Saturday 19th June - 25th June 2021.

Intro:

Quip-ip-ip … and a new breeding species for Anglesey.

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The highlight of the week for many of Anglesey’s birders was a calling Common Quail at Aberffraw Common (22^nd – 23^rd).  As a bird that is not quite annual on the island, it is always good to catch up with one and hear its ‘Quip-ip-ip’ or ‘wet my lips’ call https://www.xeno-canto.org/27535.

Less co-operative were 3 Spoonbills seen over RSPB Cors Ddyga (21^st & 23^rd).  There have now been several brief sightings since the spring, but the birds are still to be located at a site that would allow more prolonged viewing.

Waders:

Little Ringed Plover has been a scarce passage migrant to Anglesey, but over the past couple of years the wader fields at RSPB Cors Ddyga have produced a few birds with up to 4 being present on the 3^rd April.  Fast forward to this week and successful breeding has been confirmed with 3 young being seen (23^rd); the first known breeding record for Anglesey.

Elsewhere there is evidence of waders starting to return to the island’s estuaries, with 7 Lapwing seen on the Alaw estuary (20^th).  Also present at the Alaw estuary were 2 Bar-tailed Godwit (20^th) and 122 Oystercatcher (20^th).  3 Black-tailed Godwit were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (22^nd), a Whimbrel at Traeth Dulas (19^th) and 3 Sanderling at Traeth Llydan, Rhoscolyn (19^th).

Gulls and Terns:

Cemlyn has attracted a steady stream of birders hoping to see a Roseate Tern and most will have left successful with at least 1 bird being seen across the week, with a maximum of 3 birds (3 on 22^nd).  Cemlyn has also had Mediterranean Gulls across the spring / early summer and what was thought to be a Mediterranean Gull nest with 3 eggs was found during a survey.  An adult and a 1^st summer bird were at Cemlyn (24^th) and there was a probable sighting of two chicks although they remaining partially hidden in vegetation.  It would be good to receive any reports of fresh juvenile birds from this site over coming weeks.  Elsewhere, Traeth Dulas had a 2^nd calendar year Mediterranean Gull (19^th) and then 2 adults and 5 2^nd calendar year birds (23^rd).

Passerines:

Hooded Crows were seen at Newborough Warren - on the yellow trail (20^th) and at South Stack (24^th). A Stock Dove was on a cattle pasture, behind dunes at Traeth Llydan, Rhoscolyn (19^th) and a Lesser Whitethroat was at Pwll Pillo, Rhoscolyn (19^th).  A Grasshopper Warbler still ‘reeling’ off Lôn y Gors, RSPB Cors Ddyga (19^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey flew south over the Inland Sea (19^th), while sightings of Red Kite included birds over the A55 near the Rhosneigr turn off (21^st) and over the Pentre Berw to Newborough road (24^th).

Seabirds:

Black Guillemots are being seen around the coastline with 4 birds at Porth Eilian (20^th), 2 at Holyhead Harbour (21^st) and 2 at Cemlyn (21^st).  Manx Shearwaters can be seen passing coastal headlands.

Divers & Grebes:

No reports of note.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Request for info: The UK’s Rare Breeding Birds Panel is interested in breeding records of Red-breasted Merganser.  If you see or have any other evidence of breeding on the island, please submit details to Steve Culley, Anglesey County recorder either via twitter @Zoobirder or e-mail at: SteCul10@aol.com.

 

The forthcoming week 26^th June – 2^nd July?

A quiet week, but the sparsity of records is compensated for by some real quality.  A European Bee-eater was at the Mariandyrys nature reserve, near Glan-yr-afon (26^th) in 2015, a Hoopoe was at Mynydd Eilian (26^th) in 2019, a Marsh Sandpiper at Malltraeth cob pool (30^th) in 1977 and a Squacco Heron at Cemlyn (30^th) in 2015.  A good week for rare terns, with a White-winged Black Tern at Llyn Maelog (1^st) in 1973 and one of Anglesey’s top records – a Bridled Tern at Cemlyn (1^st) in 1988.

There have been several sightings of Caspian Tern across the UK in the past week, with one over the past 2 days at the Llanelli Wetlands Centre WWT.  It has been a considerable while since there was one of Anglesey with the only two records having been at Cemlyn on the 26^th May 1980 and the 5^th Aug 1988.  Cemlyn would probably be the best bet for another, so fingers crossed that we get a bird locally that stays to delight an admiring crowd.

Saturday 12th June - 18th June 2021.

Intro:

The week TERNed out Rosy … ….

Gulls and Terns:

It is a fair few years since Roseate Terns last nested at Cemlyn.  Over recent years, sightings at Cemlyn have been limited to just a handful of opportunities each year to see 1 or 2 birds either from the small number that continued to take up residence on the Skerries off the Anglesey coast or from further afield.  All that changed this week, with birds being seen daily and with a daily maximum of 4 (14^th).  Interestingly, many of the birds seen over the past decade were ringed on both legs.  Rockabill, County Dublin birds were ringed with a BTO ring on their left leg and a special ring on their right leg and vice-versa for birds at the Lady’s Island colony, Wexford (see Ring-A-Ring -A Roseate!).  Prior to 2017, birds at Coquet Island, Northumberland were ringed with an alpha-numeric ring on the left leg and a standard BTO ring on the right (See Coquet).  Since 2017, only special roseate rings have been used at Coquet and it is understood that the same has applied more generally.  Most of the sightings and photographs of birds at Cemlyn this week show birds that are ringed only on the right leg – certainly young birds and perhaps indicative of an Irish origin, but checks on this are continuing.

Roseate Tern x 2, Cemlyn, 13th June. Photo: J Martin Jones.

Clearly, there is always a potential for one of the island’s tern colonies to pull in a Mega at this time so it is always worth being alert to the possibility of something more unusual.  Previous highlights, mid-June to mid-July have included:

• Sooty Tern, Cemlyn – 13^th June 2020
• Bridled Tern, Cemlyn – 1^st July 1988
• Sooty Tern, Rhosneigr – 5^th July 2005
• Lesser-crested Tern, Cymyran Beach – 13^th July 1982

Aside from the terns, there were 2 Mediterranean Gulls at Cemlyn (17^th).

Passerines:

Continuing with the Rosy theme, we finally had a Rose-coloured Starling take up a more predictable routine so as to enable a fair few admirers to catch up with it.  Initially seen at Tregele late on the 11^th, the bird was seen well over 2 days, with the late afternoon – early evenings being best (13^th-14^th).   Another adult bird was at Valley, but was less helpful with just 2 brief sightings (12^th) and then at Bryn Afon, Valley (14^th).

Rose-coloured Starling, Tregele, 14th June. Photo: J Martin Jones.

The leucistic Common Whitethroat (a.k.a. Cemlyn Whitehead) was seen again (13^th) and a Grasshopper Warbler was near South Stack (17^th).  Sightings of Hooded Crows included 2 at The Range (12^th), 1 between South Stack car park and Ellin’s Tower (15^th) and 1 at South Stack (17^th- 18^th).

Raptors:

An adult White-tailed Eagle was reported from Fedw Fawr (13^th) and will be a first for Anglesey if accepted by the Welsh Birds Rarities Committee.  While sightings of Red Kites on Anglesey are not uncommon, there was a marked increase in reports on the 15^th.  It is difficult to be sure as to how many birds were involved – which is understood to have followed an influx into other parts of the UK, but there were 6 over Tregele, 5 over Llanfechell (probably same as Tregele), 1 over Benllech, 2 over RSPB Cors Ddyga, 2 at Gaerwen, 3 east end of Llanfairpwll, 1 over Llanfaelog, 1 over the A55 at Gwalchmai, 1 over Dulas and 1 between Llanfaes and Beaumaris.  There were 2 sightings of Hobby with 1 at Rhoscolyn (17^th) and 1 at The Range (18^th).  An Osprey was seen over the Inland Sea (17^th).

Waders:

There was a Green Sandpiper at Cemlyn (12^th) and a Knot on the beach at Cemlyn (18^th).

Seabirds:

873 Manx Shearwater were counted during a sea-watch off The Range (12^th).  Sightings of Puffin included 9 birds past The Range (12^th) and 1 at South Stack (14^th).  9 Black Guillemot were in the bay at Cemlyn (16^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

No reports of note.

Divers & Grebes:

No reports of note.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Two pairs of Pochard were seen with broods at the mitigation pool, Inland Sea (14^th).

 

The forthcoming week 19^th June – 25^th June?

A good week for rare and scarce waders, with a Kentish Plover at Rhosneigr (19^th) in 1984, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Cemlyn (20^th) in 2013, a Stone Curlew at Penmon (21^st) in 1997 and a Terek Sandpiper at Cemlyn (21^st) in 2005.  There was a Black Stork at Carmel Head (22^nd) in 1999 and a Black-crowned Night Heron at Malltraeth (23^rd) in 2005.  There is a historical record of an American Wigeon at Llyn Llywenan (21^st) in 1910, while passerines have included a Rose-coloured Starling at Valley (19^th) in 2012 and a Common Rosefinch at Porth Eilian (21^st) in 2013.

Saturday 5th June - 11th June 2021.

Intro:

Despite 2 Rose-coloured Starlings, which in any other week would have been a pretty good return, it felt a little bit like the calm after the storm given last week’s notable tally.

Passerines:

Sightings of Rose-coloured Starlings continued with probably two different adult birds.  Firstly, one was seen and photographed as it circled high and called a few times over the coastal path at Cemlyn (5^th).  Secondly, sightings have continued around Cemaes Bay with potentially one mobile bird being involved in sightings at a horse paddock west of Cemaes Bay and then during the evening at Cemaes Bay itself (8^th).

While Rose-coloured Starlings are always noteworthy, they were somewhat outshone by a leucistic Common Whitethroat seen near Cadnan, Cemlyn (5^th) that quite rightly secured a lot of positive comments on social media.

 

Common Whitethroat (leucistic), Cadnan, 5^th June.  Photo: Mark Sutton (finder).

A Grasshopper Warbler was seen and was still ‘reeling’ at RSPB Cors Ddyga (7^th, 11^th).

Waders:

10 Bar-tailed Godwit were at the Alaw estuary (5^th, 11^th), with 7 Black-tailed Godwit at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th).  Sightings at Cemlyn included a late Turnstone (6^th) and a Whimbrel (11^th) on rocks off the coast.  The Alaw estuary held a good number of Oystercatcher, with 163 counted (5^th). 

Gulls and Terns:

2 2^nd calendar year Mediterranean Gulls were at Traeth Dulas (11^th).  Hopefully, these are the forerunners of a larger movement as part of a post-breeding dispersal to the west coast, which last year included a count of 136 on the Alaw estuary on the 14^th August.  22 Kittiwake on the lagoon at Cemlyn (11^th) was an unexpected sight, while a Roseate Tern was reported (10^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Great White Egret were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th).  A belated report of a Common Quail that was found freshly dead on the 1^st June near Capel Gwyn, south of Bryngwran.  There haven’t been any reports of singing birds so far this year, but there is still time.

Seabirds:

A pair of Black Guillemot were seen between Amlwch Port and Llaneilian (7^th).  51 Manx Shearwater were seen to fly past South Stack (8^th), with 15 birds flying into Holyhead Bay in the misty and murky weather (10^th)

Raptors:

Red Kites continue to be seen across the island with 2 over the A55 near Cors Ddyga (8^th), 1 at Malltraeth (8^th), 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11^th) and 1 over the A55 near Bryngwran (11^th).  3 Marsh Harriers were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (11th).

Divers & Grebes:

Nothing of particular note.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Nothing of particular note.

 

The forthcoming week 12^th June – 18^th June?

A good week for rare and scarce warblers with a Savi’s Warbler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (14^th) in 2019, a Marsh Warbler at Llanfachraeth (15^th) in 1986, a Great Reed Warbler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) in 2010 and a Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Cestyll (15^th) in 2019.  Other passerines have included a Black-headed Bunting (12^th) in 1994, a Rose-coloured Starling at Church Bay (13^th) in 2011, a European Bee-eater at Cemlyn (13^th) in 2010 and a Golden Oriole at Llanfairynghornwy (18^th).  It has also been a good week for terns, with a White-winged Black Tern at Cemlyn (16^th) in 2014 and a Whiskered Tern first at Llyn Trafwll (18^th-19^th) and then at Cemlyn (20^th-23^rd) in 1993.  Last, but not least, waders have included a Wilson’s Phalarope at Malltraeth (15^th) in 1958, and a Stone Curlew at Rhoscolyn (18^th) in 1986.  Egrets and Heron have included a Cattle Egret at Plas Bog (12^th) in 2009 and a Purple Heron at Cors Bodeillo (12^th) in 2016.

Saturday 29th May – 4th June 2021.

Intro:

… the month of June arrived and it all kicked off …

Passerines:

One of the glaring gaps in the Anglesey County Bird list was that there had never been a Subalpine Warbler of any form even though they have been fairly regular at sites as close as Bardsey Island.  Now recognised as three distinct species of Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Western Subalpine Warbler and Moltoni’s Warbler, we are now part of the way to filling the gap by the finding of a male Eastern Subalpine Warbler at a small conifer plantation at Mynachdy (1^st).

Eastern Sub-alpine Warbler, Mynachdy, 1st June Photo: Mark Sutton (finder)

Following last week’s prediction of a Common Rosefinch, a 2nd calendar year bird was duly found at Cemlyn (2^nd).  Initially in the walled garden at Bryn Aber (click for a little bit of Bryn Aber’s history), the bird helpfully moved out into Tyn Llan scrub before commuting between the scrub and Tyn Llan farm until mid-afternoon at least.  

Common Rosefinch, Tyn Llan farm, 2nd June Photo: Mark Sutton (finder)

Common Rosefinch, Tyn Llan scrub, 2nd June Photo: Tony White

Whilst the Cemlyn bird wasn’t there the following day, another bird heard calling at a private garden at Holyhead (3^rd) was presumably a second bird. There was a belated report of a Golden Oriole singing for 20 minutes at Llanfairynghornwy (3^rd).

Next week’s prediction was to be a summer plumaged Rose-coloured Starling, given that there had been 3 in previous years (see later) and there having been a good movement of birds across Europe over the past few weeks.  That plan was blown completely out of the water by the arrival of adult birds a little earlier than would have been predicted for Anglesey, with 3 at Holyhead (2^nd), 1 at Valley (2^nd), 1 at Cemaes Bay (3^rd-4^th) and 1 at Beaumaris (3^rd).

Aside from these headline birds, there was a Yellow Wagtail at Cemlyn (30^th), 9 Lesser Redpoll at RSPB South Stack (29^th), 12 Siskin at RSPB South Stack (29^th) and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler at RSPB Plas Bog (29^th).  Notable local counts included 54 House Martin that flew north past RSPB South Stack (29^th) and 12 Swifts over Holyhead (2^nd).  Records of Cuckoo included 1 at Plas Bog (29^th), 2 at Carmel Head (29^th) and 1 probably 2 at Cemlyn (30^th).  Hooded Crows were reported from Hen Borth (30^th) and Newborough beach car park (30^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A drake Mandarin was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (31^st - 2^nd) and is a very scarce bird on the island.  A late Wigeon on the Alaw estuary (29^th) and 20 Common Scoter flew past RSPB South Stack (29^th).

Waders:

Sightings of Sanderling included 1 bird at Beddmanarch Bay (29^th) and 35 birds at the Alaw estuary (30^th).  There were 7 Bar-tailed Godwit on the Alaw estuary (29^th) and 6 Black-tailed Godwit at RSPB Cors Ddyga (31^st).  Greenshank were seen at the Alaw estuary (29^th & 30^th) and at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th).  35 Common Ringed Plover were at the Alaw estuary (29^th) and a Whimbrel was at Cymyran (3^rd).

Seabirds:

Sightings of Puffins included 2 birds at South Stack (29^th) and 6 which flew past Cemlyn (30^th).  2 Black Guillemot were seen at Bull Bay (29^th) and 10-12 birds were at Holyhead harbour and Fish Quay (30^th).

Divers & Grebes:

Summer plumage Great Northern Divers were off the Trwyn, Cemlyn (29^th) and at Beddmanarach Bay (29^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Osprey included birds over Penysarn (30^th), Cemlyn (1^st) and over the Alaw estuary (3^rd). Reports of Red Kite included 1 south of Llyn Trafwll (2^nd), 1 over fields near Llanfachraeth (2^nd), 1 over Tyddyn Isaf caravan park (2^nd & 3^rd) and  2 over Port Eilian (3^rd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

2 Spoonbills reported south of 4 mile Bridge (30^th).

Gulls and Terns:

Up to 3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (2^nd).

The forthcoming week 5^th June – 11^th June?

Another good week for Common Rosefinch, with birds at Cemlyn (5^th) in 2010 and at Carmel Head (10^th) in 2012.  It has also been a good week, as previously mentioned above, for Rose-coloured Starling with birds at Cemlyn (9^th) in 2001 and near Valley (9^th).  Other rare or scarce passerines include a Savi’s Warbler at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th) in 1999, an Alpine Swift at Fedw Fawr (5^th) in 2003, a Golden Oriole at Cemlyn (9^th) in 2007 and a Woodchat Shrike at Porth Dafarch (6^th) in 1928.

Waders include a Red-necked Phalaropes at Penmon Park (5^th) in 1902 and more recently at Cemlyn (8^th) in 2006.  A Collared Pratincole was at Rhosneigr (6^th) in 1983.

Rare and scarce Herons and Egrets include a Squacco Heron at Cemlyn (11^th) in 1988.

Saturday 22nd May - Friday 28th May 2021.

Intro:

A gull heading for the Arctic tundra and the possibility of a ‘Pleased to meet you’ greeting.

Gulls and Terns:

The best bird of the week was undoubtedly the summer plumaged Sabine’s Gull seen heading north past RSPB South Stack (25^th) on route back to the Arctic Tundra.  Whilst both adult and juvenile birds are seen fairly regularly in the autumn, given the right conditions, spring records are far less common.  Seawatching also produced some good counts of Kittiwake going past RSPB South Stack with 589 (22^nd) and 517 (25^th).  Last week’s Black Tern continued its stay at Cemlyn (22^nd-23^rd) and a Roseate Tern was also seen again (28^th).

Seabirds:

2 Pomarine Skuas (22^nd), 5 Arctic Skuas (22^nd) and 1 Arctic Skua (25^th) were seen flying past RSPB South Stack.  There were also good numbers of commoner seabirds passing RSPB South Stack with up to 1494 Manx Shearwater (1494 on 22^nd, 822 on 25^th), up to 161 Gannet (161 on 25^th, 78 on 22^nd), up to 33 Fulmar (33 on 25^th, 32 on 22^nd).  Sightings of Puffin included 14 birds off RSPB South Stack (25^th), 1 off Cemlyn (23^rd) and 1 off Cemlyn (28^th).  6 Black Guillemot were in the bay at Cemlyn (28^th), with 1 seen flying past Cemlyn earlier in the week (23^rd).

Divers & Grebes:

2 summer plumaged Great Northern Diver were found in the bay a Cemlyn (28^th) and are well worth seeing if they stay into next week.  They spent most of their time in the middle of the bay, but it was still a treat to see birds in their summer plumage with the black heads, black and white stripped neck patch and checkerboard back.

Great Northern Diver, Cemlyn, 28/05/21 - Photo: J Martin Jones

Passerines:

Passage summer migrants continue to be seen in small numbers.  Sightings of Whinchat included 2 at Hen Borth (22^nd), a male at RSPB South Stack (27^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (28^th).  2 Spotted Flycatchers were seen near Tyn Llan farm, Cemlyn (28^th) with 5 just up the road at Cadfan (28^th).  A female Yellow Wagtail of an undetermined subspecies - possibly Grey-headed – was seen at Hen Borth before flying towards Tyn Llan fields (24^th).  A Stock Dove was seen in fields between South Stack and The Range (22^nd), while up to 2 Common Cuckoo were at Cemlyn (25^th- 27^th).  2 Hooded Crows were seen on fields between South Stack and The Range (22^nd), with another 2 birds at Hen Borth (22^nd).  There was also a Hooded x Carrion hybrid in fields between South Stack and The Range (22^nd).

Raptors:

Sightings of a Hobby at Cors Ddyga continue, with the bird being reported on two days (22^nd & 25^th).

Waders:

14 Sanderling were at Cemlyn (22^nd) and 6 Bar-tailed Godwit were seen flying past RSPB South Stack (25^th).  Counts of commoner waders at the Inland Sea included 120 Dunlin (23^rd) and 12 Turnstones (23^rd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

2 late Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at the Inland Sea (23^rd), a drake Scaup was on Llyn Penrhyn (22^nd) and up to 12 Common Scoter were seen off RSPB South Stack (12 on 22^nd, 5 on 25^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Spoonbill was reported from RSPB Cors Ddyga (24^th)

 

The forthcoming week 29^th May – 4^th June?

This, and the following, week is a great time to look – or listen – for Common Rosefinch with their ‘Pleased to meet you’ song https://www.xeno-canto.org/27694. Previous records included birds at Cerrig-Man (29^th) in 2011 and a bird at Cemaes (31^st) in 2008.  It is also the week of the finding of one of Anglesey’s most infamous birds – the Black Lark at RSPB South Stack (1^st) in 2003.  Other good passerines have included at Bluethroat at RSPB South Stack (30^th) in 1991, a Red-breasted Flycatcher on the Skerries (1^st) in 1998 and a Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush at the dam end of Llyn Alaw (4^th) in 1986.  It is a good week for rare and scarce waders, with a Kentish Plover at the Alaw estuary (29^th) in 2007, an American Golden Plover at Cemlyn (30^th) in 2008, a Spotted Sandpiper at Malltraeth (2^nd) in 2009 and a Broad-billed Sandpiper at Malltraeth (4^th) in 1984.  Herons, Cranes and Crakes have included a Black-crowned Night Heron at Rhosneigr (31^st) in 1919, a Black-crowned Night Heron at Cefni reservoir (2^nd) in 1994, a Common Crane at the Alaw estuary (4^th) in 2007 and a Corn Crake at Penmon Priory (1^st) in 2015.

Saturday 15th May - Friday 21st May 2021.

Intro:

Raptors and Terns.

Raptors:

It is a while since I have started with raptors, but this last week they have made a fair case to come first.

Hobby is a scarce summer migrant to Anglesey and until a few years ago you might have reasonably considered them rare.  The development of the RSPB Cors Ddyga reserve, with its associated dragonflies etc, seems to have provided a suitable habitat and many of last year’s sightings came from the reserve.  It shouldn’t, therefore, have been a surprise that the 1^st report of the year should come from that reserve, but the quality of the views was considerably better than might be expected.  Found on the morning of the 16th, the bird would often alight on the dead tree to the left of the path to the river and one field back (a.k.a Purple Heron tree, although we now have a dilemma).  It would make short flights in search of food and return to a favoured perch.  Although it went missing for some time, many caught up with its during its stay from the 16^th -18^th.

Hobby - RSPB Cors Ddyga, 16/05/21, Photo: J Martin Jones

Moving on to the not so obliging, a Rough-legged Buzzard was seen over Holyhead mountain having flown in from the direction of North Stack, it circled Holyhead and then flew off towards Rhoscolyn (19^th).  As a species that occurs, on average, less than 5 times a year in Wales, a description of the record will be submitted to the Welsh Birds Rarity Committee with the support of the Anglesey County Recorder.

With recent reports of migrant Short-eared Owls on the Great Orme, it was perhaps not too great a surprise that 1 or more would turn up on Anglesey and 2 duly did at the Alaw estuary (17^th) – an excellent find nonetheless.

Gulls and Terns:

Cemlyn has been a ‘buzz’ of activity over recent weeks with 1000’s of Sandwich, Arctic and Common Terns.  Once home to a small colony of Roseate Terns, sightings over recent years have been restricted to 1 or 2 birds putting in an appearance on occasion.  The first sightings of Roseate Terns came this week with 2 sightings of a single bird (19^th, 21^st).  While this would normally be the highlight of weekly tern sightings, this week it was eclipsed by a summer plumage Black Tern (21^st).  Whilst late summer / early autumn seawatches will usually guarantee an annual sighting from the Anglesey coast, spring records are far less frequent and the bird was enjoyed by many observers.

 Black Tern, Cemlyn, 21/05/21, Photo: J Martin Jones

Waders:

The wader passage continues with sightings of Sanderling including 1 at Cemlyn (16^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (17^th) and then a mighty 16 at Cemlyn (21^st).  At least 1 Little Ringed Plover continues to be seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (17^th), 3 Grey Plover were on the Alaw estuary (21^st) as were 2 Knot (21^st).  Up to 25 Bar-tailed Godwit were at the Alaw estuary (25 on 17^th, 24 on 21^st) and 11 Whimbrel were at RSPB Cors Ddyga.  A superb male Ruff was on the wet field at Hen Borth (21^st).  While most Common Sandpiper are busy on their breeding grounds, a late bird at Holyhead Harbour (21^st) necessitated a close grilling to ensure it didn’t have any spots!

Passerines:

Summer migrants continued to make an appearance with a male Whinchat at RSPB Cors Ddyga (15^th) and a Cuckoo calling near the Gadlys Hotel, Cemaes (16^th).  Sightings of warblers included a Lesser Whitethroat at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (15^th), a Cetti’s Warbler at Llyn Maelog (15^th) and a Garden Warbler at Llyn Cefni (16^th).  Hooded Crows were seen at their usual hotspots of The Range (15^th), over McDonald’s, Holyhead (16^th) and at Hen Borth (21^st).  Another was seen at Newborough Warren (16^th), north of the car park by the easy access trail for wheelchair users.  Two belated reports have been received of a Turtle Dove in the South-East of the island which may have been present for up to the past fortnight.  Efforts are being made to confirm whether this is just the 1 bird or whether there are 2 present in the area.

Seabirds:

2 Black Guillemots were in the bay at Cemlyn (16^th), with 155 Manx Shearwater, 18 Fulmar and 55 Gannet past The Range during a 2hr seawatch (17^th).

Divers & Grebes:

A Red-throated Diver flew past The Range (17^th) – will this be the latest bird of the winter/spring period?

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

A drake Garganey was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (16^th).  Late drake Wigeon included birds at RSPB Valley wetlands (15^th), RSPB Cors Ddyga (16th & 17^th) and the Alaw estuary (21^st).  A pair of Pochard were at Llyn Maelog (15^th).

 

The forthcoming week 22^nd May – 28^th May?

The 22^nd marks one of the outstanding birding discoveries on Anglesey, that of 4+ male Baillon’s Crakes calling at RSPB Cors Ddyga (22^nd) in 2012.  Rare waders include an American Golden Plover at Cemlyn (22^nd) in 2005 and a Red-necked Phalarope at Llyn Trafwll (27^th) in 1994.  There was a White-winged Black Tern at Llyn Alaw (23^rd) in 1985 and a Caspian Tern at Cemlyn (26^th) in 1980.  European Bee-eater were found on two occasions, at Penysarn (25^th) in 1993 and at Cemlyn (27^th) in 2012.  Cemlyn also had a Woodchat Shrike (26^th) in 2019 and nearby a Marsh Warbler was at Cadnan, Cemlyn (28^th) in 2018.  South Stack scored with a Short-toed Lark (25^th) in 1993 and a Lesser Grey Shrike (26^th) in 1961.

Saturday 8th May - Friday 14th May 2021.

Intro:

Wagtails, Whinchats and Waders; where to start?

Waders:

Let’s start with waders.  Before focusing on the sightings of the rarer and scarcer species, it is perhaps worth pausing for a moment to recognise the spectacle provided by our commoner waders as they head north on migration at this time of year.  Most of our estuaries have good numbers of Dunlin and Common Ringed Plover, and these flocks will often pull in more sought-after species as well.  Counts of Dunlin have included up to 259 birds at the Alaw estuary (259 on 10^th, 95 on 8^th), c.200 birds on the Cefni estuary (9^th) and up to 89 birds at Traeth Dulas (89 on 8^th, 65 on 11^th and 48 on 12th).  Sightings of Common Ringed Plover have included up to 209 birds at the Alaw estuary (209 on 10^th, 20+ on 9^th) and up to 69 birds at Traeth Dulas (69 on 8^th, 65 on 12^th, 56 on 11th).  Close scrutiny of these mixed flocks will often turn up something more unusual, which this week included a Curlew Sandpiper at Alaw estuary (10^th) and several Sanderling.  There were 4 Sanderling at the Alaw estuary (10^th), 1 at Cemlyn (8^th) and up to 7 at Treath Dulas (7 on 11^th, 2 on 8^th, 1 on 12^th).

4 Dotterel at Carmel Head (9^th) were an excellent find, as were 3 late Purple Sandpiper at Cemlyn (13^th).  Cemlyn also had several Turnstone, some of which are now in fine summer plumage (14^th).

 

Ruddy Turnstone - Cemlyn - 14th May 2021 by J Martin Jones @birdinginasuit

2 Little Ringed Plover were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th) and 1 Grey Plover was at the Alaw estuary (8^th).  Whimbrel are still present in reasonably good numbers, with counts of 30 south of Llyn Trafwll (11^th), 7 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th), 6 at Red Wharf Bay (9^th), 7 at Penmon Pool (10^th), 4 at the Alaw estuary (10^th) and 5 at Cemlyn (13^th).  There were 7 Bar-tailed Godwit at the Alaw estuary (10^th). 

Passerines:

Back to the Wagtails and Whinchats.  The coastal fields between Tyn Llan, Cemlyn and Hen Borth continued to be the Yellow Wagtail hotspot with 1 at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (8^th), 3 at Henborth (10^th), 7 at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (11^th) and 3 at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (12^th).  Most were clearly of the ‘British’ sub-species flavissima, but a couple of the birds had paler heads and pronounced supercilium prompting speculation as to whether they were female flava or flava x flavissima. 

It has been a particularly good year for sightings of Whinchat and this continued into this week with up to 2 birds at RSPB Cors Ddyga (2 on 14^th, 1 on 8^th), 3 at Hen Borth (10^th), 4 at Carmel Head (11^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (12^th).  Following on from the first sighting last week of Spotted Flycatcher, there were several more sightings this week with 1 at South Stack (9^th), up to 3 birds at Tyn Llan, Cemlyn (3 on 10^th, 2 on 11^th), 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (10^th) and 1 at Carmel Head (11^th).  The good run of Tree Pipits and White Wagtails continued, with sightings including 2 Tree Pipit at Carmel Head (11^th), 1 Tree Pipit at Cemlyn (12^th), 22 White Wagtail at Hen Borth (8^th) and 10 White Wagtails at Cemlyn (10^th).  Reports of Cuckoos came in from Cemlyn (8^th), Carmel Head (11^th), and Traeth Llydan (14^th).  A Black Redstart was reported from The Range (9^th) and the number of Swifts continues to increase with the largest count being of 27 moving north over the Oystercatcher, Rhosneigr (9^th).  Grasshopper Warblers were still 'reeling' at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th) and Cors Bodeilio (14^th).  There were good numbers of Lesser Redpoll reported with up to 54 at South Stack (54 on 11^th - including 45 in 1 flock, 11 on 14^th) and 28 birds at Cafnan, near Cemlyn (12^th).  There were also up to 24 Siskin over South Stack (24 on 14^th, 5 on 11^th).  Reports of Hooded Crow continue from their favoured sights and included 1 at Hen Borth (8^th, 14^th), 1 at The Range (9^th) and 1 at South Stack (11^th, 14^th).  Finally, a late Fieldfare was at Cemlyn (11^th).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen perched on a post on the saltmarsh, Cefni estuary (9^th), a Red Kite was seen over The Range (9^th) and a female Merlin was at Carmel Head (14^th). 

Seabirds:

A distant Arctic Skua past Rhoscolyn and headed off towards South Stack (14^th).

Gulls and Terns:

Up to 3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Cemlyn (3 on 8^th, 1 on 13^th). 

There are some 2500 Sandwich Terns at Cemlyn, with approximately 600 Arctic and 400 Common Terns.  The good number of Arctic Terns is thought to reflect returning birds that were displaced off the Skerries last year.

Divers & Grebes:

No Divers or scarce Grebes were reported during the week.

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The Pink-footed Goose continues with its stay at Penmon Pool (10^th-11^th), whilst there were 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese on the Inland Sea (8^th).

A pair of Garganey were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (13^th) and there were 36 Eider off Penmon Point (11^th).

 

The forthcoming week 15^th May – 21^st May?

A good week for a taste of birds from warmer climes, with a Golden Oriole at Malltraeth (15^th) in 2015 and another at Soldier’s Point (20^th) in 2010.  Further colour came in the form of a European Bee-eater at the Breakwater Country Park (16^th) in 2001, a Citrine Wagtail at Cemlyn (17^th) in 2011, a Black-headed Bunting at South Stack (18^th) in 2001, a Common Rosefinch at South Stack (18^th) in 2008 and a Bluethroat at South Stack (19^th) in 1990.  Corncrake features twice, with a bird at Dulas Bay (15^th) in 2015 and another at Bull Bay Golf club (17^th) in 2001 (yes, that really was 20 years ago!).  Likewise, there are two records of Ring-necked Duck with a bird at Mynachdy Pond (16^th) in 1994 and another at Holyhead Harbour (16^th) in 1998.  The latter was found by birders searching for 2 Bonaparte’s Gulls that had been seen earlier at Beddmanarch Bay (16^th) – 1 of which did the decent thing and returned to the shore of the car park at Penrhos Coastal Park allowing a good few to catch up with this bird.  A single rare tern; a White-winged Black Tern at Aberffraw estuary (21^st) in 1961.  And just in case you think that it is too late for any rare or scarce winter visitors, the Snowy Owl - which had been tantalizing birders with single observer sightings over a period of some weeks – finally gave itself up to an admiring hoard when it was found on the coastline between Point Lynas and Amlwch Port (15^th) in 2018.