Week: Saturday 17th – Friday 23rd December 2022.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:	*** Green-winged Teal ***	·  The drake was seen again on the Mitigation Pool, Inland Sea (20th)
	Pale bellied Brent Goose	·  28 were off Penrhos Coastal Park (19th)
	Dark-bellied Brent Goose	·     1 was at Beddmanarch Bay (20th)
	Whooper Swan	·   5 were at Cemlyn (21st-22nd) – 2 adults and 3 juveniles
	Black Swan	·   1 continued its stay on a roadside field at Capel Coch (17th) and kept company of 2 Mute Swans
	Goldeneye	·  18 were on the lagoon at Cemlyn (21st)
	Eider	·     A duck was on the sea at the mouth of the Dulas estuary (17th)
	Goosander	·     17 were at Four-mile Bridge (17th)
Divers & Grebes:	Slavonian Grebe	·     1 at Beddmanarch Bay (20th) ·     1 at the Inland Sea (22nd)
	Great Northern Diver	·     1 at Beddmanarch Bay (20th) ·     1 at the Inland Sea (22nd)
	Red-throated Diver	·     1 at Traeth Lligwy (17th)
Passerines & others:	Black Redstart	·   Juvenile / female type in church at Llanbadrig during evening carol service (20th).  Ushered out the next day.
	Kingfisher	·     1 at Traeth Dulas (17th, 18th & 22nd)
	Hooded Crow	·     1 at Traeth Dulas (17th&18th)
Waders:	Dunlin	·     220+ at Traeth Dulas (18th)
	Golden Plover	·     50+ on Tyn Lan fields, Cemlyn (17th) ·     c. 1500 on fields south of Abberffraw (20th)
	Jack Snipe	·     1 at Talwrn (17th)
	Ruff	·     4 at Traeth Dulas (17th)
	Woodcock	·     4 at Bryngwran (20th)
	Black-tailed Godwit	·     73 at Gorad flood, Valley (18th)
	Greenshank	·     3 at Traeth Dulas (17th)
	Curlew	·     317 Curlew at Traeth Dulas (22nd)
Seabirds & gulls:	Black Guillemot	·     3 at Traeth Lligwy (17th)
	Mediterranean Gull	·     3 at Four Mile bridge (17th)
Herons, Egrets & allies:	Great White Egret	·    3 flew in to roost at Cors Ddyga (23rd)
Raptors:	Hen Harrier	·    1 flew in to roost at Cors Ddyga (23rd)
	Marsh Harrier	·  Up to 2 juveniles / females at Llyn Llywenan (2 on 20th, 1 on 18th) ·   2 flew in to roost at Cors Ddyga (23rd)
	Red Kite	·     1 over A55 north of Llangefni (20th) ·     1 at Bryngwran (20th) ·     1 at Talwrn (20th) ·     1 at Dolmeinir (20th) ·     1 near Llanerchymedd (20th) ·     1 over A55 near Cors Ddyga (21st)
	Sparrowhawk	·     2 at Bryngwran (20th)
Season’s Greetings:	Wishing all those who have shared their news, or shown interest in the weekly summary, a peaceful Christmas and New Year.
2022 Year List:	There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 224.

Saturday 10th – Friday 16th December 2022.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

10 Whooper Swans were at Capel Coch (11^th), 3 were at Llyn Coron (15^th) and 5 were at Cemlyn (16^th).  A Black Swan was seen in flight at Malltraeth (10^th), then the same or another was at Capel Coch (11^th&15^th).

4 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Coron (15^th).  Sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 89 at Valley Cob (10^th) and 93 at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  A single Dark-bellied Brent Goose was also at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  14 Greenland White-fronted Geese were reported from the Cefni basin but the date was not specified.

A female Scaup was at Llyn Coron (15^th).  There were 4 Goldeneye at Llyn Maelog (11^th) and 4 at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  The Alaw estuary (11^th) also held 314 Wigeon, 92 Pintail, 30 Shelduck and 55 Teal.  2 Teal in Holyhead harbour (15^th) were thought to be a first and was part of a cold weather dispersal following freezing of many of the shallower areas on freshwater.

Sightings of Goosander included 12+ at Llyn Alaw (11^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (11^th), up to 17 at Four-mile Bridge (17 on 16^th, 5 on 12^th) and 5 at Llyn Coron (15^th).  8 Red-breasted Mergansers were at the Alaw estuary (11^th).

Divers & Grebes:

Up to 6 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (6 on 16^th, 4 on15^th, 2 on 9^th), with 1 on the Inland Sea (11^th).  15 Little Grebes were at Malltraeth (16^th).  Sightings of Great Northern Divers included 2 on the Inland Sea (11^th), up to 2 at Beddmanarch Bay (2 on 15^th, 1 on 13^th & 16^th) and 1 at Holyhead harbour (14^th). A Red-throated Diver was in the bay at Cemlyn (16^th).

Passerines and others:

2 Water Pipits were at Cors Ddyga (15^th).  The excellent year for Black Redstarts continued with 1 at Salt Island car park, Holyhead (12^th), 1 on the roofs of the sheds at Tyn Llan farm (12^th), 2 at Rhoscolyn (14^th&15^th) and 1 on the roof of the Gadlys hotel at Cemaes Bay (16^th).  A Lesser Whitethroat was reported from Cors Ddyga (12^th).  There were up to 4 Chiffchaff around Cors Ddyga & the Petre Berw water treatment plant (4 on 15^th,2 on 11^th) and 1 at Llyn Coron (15^th).  Cetti’s Warblers were calling at Llyn Cerrig Bach (12^th) and at Cors Ddyga (14^th).  6 Siskin were at Penrhos Coastal Park (13^th).  Sightings of Kingfisher included 1 at the Alaw estuary (11^th), 2 at Holyhead harbour (12^th), 1 at Bodffordd (15^th), 1 at Malltraeth (15^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (16^th).  c. 100,000 Starlings were seen to come into roost at Cors Ddyga (14^th).

Waders:

4 Purple Sandpipers were at Trearddur Bay (10^th) and a Common Sandpiper was on rocks off Salt Island car park, Holyhead (12^th).  393 Dunlin were at the Alaw estuary (11^th) and 224 were at Traeth Dulas (16^th).  3 Sanderling were at Beddmanarch Bay (11^th) and 22 Knot and 5 Turnstones were at the Alaw estuary (11^th).

63 Grey Plover were at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  Sightings of Golden Plover included 3 at the Alaw estuary (11^th) and 5 at Rhoscolyn (12^th).  13 Ringed Plover were at Trearddur Bay (10^th), 29 were at the Alaw estuary (11^th) and 33 were at Traeth Dulas (16^th).  185 Lapwing were at Rhoscolyn (12^th) and 61 were at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  c. 50 Common Snipe were at Cors Ddyga (14^th), with 2 at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  5 Woodcock were seen at Newborough forest (13^th), with 1 also seen at Cors Ddyga (14^th).

c.100 Black-tailed Godwits came into roost at Cors Ddyga (14^th).  33 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (11^th), with 10+ at Beddmanarch Bay (11^th).  7 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (11^th), with up to 4 at Traeth Dulas (4 on 16^th, 2 on 11^th), 1 at Capel Coch (11^th-12^th) and 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (13^th).  68 Redshank were at the Alaw estuary (11^th).  77 Curlew and 109 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (11^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

Up to 5 Black Guillemots were at Holyhead harbour (5 on 12th, 2 on 14th, 3 on 15^th), with 1 off Benllech seafront (11^th).  A Razorbill was off Benllech seafront (11^th) and 1 was at Holyhead harbour (14^th).  A single Common Guillemot was also at Holyhead harbour (15^th).  2 Mediterranean Gulls were at Holyhead Bay - adult and 1^st winter (13^th), with 1 off the car park at Penrhos Coastal Park (15^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

Sightings of Great White Egret included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (10^th), 1 at Llyn Alaw (11^th) and 1 that came in off the sea at Cemlyn (16^th).  Reports of Water Rail included 8 at Cors Ddyga (14^th), 1 at Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn (12^th), 2 at Twr reservoir, Holyhead (12^th), several calling at Llyn Cerrig Bach (12^th) and 1 on a pool at Penrhos Coastal Park (16^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Marsh Harrier included up to 6 at Cors Ddyga (6 on 14^th, 4 on 15^th) and 1 at Llyn Cerrig Bach (12^th).  A Red Kite was seen over Dulas (13^th), with another at Cors Ddyga (15^th).  Reports of Merlin included 1 at Salt Island, Holyhead (12^th), 1 at Llyn Coron (15^th) and 1 on rocks near the east car park at Cemlyn (16^th).  A Little Owl was at Malltraeth (14^th), the first seen there by a local observer in decades.

 

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 224.

Saturday 3rd – Friday 9th December 2022.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The headline bird was a drake Green-winged Teal seen on the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (3^rd).  Unfortunately, it was seen by just the single observer and further efforts to relocate it have proved unsuccessful – for now!.  The record has been accepted by the Welsh Birds Rarity Committee based on the written submission made.  4 Whooper Swans were on fields between Rhosgoch and Carreglefn (5^th), while 4 were at Llyn Coron (3^rd) and 1 was at the Inland Sea (9^th).  16 Pink-footed Geese flew over Llangefni (8^th), while sightings of Pale-bellied Brent Geese included 30 at Red Wharf Bay (4^th) and 14 on the beach at Rhosneigr (7^th).

A female Eider was on the Inland Sea (8^th), while a single Common Scooter was at Beddmanarch Bay (7^th-9^th) and 3 Goldeneye were at Llyn Maelog (7^th).  29 Teal and 17 Gadwall were on Llyn Maelog (7^th) and 4 Pintail were at Llyn Coron (7^th).         

Divers & Grebes:

The juvenile Black-necked Grebe was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (3^rd), but has not been reported since.  Up to 5 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (5 on 7^th, 2 on 8^th&9^th, 1 on 6^th).  Sightings of Great Northern Divers included up to 3 on the Inland Sea (3 on 7^th, 2 on 4^th&5^th, 9^th, 1 on 3^rd) and up to 2 at Beddmanarch Bay (2 on 8^th, 1 on 5^th-7^th).

Passerines and others:

Up to 5 Water Pipits were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (5 on 3^rd, 1 on 8^th), with 1 seen from Lon Las Cefni between Llangefni and the A55 (5^th).  A Firecrest was at Cerrig yr Adar, Rhoscolyn (3^rd).  Up to 3 Black Redstarts continue to be seen in the Rhoscolyn area (3 on 6^th, 2 on 7^th), with 1 at Octel, Amlwch Port (9^th).  Sightings of Chiffchaff included 1 at South Stack (3^rd) and 1 at Llyn Maelog (4^th).  A Cetti’s Warbler was calling near to the RSPB offices at Cors Ddyga (3^rd), with another at Llyn Maelog (8^th).  A late Barn Swallow was at Red Wharf Bay (4^th).  Dipper and Kingfisher were seen daily along the Afon Cefni adjacent to the Council offices at Llangefni (5^th-8^th), while other sightings of Kingfisher included 1 at the Inland Sea (4^th&5^th) and 1 at Holyhead Harbour (8^th).

Waders:

The Curlew Sandpiper was seen again at Cors Ddyga RSPB (3^rd).  A Green Sandpiper flew over Capel Coch and called (6^th), while Common Sandpipers were seen at Moel y Don (3rd), near Church Island (3rd) and at Holyhead harbour (5^th). 

An estimated 4000 European Golden Plover were on Trefri fields, near Aberffraw (7^th).  89 Dunlin were at Treath Dulas (3^rd).  A Jack Snipe was at Lon Las Cefni between Llangefni and the A55 (8^th), while 45 Common Snipe were on the flooded ‘Lapwing field’ at Cors Ddyga RSPB (3^rd).  5 Woodcock were seen to fly out of Newborough forest (3^rd) and 1 was flushed from a private garden at Llanddona (8^th).  Up to 56 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Gorad flood, Valley (56 on 8^th, 20 on 4^th), with 30 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (3^rd).  A Greenshank was on a wet roadside field at Capel Coch (6^th&8^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

A Black Guillemot was at Beddmanarch Bay (7^th&8^th), with another at Holyhead harbour (8^th).  A Razorbill was on the Inland Sea (4^th&9^th), with 1 at Holyhead harbour (8^th).  

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Bittern was seen at Llyn Maelog (4^th).  Sightings of Great White Egret included 1 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (8^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (8^th).  A Water Rail was noted at Holyhead Breakwater Quarry Country Park (5^th).

Raptors:

A ring-tailed Hen Harrier was at Malltraeth (5^th) and another was at seen at Cors Ddyga RSPB (8^th).  Sightings of Marsh Harrier included up to 2 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (2 on 3^rd, 1 on 8^th), up to 2 at Llyn Maelog (2 on 4^th, 1 on 3^rd), 1 at Malltraeth (4^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (8^th).  Sightings of Red Kite included 2 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (3^rd), 1 at Talwrn (3^rd) and 1 at Dolmeinir (5^th).  A Peregrine was at Cors Ddyga RSPB (3^rd), with another at Malltraeth (5^th).  3 Kestrels were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (8^th).

General interest:

Published on Wednesday 7^th December 2022, ‘the latest assessment of the status of all 220 species of bird that regularly occur in Wales – Birds of Conservation Concern 4 – shows that 60 species are now of ‘highest conservation concern’ and have been placed on the assessment’s Red List’.  (RSPB 2022).  For further details see: https://rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/new-research-shows-more-than-one-in-four-birds-in-wales-in-serious-trouble/

 

2022 Year List:

Green -winged Teal was a new addition to the 2022-year list which ticks up 1 to 224.

Saturday 26th November – Friday 2nd December 2022.

Waders:

A Grey Phalarope was seen on the sea between Sandy Beach and Porth Swtan (26^th) and a very late Curlew Sandpiper was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th-1^st).  Sightings of Purple Sandpipers included 2 by the old lifeboat house, Trearddur Bay (26^th), 4 on the beach at Trearddur Bay (28^th) and 4 at Cemlyn (30^th).  A Common Sandpiper was at Holyhead harbour (29^th&2^nd) and 24 Turnstone were at the Alaw estuary (1^st).

37 Grey Plover were at the Alaw estuary (1^st), with 2 at Cemlyn (30^th).  1500 Golden Plover were on fields immediately south of Aberffraw dunes (30^th). 500+ Lapwing were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (29^th), c.500 were on fields south of Aberffraw dunes (30^th) and 495 were at the Alaw estuary (1^st). 

2 Jack Snipe were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (1^st), while sightings of Common Snipe included 100+ at Cors Ddyga RSPB (c. 100 on 1^st, c. 50 on 29^th, c. 45 on 30^th) and 14 at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  Sightings of Woodcock included 1 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (29^th), 1 at South Stack (29^th), 1 at Gadfa (30^th) and 2 at Cors Ddyga RSPB (1^st).

Up to 300+ Black-tailed Godwits were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (300+ on 29^th, 150+ on 27^th), with up to 30+ at the Gorad flood, Valley (30+ on 29^th, 11 on 30^th), 12 at Beddmanarch Bay (27^th) and 1 at Holyhead Bay (30^th).  8 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  There were 3 Greenshank at Beddmanarch Bay (27^th) and 8 at the Alaw estuary (1^st).

Divers & Grebes:

The Black-necked Grebe was seen again at RSPB Cors Ddyga (26^th-1^st), while up to 3 Slavonian Grebes were at Beddmanarch Bay (3 on 29^th, 2 on 28^th&30^th).  Sightings of Great Northern Divers included 2 on the Inland Sea (29^th), 1 at Beddmanarch Bay (27^th-29^th), 1 at Holyhead harbour (27^th&2^nd), 1 off Moelfre (27^th) and 1 at Holyhead Bay (30^th).  Up to 20 Red-throated Divers were off Benllech seafront (20 on 30^th, 8 on 29^th) with 1 at Silver Bay, Rhoscolyn (1^st).

Passerines and others:

A Richard’s Pipit flew over calling at Rhoscolyn (1^st), while up 7 Water Pipits were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (7 on 30^th, 3 on 27^th, 1 on 28^th-29^th).  A Snow Bunting flew over South Stack (28^th), while up to 4 Black Redstarts were in the Rhoscolyn area (4 on 29^th, 1 on 2^nd) and 2 were at Octel, Amlwch Port (2^nd).  A Chiffchaff was at Llyn Coron (27^th), with another at South Stack (29^th).  2 Cetti’s Warblers were calling at Cors Ddyga RSPB (1^st).  A late Barn Swallow was at Cemlyn (27^th).  Up to 2 Kingfishers were in Holyhead harbour (2 on 26^th, 1 on 28^th), with 1 at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  50,000 Starlings were seen to come into roost at the southern end of Cors Ddyga RSPB (1^st).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

13 Whooper Swans were on fields between Rhosgoch and Carreglefn (29^th), while 6 (adults) were at Llyn Coron (1^st) and 6 (2 adults) were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (1^st).  293 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Beddmanarch Bay (29^th).

A Long-tailed Duck was seen off Benllech seafront (2^nd) as were 2 pairs of Eider (29^th).  A single Common Scoter remained on the Inland Sea (26^th) and a Goldeneye was at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  9 Goosander were on the Inland Sea (26^th), with 1 on Llyn Maelog (28^th) and a female at the Alaw estuary (1^st).

Seabirds & gulls:

2 Black Guillemot were in Holyhead harbour (26^th&27^th), with up to 2 at Holyhead fish quay (2 on 27^th, 1 on 29^th) and 2 at Holyhead Bay (30^th).  2 Razorbills were at Holyhead harbour (2^nd).  1 Lesser black-backed Gull was at the Alaw estuary (1^st), which also held 13 Great black-backed Gulls (29^th) and 9 Mediterranean Gulls (6 adults, 2 2nd winter, 1 1^st winter).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The Great White Egret was seen again at Llyn Llywenan (26^th), with another at Rhoscolyn (1^st). 6 Water Rails were noted at Cors Ddyga RSPB (1^st).

Raptors:

Up to 4 Marsh Harriers were at Cors Ddyga RSPB (4 on 1^st, 3 on 30^th), with 2 at Cors-y-Bol (29^th) and 1 at Llyn Llywenan (27^th). A male Hen Harrier was at Cors Ddyga (27^th&29^th), with a ring-tailed bird at the Alaw estuary (1^st).  A Merlin was at Cors Ddyga RSPB (30^th).  Both a Barn Owl (30^th) and a Tawny Owl (1^st) were seen in flight at Cors Ddyga RSPB.

 

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 223.

Saturday 19th November – Friday 25th November 2022.

Introduction:                                         

… quietening down for the winter …

Divers & Grebes:

The Black-necked Grebe continued its stay at Cors Ddyga RSPB (19^th – 25^th) and a Slavonian Grebe was seen at Beddmanarch Bay (21^st).  Up to 2 Great Northern Divers were at Beddmanarch Bay (2 on 19^th, 1 on 21^st), while sightings of Red-throated Divers included 1 in Holyhead harbour (19^th), 1 in the bay at Cemlyn (22^nd) and 20 off Traeth Bychan (22^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The 2 Long-tailed Ducks were seen again off Benllech (22^nd), while sightings of Eider included 3 (2 drakes, 1 duck) seen to fly west past Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (19^th) and 3 (1 drake, 2 ducks) that flew west past Holyhead breakwater (23^rd).  150 Common Scoter were off Benllech (22^nd).

At inland sites, 2 Whooper Swans were on fields east of the A55 near Llangefni (23^rd) and c. 215 Pintail and c. 450 Shelduck were at Malltraeth cob (19^th).  8 Goldeneye were on the lagoon at Cemlyn (22^nd), with 2 at Llyn Llywenan (25^th).  A Goosander was at Aberffraw (19^th), while 3 (1m, 2f) were at Llyn Coron (25^th).

Passerines and others:

Black Redstarts continue to feature in reports with up to 3 at Octel, Amlwch Port (m & 2f / imm on 19^th, m on 20^th & 25^th) and 1 on the ruined hotel at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (23^rd).  Just the 1 Snow Bunting remained at Holyhead Breakwater (23^rd).

A Firecrest was at Church Island (19^th), while sighting of Chiffchaff included 2 at South Stack (19^th), 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (19^th) and 1 at Octel, Amlwch Port (20^th).

Waders:

6 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (25^th), while a Common Sandpiper was at Church Island (19^th) with another at Holyhead Harbour (19^th).  c. 45 Dunlin were at Traeth Dulas (25^th).  A Jack Snipe was seen at Cemlyn (22^nd), as were c. 50 Common Snipe (22^nd).  21 Woodcock were seen at dusk at Newborough Forest (19^th), with 1 at Octel, Amlwch Port (20^th) and 1 that flew over a road near Rhosybol (23^rd) at twilight.  4 Grey Plover were at Cemlyn (25^th) and 900 Lapwing were on fields between the A55 and Llangefni (19^th).  2 Greenshank were at the Pentraeth end of Red Wharf Bay (19^th) and 234 Curlew were at Traeth Dulas (25^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

A Black Guillemot was in Holyhead Harbour (19^th & 23^rd), while sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 1 off Holyhead Breakwater (23^rd) and 1 (1^st winter) at Traeth Dulas (25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great White Egret was seen at Llyn Llywenan (19^th & 25^th).

Raptors:

A Short-eared Owl was seen over the wet field at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (22^nd) and another was seen near to Llyn Coron (25^th).  A Little Owl was at South Stack (19^th).  A Hen Harrier was seen hunting the cob at Malltraeth (25^th).  A Marsh Harrier was seen at the northern end of Llangefni marshes (19^th) and 2 were at Llyn Llywenan (19^th).  Sightings of Red Kite included 1 at Llangefni (19^th), 2 near Tregaian (21^st) and 1 over Llanwenllwyfo, Dulas (23^rd).  A Merlin was near Llyn Coron (25^th)

 

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022-year list which remains at 223.