Saturday 20th August – Friday 26th August 2022.

Introduction:

Now is the time …

Seabirds & gulls:

It is turning out to be a good year for sightings of Balearic Shearwaters with 16 sightings so far in 2022, compared with 3 in ’21 and 7 in ’20.  This week’s sightings included 1 past Cemlyn (20^th), 1 past Wylfa Head (21^st), 2 past Cemlyn (22^nd), 2 Cemlyn (23^rd AM), 2 past Llam Carw (23^rd PM), 1 past Wylfa Head (24^th), 1 past Point Lynas (25^th), 2 north past The Range (25^th) and 1 past Point Lynas (26^th).  It is impossible to know how many birds have been involved as it is conceivable that some birds may be on a feeding circuit in the Irish Sea / Liverpool Bay and may pass coastal viewpoints on a number of occasions. 

Despite the benign weather conditions, it seems that now is the time to get out there to look.  Following an online discussion on whether late August may be the best time to search for this species, Ken Croft @AngleseyBirdman looked back at both his personal records and those in published reports going back to 1974.  He found only 4 records in July, before numbers peaked in August at 97 then 93 in September then falling to 31 in October and 5 in November.  Breaking down the August and September numbers further showed that there were 6 records for the 1st week of August, 28 for the 2nd, 16 for the 3rd and a massive 47 for 4^th and final days of August. September breaks down to 36 in the 1st week, 24 in the 2nd. 24 in the 3rd and 9 in the last week.  So, if you are looking to see a Balearic Shearwater off the Anglesey coast the remaining few days of August and 1^st week of September look like your best bet.

Counts of Manx Shearwaters included 561 north past the Range (270 minutes on 25^th), 145 past Wylfa Head (150 mins on 23^rd), 48 past Wylfa Head (120 mins on 24^th) and 32 off North stack (60 mins, 20^th).  110 Gannets flew past The Range (25^th), with 44 seen off North stack (60 mins, 20^th).

Arctic Skuas were also very much being recorded along the north coast with 1 past Point Lynas (21^st), 2 past Wylfa Head (21^st), 1 past Cemlyn (21^st), 5 past Cemlyn (23^rd), 3 past Wylfa Head (23^rd AM), 1 past Llam Carw (23^rd PM) and 1 past Wylfa Head (24^th).  Whilst there may have been some potential for birds being counted at more than one site on some dates, it has nonetheless been a good week to catch up with one.

The highlight among the gulls was a juvenile Little Gull seen to fly west past Point Lynas (21^st).  The highest count of Mediterranean Gulls was 32 at the Inland Sea (21^st), with up to 2 juveniles at Cemlyn (2 on 20^th, 1 on 23^rd) and a up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (2 2^nd calendar year 25^th, 1 2^nd calendar year 20^th&22^nd and 1 juvenile on 25^th).  85 Sandwich Terns were counted flying west past Wylfa Head (150 mins on 23^rd) and 41 north past The Range (270 minutes on the 25^th).  252 Kittiwakes flew past The Range (25^th).  A juvenile Black Guillemot was off Cemlyn (20^th).

Divers & Grebes:

It has been a long while since the last Divers were seen off the coast, but this week’s seawatching produced the first returning birds for the summer / autumn period.  A summer plumaged Great Northern Diver was seen to fly past Point Lynas (21^st) and 2 Red-throated Divers flew SW past Wylfa Head (24th) and then presumably the same 2 past Cemlyn (24^th).

There were 2 good counts of Little Grebes with 42 at the Cefni reservoir (23^rd) and 37 at Llyn Llygeirian (21^st).

Waders:

2 Purple Sandpipers were at Cemlyn (20^th), up to 3 Green Sandpipers were at Llyn Llygeirian (3 on 21^st, 1-2 on 25^th) with 1 at Malltraeth cob pool (24^th) while counts of Common Sandpiper included 3 at Cemlyn (21^st), 2 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd), up to 2 at Traeth Dulas (2 on 24^th, 1 on 22^nd-23^rd) and 1 flew past Wylfa Head (23^rd).

6 Sanderling were at the Inland Sea (23^rd), with 1 was at the Alaw estuary (23^rd).  A Knot was at Cemlyn (20^th), with 1 at the Inland Sea (23^rd).  3 Golden Plover were at Cemlyn (23^rd), a Grey Plover was at Cemlyn (21^st-24^th) and double digit counts of Common Ringed Plover included 60 birds at Malltraeth (23^rd), 76 at the Inland Sea (23^rd) and 19 at the Alaw estuary (23^rd).  Up to 6 Lapwing at the Cefni reservoir (6 on 25^th, 5 on 23^rd).  Double-digit counts of Dunlin included 60 birds on the Inland Sea (23^rd), 80+ on the cob pool, Malltraeth (25^th) and 210 on Malltraeth cob pool (23^rd).  6 Turnstones were at The Range (21^st).  There were 13 Common Snipe at Cefni reservoir (23^rd), with 1 at Tyn llan pool, Cemlyn (25^th).

A Spotted Redshank was at Cemlyn (21^st-22^nd), while sightings of Redshank included 64 birds at the Inland Sea (21^st), 26 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd) and 18 at Traeth Dulas (24^th).  Reports of Greenshank included 18 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd), up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (3 on 21^st, 1 on 20^th&24^th), 2 at Cemlyn (21^st) and 1 at the Cefni reservoir (25^th).  2 Black-tailed Godwits flew in off the sea at Cemlyn (20^th), while up to 14 were at the Inland Sea (14 on 21^st, 9 on 23^rd), 4 were on the river at Malltraeth (23^rd) and 5 at Malltraeth cob pool (23^rd&24^th).

Sightings of Whimbrel are on the up with up to 6 at Cemlyn (6 on 25^th, 2 on 23^rd), 3 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd), 2 at The Range (21^st), up to 2 at Traeth Dulas (2 on 24^th-25^th, 1 on 20^th-21^st) and 1 flew past Wylfa Head (23^rd).

Up to 128 Curlew were at the Alaw estuary (128 on 22^nd, 82 on 23^rd), while 50+ were on the estuary at Malltraeth (25^th) and 41 were at Traeth Dulas (24^th).  Up to 325 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (325 on 23^rd, 233 on 22^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Up to 3 Garganey were still at the west end of the Cefni reservoir (3 on 24^th, 1 on 23^rd&25^th), with 1 at Malltraeth cob-pool (25^th).  Teal are featuring more often in sighting reports, with 9 at Traeth Dulas (22^nd), 6 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd) and 10 that flew past Wylfa Head (24^th).  5 Wigeon were at Cefni reservoir (23^rd) and 2 were on the Inland Sea (23^rd).  Goosander are starting to return to the island for the winter with 1 on the Alaw estuary (22^nd) and 1 at Malltraeth (23^rd).  Up to 60 Common Scoter flew past Wylfa Head (60 during 150 mins on 23^rd, 4 during 120 mins on 24^th) with 9 past The Range (25^th) and 18 past Point Lynas (26^th).  The 3 Black Swans continued their stay at the Inland Sea (21^st-23^rd).  48 Mute Swans were at Cefni reservoir (23^rd) and 58 Greylag Geese were noted at Traeth Dulas (21^st).

Passerines and others:

There were still a few warblers to be seen, which included a Sedge Warbler at Cemlyn (23^rd), 3 Blackcaps at Breakwater Country Park – BCP (20^th), 2 Chiffchaff at BCP (24^th), 3 Willow Warblers at BCP (24^th), 3 Cetti’s Warbler at Cors Ddyga (22^nd) and a Lesser Whitethroat at Ynys y Fydlyn (21^st).  Common Whitethroats were the most reported warbler with up to 8 at Cemlyn (8 on 25^th, 2 on 23^rd), up to 4 at The Range (4 on 21^st, 2 on 25^th), 4 at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (24^th) and 1 at Ynys y Fydlyn (21^st).

A Whinchat continues to be seen at Cemlyn (20^th-25^th), with sightings of Northern Wheatears including up to 9 at The Range (9 on 21^st, 1 on 20^th&25^th) and 2 at Cemlyn (24^th). 

40 House Martins flew past Wylfa Head (150 mins on 23^rd), while an estimated 10,000 Swallows came into roost at Cors Ddyga (22^nd).  Finches are also starting to form large flocks with c.60 Linnets and 60 Goldfinch seen by the Pilot’s building at Point Lynas.

The 1^st Grey Wagtail was back at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (24^th).  Kingfishers were reported from multiple sites with 2 at Cemlyn (2 on 21^st, 1 on 22^nd), 1 at Traeth Dulas (22^nd&24^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd) and 1 at Cefni reservoir (26^th).  A juvenile Cuckoo was at Hen Borth (21^st), with another at Llyn Llywenan (23^rd).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

19 Little Egrets were at Cemlyn (25^th), with 15 at Traeth Dulas (22^nd) and 12 at the Alaw estuary (22^nd).  3 Water Rail were heard calling at Cors Ddyga (22^nd).

Raptors:

A Hobby flew north over Cors Ddyga (21^st), a Merlin was at Ynys y Fydlyn (21^st) and a Goshawk flew over between Pentre Berw and Llangaffo (23^rd).  Sightings of Marsh Harriers included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (20^th&23^rd), 2 at Cors Ddyga (22^nd) and 1 at Llyn Maelog (25^th).  A Red Kite flew over Talwrn (22^nd).

 

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022 year list which remains on 204.

 

Thanks to all contributors:

A big thanks to all those who share details of their sightings to enable this summary to be put together.  It always seems quite incredible just how many species of birds are seen on Anglesey each week.  We are fortunate to enjoy such a range of habitats and species.

Saturday 13th August – Friday 19th August 2022.

Introduction:

Light winds provided some seawatching opportunities and falling freshwater levels pulled in a few waders and dabbling ducks.

Seabirds & gulls:

A Black Tern was seen feeding off Point Lynas (18^th&19^th), as were up to 5 Arctic Skuas (5 on 18^th, 1 on 19^th) and 1 Great Skua (19^th).  An Arctic Skua was seen off Cemlyn (17^th).

Mediterranean Gulls were seen at a number of locations including 1 at Cemlyn (juv on 14^th), 2-3 at Traeth Dulas (juv on 15^th, ad on 17^th, juv on 19^th), 1 off Penrhos Coastal car park (2^nd cal year 16^th), 1 at Salt Island, Holyhead (ad on 16^th), 1 at Traeth Lligwy (17^th) and 3 off Point Lynas (18^th).  A Norwegian darvic ringed Common Gull was at Traeth Dulas (15^th).

Waders:

3 Green Sandpipers were at Llyn Llywenan (18^th) and 2 were at the Bodfordd end of the Cefni reservoir (15^th).  Sightings of Common Sandpipers included up to 2 at Traeth Dulas (2 on 14^th, 1 on 13^th&19^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (16^th&18^th) and 3 at the Alaw estuary (16^th&19^th).

2 summer plumaged Grey Plovers were at the Alaw estuary (17^th) and 9 Golden Plover were at Cemlyn (14^th).  Common Ringed Plover and Dunlin are appearing at most suitable habitats.  The largest reported concentrations of Common Ringed Plover involved c. 60 at Traeth Dulas (14^th) and 31 at the Alaw estuary (19^th), while Dunlin numbers included c. 40 at Traeth Dulas (14^th) and 50 at the Alaw estuary (19^th).

The Alaw estuary had a single Knot (13^th) and a single Sanderling (13^th).  Up to 2 Common Snipe were at Llyn Llywenan (2 on 14^th, 1 on 16^th) and 2 Lapwing were at the Bodfordd end of the Cefni reservoir (13^th).

Sightings of Greenshank included up to 15 at the Alaw estuary (15 on 19^th, 9 on 16^th), up to 9 at Llyn Penrhyn (9 on 19^th, 8 on 17^th), up to 5 at Traeth Dulas (5 on 19^th, 1 on 13^th), 1 at Cemlyn (13^th) and 1 at the Cefni reservoir (15^th).  45 Redshank were at Traeth Dulas (14^th) and up to 22 were at the Alaw estuary (22 on 19^th, 18 on 16^th).

2 Black-tailed Godwits were at Cemlyn (13^th) and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (19^th).  Sightings of Whimbrel included up to 2 at the Alaw estuary (2 on 13^th, 1 on 19^th), 1 at Cemlyn (14^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (19^th).  100+ Curlew were at Red Wharf Bay (13^th), with up to 105 at the Alaw estuary (105 on 19^th, 68 on 16^th).  Up to 402 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (402 on 16^th, 271 on 19^th), with 40+ at Red Wharf Bay (13^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The eclipse plumage Ring-necked Duck was seen again at Llyn Penrhyn (14^th).  3 Garganey were at the Bodfordd end of the Cefni reservoir (19^th).  Up to 76 Mute Swans were at the Cefni reservoir (76 on 13^th, 46 on (14^th) and 118 Greylag Geese were on the Alaw estuary (19^th).  A Common Scoter was at the Alaw estuary (13^th) – a site first for the observer.

Passerines and others:

There was a little burst of summer migrants at Cemlyn with a Yellow Wagtail (13^th), a Tree Pipit over (14^th), up to 2 Whinchat (2 on 14^th & 17^th, 1 on 13^th) and 2 Northern Wheatear (13^th&14^th).

Warblers are still present in small numbers and included Sedge Warblers at Tyn Llan pool, Cemlyn (15^th) and The Range, Holyhead (15^th), Whitethroats at South Stack (15th) and The Range, Holyhead (15^th), a Blackcap at The Range (15^th) and a Willow Warbler at Llyn Llywenan (16^th).  300+ Sand Martins were over Llyn Maelog (16^th).

Kingfishers were seen at Cefni reservoir (13^th), Cemlyn (13^th), Traeth Dulas (14^th&19^th) and the Alaw estuary (19^th).  A juvenile Cuckoo was at Llyn Llywenan (16^th) and 3 Jays were at the Cefni reservoir (15^th).  Sightings of Hooded Crows included 1 at Traeth Dulas (17^th&19^th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (19^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies: The Purple Heron was seen again at Cors Ddyga (14^th) and a Great Egret was at Cefni reservoir (13^th).  The high concentration of Little Egrets at Cors Ddyga continued – c. 60 (13^th) with 14 at Traeth Dulas (19^th).  Water Rails were heard calling at Cors Ddyga (13^th) and Cors Erddreiniog (13^th), with 3 at the Cefni reservoir (14^th).  25 Moorhens were counted at Cefni reservoir (14^th).

Raptors:

Sightings of Marsh Harriers included 1 at Llyn Llywenan (14^th,16^th&18^th), 1 at Cemlyn (17^th) and 1 at Llyn Penrhyn (17^th).  Records of Red Kites included 1 between Talwrn and Llangefni (13^th), 1 at the Cefni reservoir (15^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (16^th) and 1 at Brynsiencyn (19^th).

Divers & Grebes:

38 Little Grebes and 1 Great Crested Grebe with 2 young were noted at the Cefni reservoir (13^th).  A Little Grebe was in Holyhead Harbour – the observer’s first returning bird at this site (17^th). 3 broods of Great Crested Grebes were on Llyn Penrhyn (19^th).

 

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022 year list which remains on 204.

Saturday 6th August – Friday 12th August 2022.

Introduction:

When will one stick for a while…

Raptors:

Anglesey has had a good run of sightings of Black Kites over recent years, but these are invariably single observer sightings and so it was once again when one was seen in flight at Llyn Coron (7^th).  It would be good to have one favouring an area for a short while to allow others to catch up with this sought-after species.

Sightings of Marsh Harriers included 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th), 1 at Rhoscolyn (9^th), 1 at Llyn Llywenan (10^th) and 1 at Llyn Alaw (12^th).  A Red Kite drifted north over Talwrn (9^th).

Seabirds & gulls:

An Arctic Skua flew past Cemlyn (6^th), but there was otherwise little in the way of scarce sightings from seawatching as high pressure dominated the weather.  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 20 at the North end of the Inland Sea (6^th), 4 at Rhoscolyn (9^th), up to 3 at Cemlyn (3 on 9^th, 1 on 6^th), 3 at the Braint estuary (9^th) and 3 at Traeth Dulas (9^th).  It was confirmed that a pair of Mediterranean Gulls successfully bred at Cemlyn, with 2 young fledging.  A Black Guillemot was offshore between Traeth Llydan and Borthwen, near Rhoscolyn (8^th).

Waders:

A Curlew Sandpiper was seen at Malltraeth cob pool (7^th-8^th), with another on the Cefni estuary, Malltraeth (7^th).  A Green Sandpiper was at the Bodforrdd end of the Cefni reservoir (9^th) and another was at Llyn Llywenan (12^th).  Sightings of Common Sandpiper included 4 on the Cefni estuary (7^th), up to 3 on the Alaw estuary (3 on 6^th & 10^th), 1 at Traeth Dulas (9^th) and 1 at Valley cob (12^th).  Further evidence of the return migration of waders came in the form of the 1^st Knot returning to the Alaw estuary (10^th) and the 1^st Grey Plover returning to Cemlyn (12^th).  15 Common Ringed Plover were on the Alaw estuary (10^th), 3 Lapwing were at the Bodforrdd end of the Cefni reservoir (9^th) and 3 Lapwing were at Llyn Llywenan (9^th). 

Up to 17 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (17 on 10^th, 9 on 6^th), with 4 at the Cefni estuary (7^th).  Up to 29 Redshank were on the Alaw estuary (29 on 6^th, 11 on 10^th), with 2 at Valley Cob (12^th).  3 Ruff were seen on Malltraeth cob pool (6^th), while 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (10^th).  Sightings of Whimbrel included up to 2 at Alaw estuary (2 on 10^th, 1 on 6^th), 1 at Rhoscolyn (6^th) and 1 Traeth Dulas (6^th).  3 Common Snipe were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th), with 11 at Llyn Llywenan (12^th).  Up to 103 Curlew were on the Alaw estuary (103 on 10^th, 87 on 6^th) and there were up to 253 Oystercatcher on the Alaw estuary (253 on 6^th, 210 on 10^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The 3 Black Swans remained at the north end of the Inland Sea (6^th), while 74 Greylag Geese were on the Alaw estuary (6^th).  A Garganey was at the Bodforrdd end of the Cefni reservoir (9^th), as was a single Wigeon (9^th).  10+ Northern Shovelers were at Llyn Llywenan (12^th) and 45 Gadwall were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  A Goosander was at Cemlyn (12^th).

Passerines and others:

A Yellow Wagtail was seen at Cemlyn (6^th,9^th,12^th), while sightings of Northern Wheatears included 3 at Cemlyn (6^th), 3 at The Range, Holyhead (11^th), 2 at Rhoscolyn (6^th) and 1 at Soldier’s Point, Holyhead (12^th).  Mynydd Bodafon had a small fall on migrants with 5 Spotted Flycatchers (9^th), a Redstart (9^th) and a Grasshopper Warbler (9^th).  2 Common Whitethroat were at South Stack, with 1 on The Range (11^th).  A Blackcap was at South Stack (11^th), as were 2 Willow Warblers (11^th).  c. 10,000 Swallows and c.500 Starlings came into roost at the main reedbed at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).  Sightings of Kingfisher included 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th), 1 at Traeth Dulas (9^th) and 1 on the pontoon off the pier at Beaumaris (10^th).  Juvenile Cuckoos were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (8^th) and at Llyn Llywenan (9^th).  A Hooded Crow was at Bwa Gwyn, west of Rhoscolyn (6^th), with 2 at the Alaw estuary (6^th) and 1 at Treath Dulas (12^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Purple Heron was seen again – mostly in flight - around the main reedbed at RSPB Cors Ddyga - as viewed from the Morfa Mawr track (6^th-11^th).  A Great Egret was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (6^th).  23 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (23 on 9^th, 19 on 7^th) and 64 came into roost at RSPB Cors Ddyga (12^th).

Divers & Grebes:

No sightings of note.

 

2022 Year List:

Black Kite was a new addition to the 2022 year list which ticks up to 204.

Saturday 30th July – Friday 5th August 2022.

Introduction:

A gift from the Mediterranean …

Seabirds & gulls:

The wind moved to the NW late in the week and produced some good seawatching.  Balearic Shearwater was a new bird for the year with 1 past Wylfa Head at 8.15am (4^th), 1 past Point Lynas at 8.30am (4^th) and 1 past Cemlyn (5^th).  A Cory’s Shearwater was reported off Rhoscolyn (4^th).  5 Arctic Skuas were seen to fly past Cemlyn, with 3 (5^th) and 2 (4^th).  c. 2000 Manx Shearwater flew west past Point Lynas over 90 minutes (4^th), with other counts including up to 773 past The Range during seawatches of 1hr duration (773 on 31^st, 182 on 4^th).  Up to 47 Gannets flew past The Range (47 on 31^st, 9 on 4^th), with 300 Kittiwakes past Point Lynas (4^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 4 juveniles (3^rd) and 2, 2^nd summer birds (5^th) at Traeth Dulas.  3 Common Gulls were at the Alaw estuary (3^rd) – the 1^st returning birds at this site.

Waders:

A Little Ringed Plover and chick (presumably from the 2^nd brood) were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (30^th-31^st), with sightings of Common Ringed Plover including 8 at the Alaw estuary (1^st) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (2^nd).  A Purple Sandpiper was at Cemlyn (3^rd), with sightings of Common Sandpiper including up to 4 at Traeth Dulas (4 on 30^th, 2 on 2^nd, 1 on 5th) and 1 at the Alaw estuary (3^rd).  Up to 14 Sanderling were at the Alaw estuary (14 on 3^rd, 4 on 1^st), while sightings of Dunlin included up to 12 at the Alaw estuary (12 on 1^st, 5 on 3^rd) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (2^nd).  12 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (3^rd), with 9 at Malltraeth (31^st-1^st).  The Alaw estuary also hosted 17 Redshank (3^rd).  24 Black-tailed Godwits were at Malltraeth (31^st-1^st), with up to 7 at Traeth Dulas (7 on 31^st, 3 on 2^nd).  Up to 3 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the Alaw estuary (3 on 1^st, 2 on 3^rd), with 1 at Traeth Dulas (2^nd).  Sightings of Whimbrel included 4 at Malltraeth (31^st-1^st), 2 at Red Wharf Bay (31^st), 1 at the Alaw estuary (1^st&3^rd) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (5^th).  6 Lapwing were at RSPB Cors Ddyga (1^st), up to 127 Curlew were at the Alaw estuary (127 on 1^st, 106 on 3^rd) and up to 375 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (375 on 3^rd, 276 on 1^st).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The drake Ring-necked Duck was seen at Llyn Penrhyn on several days (30^th-4^th).  Llyn Penrhyn also had 10 Pochard (1^st), 12 Gadwall (1^st) and c. 30 Tufted Duck (1^st). 

Up to 9 Common Scoter flew past The Range (9 on 31^st, 3 on 4^th).

Passerines and others:

A Yellow Wagtail was seen at Tyn Llan fields, Cemlyn (1^st-2^nd), with another seen in flight over RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th).  2 Blackcaps and a Common Whitethroat were at Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (3^rd).  Sightings of Kingfisher included 1 at Llyn Penrhyn (1^st), 1 at Traeth Dulas (5^th) and 2 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th).  A Dipper was at the Dingle, Llangefni (1^st).

Sightings of Hooded Crows included 2 on the Alaw estuary (3^rd) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (30^th, 31^st, 2^nd).  7 Jays were seen at the edge of woodland above Red Wharf Bay near Pentraeth (31^st).  60 Swallows were over the saltmarsh at Red Wharf Bay (31^st), with 15 House Martins seen over Llyn Penrhyn (1^st).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Purple Heron was seen to fly over the main reedbed at RSPB Cors Ddyga - as viewed from the Morfa Mawr track - on two dates (3^rd & 5^th).  A Great Egret was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th), while 14 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (31^st).

Raptors:

An Osprey was at Malltraeth (31^st-1^st), while Marsh Harriers were seen at Llyn Penrhyn (1^st) and at RSPB Cors Ddyga (5^th).  A Red Kite was seen over Bryn Refail (4^th).

Divers & Grebes:

6 Great-crested Grebe were at Llyn Penrhyn (1^st).

2022 Year List:

Balearic Shearwater was a new addition to the 2022 year list which ticks up to 203.

Saturday 23rd July – Friday 29th July 2022.

Introduction:

Cory’s!!!

Seabirds & gulls:

While there have been good numbers of Cory’s Shearwaters off the west coast of Ireland and into the English Channel over recent weeks, it is a rare bird in the Irish Sea so the sight of 1 flying west off Cemlyn (29^th) was both unexpected and something to celebrate.  Breezy conditions earlier in the week produced the first Great Skua of the year at Cemlyn (26^th) together with an Arctic Skua (26^th).  1 hour seawatching sessions at The Range produced up to 708 Manx Shearwaters (708 on 25^th, 364 on 26^th), up to 26 Gannets (26 on 26^th, 7 on 25^th), up to 2 Fulmar (2 on 2th, 1 on 26^th) and up to 25 Kittiwakes (25 on 25^th, 6 on 26^th).

It wasn’t so long ago that one would have had to put in a lot of effort to see a Mediterranean Gull on Anglesey – often involving a solitary 1^st winter bird at the likes of Salt Island, Holyhead in the depths of winter.  Fast forward and you can now have a good chance of seeing one at any time during the year.  Late July has recently been particularly productive and reports this week included up to 43 on the Alaw estuary (43 on 24^th, 34 on 26^th, 14 on 25^th), up to 40 on the Inland Sea (28^th), up to 10 past or at Cemlyn (10 past on 25^th, 1 present on 24^th, 26^th & 27^th), up to 3 at Traeth Dulas (3 on 25^th, 2 on 24^th, 1 on 27^th), 1 that flew past the Skerries (24^th) and 1 at Penrhos Coastal Park (28^th).

An adult Black Tern was seen among a feeding flock of terns off the Skerries (24^th), while an adult and juvenile Roseate Tern were seen and photographed among the Common and Arctic Tern roost on rocks off the beach at Cemlyn (24^th).  60 Sandwich Terns were noted at the mouth of the Dulas estuary (24^th).

Waders:

Another good week for waders which included a Purple Sandpiper at Cemlyn (25^th) and up to 5 Sanderling at the Alaw estuary (5 on 23^rd, 4 on 24^th).  Sightings of Common Sandpiper included up to 7 birds at the Alaw estuary (7 on 25^th, 5 on 27^th) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (24^th).  12 Dunlin were at the Alaw estuary (24^th), 14 Turnstone at Cemlyn (24^th) and a Snipe was at the Alaw estuary (28^th).  There was a Golden Plover at the Alaw estuary (24^th – 28^th), while counts of Ringed Plover included 24 on the Alaw estuary (28^th) and 2 at the mouth of the Dulas estuary (24^th).

Sightings of Greenshank included up to 14 at the Alaw estuary (14 on 25^th, 11 on 27^th), 2 at Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley wetlands (23^rd) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (24^th).  Up to 14 Redshank were at the Alaw estuary (27^th), up to 9 were at Traeth Dulas (9 on 27^th, 2 on 24^th), 4 were at Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley wetlands (23^rd) and 2 were at Malltraeth (27^th).  Sightings of Black-tailed Godwits included 12 at Malltraeth (25^th) and 6 at Cemlyn (26^th), while sightings of Bar-tailed Godwits included a maximum of 6 at the Alaw estuary (6 on 25^th, 5 on 27^th).  Whimbrel are starting to be reported more often with a maximum of 3 at the Alaw estuary (27^th-28^th), a maximum of 3 at the Inland Sea (27^th & 28^th), up to 2 at Malltraeth (2 on 25^th, 1 on 27^th) and 1 that flew past Point Lynas (26^th).  If Traeth Dulas can compete with the Alaw estuary on anything in respect of numbers then it probably has to be Curlew – there were 209 at Traeth Dulas (27^th), with up to 102 at the Alaw estuary (102 on 27^th, 43 on 25th & 26^th, 30 on 24^th).  Up to 262 Oystercatchers were at the Alaw estuary (262 on 25^th, 229 on 27^th, 226 on 24th, 129 on 26^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The eclipse drake Ring-necked Duck at Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley wetlands was confirmed on the 23^rd and remained throughout the week (23^rd- 29^th).  Nearby, 5 Barnacle Geese were at Llyn Trafwll, RSPB Valley wetlands (23^rd) and there was an impressive count of 83 Mute Swans at Cefni reservoir (29^th).  The 3 Black Swans were seen again at the Inland Sea (27^th).

4 Teal were noted at the Inland Sea (28^th) and 2 were at Malltraeth (28^th).  c. 60 Gadwall were at the Cefni reservoir (29^th) including 1 recent brood with 8 ducklings.  Common Scoter were noted during a number of seawatching sessions with 180 past Cemlyn (26^th) and 6 past Point Lynas (26^th).

Passerines and others:

2 Yellow Wagtails seen at Cemlyn (25^th & 29^th) were noteworthy.  A Kingfisher was on the Alaw estuary (28th), a Cuckoo was at Malltraeth (28^th) and a Hooded Crow was at the Alaw estuary (25^th & 28^th).  5 Willow Warblers were at South Stack (28^th) with 1 at Breakwater Country Park (28^th).   Counts of Chiffchaff included 3 at South Stack (28^th) and 1 at Soldier’s Point (28^th).  A Whitethroat was at Breakwater Country Park (28^th) and several juvenile Sedge Warblers and Linnets were seen around Malltraeth cob (28^th), with 10 Swifts overhead (28^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at Llyn Alaw (23^rd).

Raptors:

The headline raptor in terms of scarcity was a Hobby seen feeding on dragonflies over the eastern basin of Cefni reservoir (29^th).  An Osprey was seen over Porthdafarch, near Holyhead (23^rd), with presumably the same bird then seen over the Inland Sea in the morning (26^th) then later in the day over the Alaw estuary (26^th).  Another was seen at the Cefni estuary (25^th-27^th) and was considered a different bird to that which has summered.  A Marsh Harrier was seen at Llyn Trafwll (23^rd), with another at the Alaw estuary (27^th).  A Peregrine was seen at the Cefni estuary (25^th-28^th), with another at the Alaw estuary (27^th).  Sightings of Red Kite included 1 seen over Talwrn (23^rd) and 1 at Malltraeth (28^th).

Divers & Grebes:

Great-crested Grebe continue to move back to saline habitats with 16 seen at the Inland Sea (24^th) and the 1^st Little Grebe returned to the Alaw estuary (27^th).

 

2022 Year List:

 

Cory’s Shearwater and Great Skua were both new additions to the 2022 year list which ticks up to 202.

Saturday 16th July – Friday 22nd July 2022.

Herons, Egrets and allies:

The headline bird for the week was an adult Purple Heron seen in flight - by 3 observers - over the reedbed at the north end of Llyn Dinam (19^th).

11 Little Egrets were at Traeth Dulas (20^th), 1 of which had darvic colour rings (17^th & 20^th) – left White, ‘T’ in black, right Yellow, ‘6’ in black.  The sighting has been reported and details of the bird’s history are awaited.

Seabirds & gulls:

The latter half of July can often produce a few early skuas and so it did this week with 2 Arctic Skuas seen to fly past Bull Bay (21^st).  A 2hr seawatch off The Range (21^st) produced 321 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Fulmars, 52 Gannets, 3 Kittiwake, 9 Sandwich Tern, 107 Auk species, 2 Puffins and a Black Guillemot with all birds moving north.  Good numbers of Manx Shearwaters, Gannets and Sandwich Terns were also reported as flying west past Point Lynas (21^st).

Earlier in the week, 11 Puffins were seen on the sea at RSPB South Stack (16^th).  Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included a juvenile at Cemlyn (19^th), 2 adults flying west past Point Lynas (21^st), 10 moving north past The Range (21^st), 6 on the Inland Sea (22^nd) and 4 from 4-mile bridge (22^nd).  54 Black-headed Gulls were also noted moving north past The Range (21^st) and an adult Common Gull was at Traeth Dulas (20^th).  It was confirmed (18^th) that a Roseate Tern pair with fledgling had left the Skerries which had also hosted a roseate x common-roseate hybrid pair and a roseate x common pair with 3 common-roseate chicks having fledged.

Passerines and others:

A male Ring Ouzel seen in a field between Bryngwran and Bodedern (21^st) was an excellent find.  Staff at RSPB South Stack noted a movement of hirundines with 22 Swifts and 79 Swallows counted (16^th).  Elsewhere, 30 Swifts were seen over Holyhead (18^th) and 17 over Penysarn (18^th).

Sightings of Hooded Crows included 1 near RSPB South Stack (16^th), 1 at the Alaw estuary (20^th & 22^nd) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (20^th).

Waders:

A Curlew Sandpiper was at the Alaw estuary (22^nd).  2 Green Sandpipers were seen at the Alaw estuary (20^th & 22^nd) and 1 at RSPB Cors Ddyga (22^nd).  Up to 13 Common Sandpipers were at the Alaw estuary (13 on 20^th, 4 on 22^nd).  A trickle of returning Dunlin was evident with up to 24 on the Alaw estuary (24 on 22^nd, 1 on 20^th), 2 at Traeth Dulas (17^th) and 1 at Cemlyn (20^th).  5 Turnstones were at Cemlyn (19^th), as were 2 Common Ringed Plover (20^th) and 2 Sanderling (20^th).  A very impressive 103 Sanderling were at the Alaw estuary (22^nd).

Up to 14 Greenshank were at the Alaw estuary (14 on 22^nd, 12 on 20^th), with 2 at Traeth Dulas (17^th) and 2 at the Cefni estuary (21^st).  52 Redshank were at the Cefni estuary (21^st), with 17 at the Alaw estuary (20^th & 22^nd), 2 at Cemlyn (16^th) and 2 at Traeth Dulas (17^th).  3 Black-tailed Godwits were at the Cefni estuary (16^th-22^nd) and 4 Bar-tailed Godwit were at the Alaw estuary (22^nd).  The Alaw estuary had up to 2 Whimbrel (2 on 22^nd, 1 on 20^th), 61 Curlew (22^nd) and 197 Oystercatcher (22^nd).

Raptors:

An Osprey was seen at the Cefni estuary (22^nd).  A juvenile Marsh Harrier was over the reedbed at Garreg Lwyd (18^th), while a female Marsh Harrier was seen hunted over the reedbed at Llyn Dinam, RSPB Valley wetlands (21^st).  A Red Kite was seen over Llanfaethlu (19^th), with another seen over fields between the Pilot Boat and Lligwy (21^st-22^nd).  An adult Peregrine was at the Cefni estuary (19^th-22^nd).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

Up to 3 Black Swans were on the Inland Sea (3 on 22^nd, 2 on 19^th).  16 Common Scoter flew past The Range during a 2hr seawatch (21^st), with 10 past Rhoscolyn (22^nd).  The first returning Teal was at the Alaw estuary (22^nd), while at the Cefni estuary there were 3 Wigeon, 1 Pintail and 2 eclipse plumage Shoveler (20^th).  An eclipse drake Ring-necked Duck or hybrid (further views and hopefully some photographs are awaited) was on Llyn Penrhyn, RSPB Valley wetlands (22^nd).

Divers & Grebes:

6 Great crested Grebes were seen at the Inland Sea (19^th).

 

2022 Year List:

Purple Heron was a new addition to the 2022 year list which ticks up to 200.

Saturday 9th July – Friday 15th July 2022.

Intro:

… tinged with sadness …

Seabirds & gulls:

Whilst we may have some good summer weather ahead of us, it is a little sad to have to acknowledge that the breeding season for some of our summer migrants is rapidly approaching a close.  Sandwich Terns are on the move, with 8 of this year’s 121 colour tagged Sandwich Tern chicks having already journeyed as far as the River Clwyd on the Conwy – Denbighshire border.  While the birds will remain feeding in Liverpool Bay for some time yet, Cemlyn will become progressively quieter and the majority of Sandwich Terns will have left by the end of July.  55 Sandwich Terns were seen to fly north past The Range in groups of 8, 31 and 16 (13^th) and it is interesting to speculate as to whether these are local birds or birds moving north towards Liverpool Bay from the large colony in Wexford.

There are still good numbers of Common and Arctic Terns at Cemlyn with a number of young birds being fed by parents on the seaward side of the shingle ridge.  Cemlyn is quite understandably the island’s best known tern colony due to both the range of species and its accessibility, but there are four other breeding colonies with RSPB wardened sites at the Skerries and Ynys Feurig and Common Tern colonies at the Inland Sea and in the Menai Strait.  The latter two are watched far less frequently and one wonders at what might possibly be drawn into those sites without our knowledge.  Several pairs of Common Tern were observed nesting on Ynys Welltog in the Menai Strait (10^th).

Sightings of Mediterranean Gulls included 6 on the Inland Sea (10^th), 1 on the Alaw estuary (13^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (14^th).  c.50 Manx Shearwater were seen feeding close inshore at Llanddwyn (12^th).

Passerines and others:

Just as with our departing Sandwich Terns, it won’t be too long before the majority of Swifts are gone, with this being one of the earliest summer passerines to commence its southbound migration.  Sightings this week included 7 over Holyhead (14^th) and 1 over Llyn Maelog (13^th). 

A female Yellow Wagtail flew over RSPB South Stack (11^th) and a Northern Wheatear was at The Range, Holyhead (13^th).  3 Common Crossbill were at Carmel Head (10^th), 4 Siskin flew over RSPB South Stack (11^th) and Lesser Redpoll was confirmed as having bred at Cors Goch (10^th).  A Grasshopper Warbler was still reeling at Gors Efail Newydd, near Benllech (9^th-11^th) and a Cetti’s Warbler was singing at Llyn Penrhyn (9^th).  A Kingfisher was at Church Island (10^th).  Sightings of Hooded Crows included 1 at the Alaw estuary (9^th) and 1 at Traeth Dulas (9^th, 13^th, 14^th).  There was also a Hooded Crow x Carrion Crow hybrid at Traeth Dulas (13^th).

Waders:

The Little Ringed Plovers at RSPB Cors Ddyga are understood to have a 2^nd clutch of eggs (9^th).  There were 2 Dunlin on the Alaw estuary (10^th).  Sightings of Common Sandpipers included 4 on the Alaw estuary (10^th), 4 at Hen Borth (10^th) and 1 at Llyn Maelog (13^th).

A Whimbrel at Cemlyn (9^th) was the 1^st report for some time.  Up to 5 Bar-tailed Godwit were on the Alaw estuary (5 on 10^th, 1 on 13^th) and 1 Black-tailed Godwit was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th).  Sightings of Greenshank included 9 on the Alaw estuary (10^th) and 1 at Church Island (10^th& 12^th), while sightings of Redshank included 6 at Church Island (10^th), 2 on the Alaw estuary (10^th) and 1 on the old brickworks pool, Traeth Dulas (13^th).  There were 2 Lapwing at Llyn Trafwll, RSPB Valley wetlands (9^th), up to 74 Curlew on the Alaw estuary (74 on 13^th, 45 on 10^th) and up to 263 Oystercatchers on the Alaw estuary (263 on 13^th, 121 on 10^th).

Herons, Egrets and allies:

A Great Egret was at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th).  Sightings of Little Egrets included 11 at Traeth Dulas (9^th&13^th) and up to 8 at the Alaw estuary (8 on 10^th, 5 on 9^th).

Raptors:

At least 1, possibly 2, Ospreys were at the Cefni estuary (10^th & 13^th).  5 Marsh Harriers were seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th), with a female / immature seen over fields at Valley (13^th).  A Peregrine was seen at RSPB Cors Ddyga (9^th).

Swans, Geese & Ducks:

The 2 Black Swans that have visited several Anglesey sites were seen at Llyn Dinam, RSPB Valley wetlands (9^th).

Divers & Grebes:

No sightings of note.

2022 Year List:

There were no new additions to the 2022 year list which stubbornly stays put at 199.