Saturday 12th November – Friday 18th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  a sought after winter grebe …

Divers & Grebes:

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

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

Passerines and others:

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

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

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

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

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

Waders:

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

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

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

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

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

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

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

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

Seabirds & gulls:

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

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

Herons, Egrets and allies:

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

Raptors:

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

2022 Year List:

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

Saturday 5th November – Friday 11th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  a new species for the county list …

Passerines and others:

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

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

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

Waders:

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

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

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

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

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

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

Seabirds & gulls:

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

Herons, Egrets and allies:

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

Raptors:

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

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

Divers & Grebes:

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

2022 Year List:

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

Saturday 29th October – Friday 4th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  shrikes and buntings …

Passerines and others:

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

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

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

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

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

Waders:

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

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

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

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

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

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

Seabirds & gulls:

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

Herons, Egrets and allies:

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

Raptors:

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

Divers & Grebes:

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

2022 Year List:

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

Saturday 22nd October – Friday 28th October 2022.

Introduction:                                         

…  Fabulous Firecrests …

Passerines and others:

It has been somewhat of a bumper year for Firecrests, with at least 14 birds seen on the island this year so far.  In 2020 there were just 4 records, with 5 in 2021.  Sightings this week included 2 at South Stack (22^nd), up to 4 at Wylfa woods (4 heard on 23^rd, 3 seen on 24^th, 2 seen on 22^nd&27^th), 1 at Moelfre in bushes by the RNLI car park (27^th) and 1 at Brynteg (27^th).

A Yellow-browed Warbler was at a private garden north of Llanfairynghornwy (23^rd-28^th), with another in trees surrounding a patch of rough ground to the west of access road to Octel, Amlwch Port (24^th).  5 Chiffchaff were at Wylfa woods (24^th), with 1 at Soldier’s Point (24^th) and 1 at South Stack (25^th).  A Willow Warbler was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (27^th).  Sightings of Blackcap included 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (23^rd-f), 2 at Wylfa woods (24^th), 1 west of the access road to Octel, Amlwch Port (24^th - f), 1 near the former Octel social club (25^th - m) and 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (26^th&27^th – m).

It was a good week for Ring Ouzel with 1 at South Stack (22^nd) and up to 3 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead (3 on 23^rd, 1 from 25^th-28^th).  A Woodlark flew over Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (25^th), a Tree Sparrow flew west at Point Lynas (28^th) and up to 3 Lapland Buntings flew over South Stack (3 on 23^rd, 1 on 25^th).  Other flyovers at South Stack (23^rd) included 3 Brambling and 42 Siskin. 

A Sand Martin was at Traeth Lligwy (25^th) and a Barn Swallow was seen at Llanbadrig (24^th).  A Treecreeper at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (26^th) was only Ken Croft’s 2^nd site record in 48 years!  Up to 2 Kingfisher were at Holyhead Harbour (2 on 23^rd, 1 on 25^th), 1 was at Cemlyn (23rd) and 1 was near the bridge at Malltraeth (27^th).

Waders:

A Curlew Sandpiper was at Traeth Dulas (25^th) and a Common Sandpiper was at Holyhead Harbour (25^th).  A single Knot was at the Alaw estuary (24^th), as were 95 Dunlin (24^th) and 10 Turnstone (24^th). 

35 Grey Plover were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), 89 Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (24^th) and 44 Lapwing were seen in flight over Gadfa (27^th).  A Ruff was at the Alaw estuary (24^th), as were 22 Bar-tailed Godwits (24^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 1 at Pont Cadnant, near Menai Bridge (23^rd), up to 8 at Traeth Dulas (8 on 28^th, 5 on 24^th) and 2 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  30 Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (24^th), with 23 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  49 Curlew were at the Alaw estuary (24^th) and 266 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (24^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The Long-tailed Duck was seen again off Benllech (22^nd), while other sea ducks included 3 Eider off Benllech (22^nd), a Eider duck off Beddmanarch Bay (26^th) and 66 Common Scoter off Benllech (22^nd).  A female Goldeneye was at Cemlyn (23^rd) and there was a report of a drake Scaup at Llyn Penrhyn (date unspecified).

2 Whooper Swans continued their stay at Twr reservoir, South Stack (23^rd – 27^th), as did 2 on fields off the approach road to Cemlyn (23^rd).  57 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  196 Wigeon were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), 39 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), while counts of Teal included 200+ at Llyn Coron (23^rd) and 61 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

Sightings Mediterranean Gull included 1 at Pont Cadnant, near Menai Bridge (23^rd), 2 at Traeth Dulas (24^th) and 7 at the Alaw estuary (24^th).  A Black Guillemot was at Holyhead Harbour (25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Water Rail was heard at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (25^th-26^th) – the first of this autumn period.

Raptors:

A Short-eared Owl flew over Point Lynas (24^th), while 2 were seen to fly in over the sea at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (27^th).  A Marsh Harrier was at Llyn Coron (23^rd), with another at Llyn Llywenan (27^th). Sightings of Merlin included 1 at Henborth, Cemlyn (23^rd), 1 at South Stack (24^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (27^th) and 1 at Point Lynas (28^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was seen off Cemlyn (23^rd), with another at Beddmanarch Bay (23^rd) and 1 off Porth y Mor, near Lligwy (28^th).  Sightings of Red-throated Divers included 3 off Benllech (22^nd), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (23^rd) and 1 off Porth-y-Mor (28^th).

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 215.

Saturday 15th October – Friday 21st October 2022.

Introduction:                                         

… late migrants and winter visitors …

Passerines and others:

Wood Lark and Richard’s Pipit are less than annual on Anglesey so sightings of both this week were noteworthy.  The Wood Lark flew over South Stack (20^th), while the Richard’s Pipit was on a field at Porth Nobla, near Rhosneigr (21^st) but was only visible in flight.  A Lapland Bunting flew over calling at Llyn Alaw (20^th), with another over South Stack (20^th).  8 Brambling flew over South Stack (20^th) and 3 Redpoll were seen feeding in alders at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (20^th).  Winter thrushes arrived in good numbers with 2283 Fieldfare and 873 Redwing counted over South Stack (19^th) and a large arrival of Blackbirds noted at multiple sites across the week.

A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Amlwch water treatment plant (16^th).  Chiffchaffs were seen at several sites including 2 at South Stack (16^th),1 at Porth Eilian (16^th), 1 at Octel, Amlwch (16^th), 1 at Wylfa woods (19^th-20^th) and 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (20^th&21^st).  Up to 4 Blackcaps were at Amlwch water treatment plant (4 on 20^th – 2m, 2f, 2 on 16^th 1m, 1f), 3 were at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (20^th – 2m, 18^th – 1f), 2 were at Wylfa woods (20^th), 1 was at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (20^th) and 1 was at South Stack (20th – 1 m).  It was another excellent week for Firecrests, with 1 on the edge of Pentre Gwyddel housing estate, Rhoscolyn (15^th), 1 at Penmon Point (16^th), 3 at Wylfa woods (18^th) and 1 at South Stack (18^th-20^th).

There was a late Sand Martin at Llyn Llywenan (15^th), while sightings of Swallows included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (16^th), 2 at Point Lynas (16^th) and 2 at Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn (16^th).  A late Northern Wheatear was on the headland at Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn (15^th), with another at Cemlyn (20^th).  A Kingfisher was at Cemlyn (16^th), with another at Holyhead harbour (20^th).  A Hooded Crow was at South Stack (18^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

There were no particular species or numbers of note across the week.

Waders:

A Green Sandpiper was at Valley cob (20^th), while sightings of Common Sandpiper included 1 at Holyhead harbour (18^th & 20^th) and 1 at Valley cob (19^th).  Up to 3 Greenshank were at Traeth Dulas (3 on 20^th, 1 on 15^th), while 2 were at Valley cob (20^th) and 2 were at Rhoscolyn (20^th).  28 Redshank were on the brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (15^th), while 21 were at Rhoscolyn (20^th).  A Whimbrel was at Cemlyn (16^th) and c. 80 Curlew were at Traeth Dulas (15^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

49 Little Egret were feeding on the Inland Sea as viewed from the Anchorage (20^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Anglesey has done well over the past few years to have at least 1 wintering Long-tailed Duck and hopes were raised for the forthcoming winter by a duck initially seen off Traeth Bychan (15^th) and then off Benllech (16^th&19^th).

Whooper Swans were reported from a number locations which included up to 4 at South Stack (4 on 20^th, 3 on 18^th, 2 on 21^st), 3 at Llyn Alaw (15^th&16^th) and 2 near Cemlyn (17^th-18^th).  80+ Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (15^th), 200+ Wigeon were at Rhoscolyn (20^th), 3 Pintail were at Malltraeth cob (19^th) and 25 Common Scoter were off Benllech (16^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Red Kite included 1 at Cors-y-Bol, between Llyn Alaw and Llyn Llywenan (15^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (15^th&16^th), 1 over Bethel (17^th) and 1 over Talwrn (18^th).  Up to 2 Marsh Harriers were at Llyn Llywenan (2 on 16^th, 1 on 15^th), with 1 at Cors-y-Bol (15^th).  A female Merlin was watched chasing Starlings at Cemlyn (20^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver was seen off Cemlyn (15^th).  Reports of Red-throated Divers included 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (15^th), 3 off Benllech (16^th) and 4 that flew west past North Stack (17^th).

2022 Year List:

Wood Lark and Richard’s Pipit were new additions to the 2022 year list which creeps up to 215.

Saturday 8th October – Friday 14th October 2022.

Introduction:                                         

… warblers and crests…

Passerines and others:

Whilst the UK is this year notching up an impressive list of American passerines, there regrettably hasn’t been anything for Anglesey or indeed for North Wales.  A Yellow-browed Warbler at Wylfa woods (8^th-10^th) was probably the highlight bird for the week albeit that it could be rather elusive.  Up to 4 Chiffchaff were also at Wylfa woods (4 on 13^th, 1 on 8^th) with single birds at South Stack (8^th & 11^th), the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th) and Octel, Amlwch (14^th).  Up to 3 Blackcap were around the Amlwch water treatment plant (3 on 13^th, 2 on 14th), with single birds at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th) and at Soldiers Point Holyhead.   Cetti’s Warblers were singing at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and Valley wetlands (10^th).

A Firecrest was at Wylfa woods (9^th-11^th), while up to 5 Goldcrest were at South Stack (5 on 11^th, 4 on 8^th, 3 on 9^th&14^th) with 3 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (11^th).  A late House Martin was at South Stack (8^th), while sightings of Swallows included 5 at Rhoscolyn (13^th), 4 feeding under the shelter of the quarry face at Holyhead Breakwater country park (9^th) and 1 at South Stack (10^th).

2 Brambling flew over South Stack (13^th) and 8 Crossbills flew over Wylfa woods (13^th).  A Grey Wagtail was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (11^th), while 3 Skylarks flew over the point (9^th).  3 Redwing were at Rhoscolyn (13^th) and 2 were at Llanlleianna (14^th).  2 Kingfishers were off Malltraeth bridge (14^th), with other sightings including 1 at Traeth Dulas (10^th), 1 at Valley wetlands (10^th), 1 at Valley cob (10^th) and 1 on the Afon Cefni, close to the Council Offices at Llangefni (10^th-14^th).  A Hooded Crow was at South Stack (14^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

It was quiet on the seawatching front with the best birds being 3 Arctic Skuas past Point Lynas (8^th) along with 2 Manx Shearwaters (8^th).  An adult Little Gull was seen from a boat off Dulas (13^th), with sighting of Mediterranean Gulls including 29 at Beddmanarch Bay (9^th), 6 between Cymyran and Valley cob (14^th), 1 off the headland at Holyhead Breakwater country park (9^th), a 2^nd winter at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and a 1^st winter at Llyn Coron (11^th).  2 Arctic Terns were seen from a boat off Dulas (13^th) and 20 ‘Commic’ (Common or Arctic) Terns flew past Point Lynas (8^th).  A Black Guillemot was in the outer harbour, Holyhead (11^th), while another flew east past Point Lynas (13^th).

Waders:

A Common Sandpiper was at Holyhead harbour (9^th) and 230+ Dunlin were at Penmon pool (9^th).  2 Jack Snipe were at Traeth Dulas (10^th), with sightings of Common Snipe including 11 at Traeth Dulas (10^th) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  Several Woodcock were reported from Mynydd y Garn (8^th).  600 European Golden Plover were at the Cefni estuary (14^th), while 5 Lapwing were at Valley wetlands (10^th).

6 Black-tailed Godwit were between Cymyran and Valley cob (14^th), with 1 at Llyn Coron (11^th).  A single Bar-tailed Godwit was at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 5 at Traeth Dulas (10^th) and 1 at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  30 Redshank were at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  Counts of Curlew included 300+ at Penmon pool (9^th) and 92 at Rhoscolyn (13^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Sightings of Great Egret included 1 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (14^th) and 1 on the Inland Sea (14^th).  The Inland Sea also held 24 Little Egrets (14^th).  4 Water Rails showed well at the west end of Cefni reservoir (14^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

An Egyptian Goose was at Llyn Coron (11^th), while 4 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Llywenan (8^th) with the same 4 or others in fields off the approach road to South Stack from Holyhead (13^th).  12 Whooper Swans were at Llyn Alaw (13^th) and the 3 Black Swans were seen again on Inland Sea (9^th).  60+ Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (14^th).

c. 300 Wigeon were at Malltraeth (14^th), with 200+ at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  25 Shoveler were at Llyn Maelog (10^th), with 20 at Malltraeth (14^th).  140 Pintail were at Malltraeth (14^th) and 12+ Teal were at Rhoscolyn (13^th).  5 Goosander were at Llyn Maelog (10^th) and several were seen on the Inland Sea (9^th).

A drake Eider flew west past Point Lynas (13^th).  150+ Common Scoter flew past Cemlyn (14^th), with up to 160 past Point Lynas (160 on 8^th, 70 on 13^th).

Raptors:

The juvenile Osprey was at the Cefni estuary (8^th).  A Red Kite was seen at Llyn Llywenan (13^th&14^th), with another at Malltraeth (14^th).  Sightings of Marsh Harriers included 1 at Llyn Coron (11^th) and up to 3 at Llyn Llywenan (3 on 13^th, 1 on 14^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Great Northern Diver flew past Point Lynas (8^th), while 2 flew east past Point Lynas (13^th).  A Red-throated Diver was in Beddmanarch Bay (12^th) and 3 flew past Cemlyn (14^th).  There was a report of 2 Slavonian Grebes near Beaumaris pier (14^th).

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022 year list which remains at 213.

Saturday 1st October – Friday 7th October 2022

Introduction:                                         

… windy and wet …

Seabirds & gulls:

In a week where the weather has been dominated by strong winds and rain, seabirds have led the line in respect of the scarcer sightings.  Cemlyn produced the best seawatching of the week with a Leach’s Petrel (5^th), a Sooty Shearwater (2^nd), a Balearic Shearwater (2^nd), 19 Manx Shearwaters (2^nd), 2 Arctic Skuas (2^nd) and 2 juvenile Sabine’s Gulls (6^th).  An adult Sabine’ Gull flew past Raven’s Point, Trearddur Bay (6^th).  There was a belated report of a 1^st calendar year Yellow-legged Gull at Porth Saint, Rhoscolyn (29^th), while 34 Mediterranean Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).  3 Arctic Terns flew past Cemlyn (2^nd).

Passerines and others:

A Yellow-browed Warbler was in willows around Cwm Lake at South Stack (1^st-2^nd), while a Lesser Whitethroat was at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (5^th).  Sightings of Chiffchaff included 5 around Cwm lake (1^st) and 4 at Wylfa woods (1^st), while 2 Blackcap were at Wylfa woods (1st).  A Spotted Flycatcher was at Soldiers Point, Holyhead (5^th).  2 House Martins were over Tyn Llan fields Cemlyn (1^st), with several Swallows still over Llyn Llywenan (6^th) and 1 over Porth Eilian (3^rd). 

There was a noticeable influx of Skylarks including 15 that flew west over Cemaes (1^st), 50 that were seen to come in over the sea at Cemlyn (2^nd) and 120 on the large arable field between Cemlyn and Hen Borth (2^nd).  Up to 2 Kingfishers were at the Alaw estuary (2 on 2^nd, 1 on 6^th), with 1 on the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (4^th) and 1 at Holyhead Harbour (7^th).  A Hooded Crow was at Hen Borth, near Cemlyn (1^st).

Waders:

2 Little Stints were at Traeth Dulas (4^th), with a Curlew Sandpiper at Valley cob (2^nd).  A Green Sandpiper was near the clapper bridge at the Llanfachraeth end of Alaw estuary (2^nd).  10 Dunlin were at the Alaw estuary (6^th), as was a single Snipe (6^th).

200 + European Golden Plover were at Cemlyn (1^st), but there were no sightings during the week of the American Golden Plover. It could still be in the area as the European Golden Plovers were split across several groups around the Tyn Lan – Cemlyn area and it would be relatively easy for it to be overlooked.

Sightings of Grey Plover included 4 at Traeth Dulas (4^th) and 2 at Cemlyn (1^st).  Up to 2 Ruff were on the beach at Cemlyn (2 on 2^nd, 1 on 5^th).  40 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).  Up to 17 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (17 on 6^th, 9 at Llanfachraeth end on 2^nd), with up to 4 at Traeth Dulas (4 on 6^th, 1 on 4^th) and 1 at Valley cob (2^nd).  11 Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (6^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

No records of note.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

50 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (4^th), with a single Dark-bellied Brent Goose also present (4^th).  4 Pintail were at the Alaw estuary (6^th), 7 Gadwall at Valley cob (4^th) and 168 Teal were at the Alaw estuary (6^th).

Raptors:

A juvenile Osprey – with 3^rd primary missing on 1 wing – was at Malltraeth (1^st-7^th).  A Red Kite was over Talwrn (5^th), a female Marsh Harrier at Llyn Llywenan (2^nd) and a Merlin at Cemlyn (3^rd&5^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Black-throated Diver was seen off Cemlyn (5^th), with sightings of Red-throated Diver including 8 past Cemlyn (2^nd), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (4^th) and 1 past North Stack (7^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Leach’s Petrel, Sooty Shearwater and Yellow-legged Gull were new for the year.  A submission to the WBRC is still awaited in respect of a Ring-billed Gull at Gorad beach on the 27^th February, so this is being taken off the 2022-year to date tally pending a submission.  There is therefore a net increase of 2 in up to 213.