 3 Little Ringed Plovers were seen (3 on 17^th&18^th, 1 in display flight on 22^nd).  Last year was the first time this species bred on the island and it is very much hoped that they will do so again.  Lapwings are way ahead of them, with the first chicks already having been seen (18^th).  There were up to 16 Golden Plover at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16 on 18^th, 12 on 16^th, 11 on 21^st), with up to 275 at Traeth Penial, Llanfwrog (275 on 21^st, 250+ on 18^th).  2 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (17^th).

A Green Sandpiper was seen again on the pool near the former Llandrygan school (16^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (16^th).  A number of migrant Common Sandpipers were seen including 3 that flew over Cors Erddreiniog (16^th) and 2 at the Inland Sea (16^th).  The wintering Common Sandpiper at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead continued its stay (21^st).  A single Sanderling was seen at Traeth Penial (18^th), while 4 Knot and 17 Dunlin were seen at the Alaw estuary (19^th).

There were up to 2 Ruff at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 21^st, 1 on 18^th), while sightings of Godwits included 31 Bar-tailed Godwits at the Alaw estuary (19^th), 3 Black-tailed Godwits at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th) and 17 Black-tailed Godwits at Tyddyn-y-Cob, Valley (19^th).  Whimbrel were very much on the move with 3 flocks of 20, 15 & 10 passing through the Alaw estuary (17^th).  Elsewhere, 1 was at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (17^th), 2 were at the Range, Holyhead (17^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (19^th), 1 at Cemlyn (21^st), 3 at Traeth Llydan (22^nd), while calling birds were heard at Traeth Penial, Llanfwrog (18^th).  3 pairs of ‘bubbling’ Curlew were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th, 18^th).

Passerines and others:

A Hoopoe was seen in left hand field before Penmon Priory (17^th), but both the sighting of the Black-winged Stilt at RSPB Cors Ddyga and the spectre of Easter Sunday traffic around Penmon meant that few ventured out to search for it and the bird wasn’t relocated. 

A male Black Redstart was found in fields at Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn (16^th), with a female / 1^st winter bird on the roof of the visitor centre at RSPB South Stack (17^th) and then around the cottage opposite (19^th).  A Ring Ouzel was seen in the dunes at Newborough Warren (20^th) and a male Whinchat was at Hen Borth (22^nd).

The commoner warblers - Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Sedge Warblers, Reed Warblers and Greater Whitethroats were back in good numbers and reported from multiple sites.  Grasshopper Warblers arrived in reasonable numbers and included 5 Rhydwyn (16^th), 2 at Cors Erddreiniog (16^th), 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th), 1 at RSPB Valley wetlands (16^th), 1 just west of Octel, Amlwch Port (17^th), 1 at Cors Efail Newydd, near Benllech (17^th) and 1 below the dam wall at Llyn Cefni (21^st).  Following a wintering Lesser Whitethroat at Holyhead, the first migrant birds included 1 singing west of the harbour, at Amlwch Porth (17^th), 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (18^th, 20^th), 2 at Llyn Alaw (21^st) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (21^st).  A Garden Warbler was at Newborough forest (18^th) and another was heard singing at Llyn Llywenan (20^th).  Reports of Cetti’s Warbler included 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th), 4 at Llyn Maelog (19^th), 1 below the dam wall at Llyn Cefni (20^th), 1 at Llyn Alaw (21^st) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (21^st).

Hen Borth (16^th) had a Yellow Wagtail, a fly over Tree Pipit and 100+ White Wagtails.  2 White Wagtails were seen at South Stack (20^th). 2 Common Crossbills were seen in flight at Newborough Warren (20^th).

There were further reports of Common Cuckoos calling, including 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th),1 at Bodffordd (17^th), 1 between Cemaes and Llanfechell (20^th) and 1 at Llanrhyddlad (21^st).  Sightings of Hooded Crow included 1 at the Range, Holyhead (16^th, 17^th &19^th), 2 at RSPB South Stack (17^th) and 4 at Hen Borth – 1 of which sported a metal ring on its ring leg (22^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

213 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen on the Inland Sea (16^th), with 58 at the Alaw estuary (19^th).  There were 4 drake Pochard at Llyn Penrhyn (16^th), 9 Wigeon at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th), up to 25 Shoveler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (25 on 17^th, 22 on 16^th, 15 on 21^st), up to 75 Teal at RSPB Cors Ddyga (75 on 21^st, 50 on 17^th, 45 on 16^th) and 4 Gadwall at RSPB Cors Ddyga (21^st).  An Eider was in the bay at Cemlyn (21^st) and 11 Common Scoter were seen during a 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (19^th).  A touch of exotica came in the form of a Black Swan on the sea off the Trwyn, Cemlyn (21^st).

Seabirds & gulls:

The first returning Common Tern was seen at Cemlyn (19^th – 21^st), where there were up to 700 Sandwich Terns (19^th) although daily numbers fluctuate.  There was just the 1 report of a Puffin – 1 bird on the cliffs at RSPB South Stack (19^th).  The aforementioned 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (19^th) produced 228 Manx Shearwaters, 8 Fulmars, 12 Gannets and 12 Kittiwakes.

Divers & Grebes:

4 Red-throated Divers seen over a 1hr seawatch off the Range, Holyhead (19^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Up to 3 Great Egrets were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 18^th & 22^nd, 2 on 16^th&17^th) – 1 of which was in breeding plumage, while 12 Little Egrets were noted at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (17^th).  3 ‘booming’ Bitterns were heard at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3 on 17^th, 2 on 19^th), where a wailing Water Rail was also heard (19^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen over the lake at RSPB Cors Ddyga (22^nd), with the same or another around Malltraeth (22^nd).  Up to 2 Marsh Harriers were also seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 16^th& 18^th, 1 on 21^st).  It wasn’t so long ago that Red Kite was an exceptional bird to see on the island.  How things have changed for the better with multiple sightings each week which this week included 1 over Bryngwran (16^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (18^th), 1 over Cemaes beach (18^th), 1 over Talwrn (20^th) and 1 over Llyn Llywenan (21^st).  2 Merlins were seen at Hen Borth (16^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Black-winged Stilt, Dotterel, Hoopoe and Common Tern were all new for the year and takes the 2022-year list up to 181.