North Wales and Anglesey

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

RE: North Wales and Anglesey

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Thought I would head over to Great Orme, given the calmer conditions and nice, sunny day. Arrived at the small car park by the limestone pavement just before 6pm to take advantage of the Golden Hour from a photography point of view. A couple were just leaving, after having watched the juvenile Dotterel for a while so, it was just me and the Dotterel for half an hour.

As Doc mentions these are a most confiding species and, as at Pendle Hill in previous years, I just knelt down and waited. I wasnt aware until fairly recently that once they have laid, a percentage of Scottish females leave the males to bring up the young and then continue on to Scandinavia where they mate again and have a second brood. This juvenile is most probably from the high Scottish tops but I suppose there is a chance that it is from elsewhere. A beautiful bird nonetheless.

-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Monday 21st of September 2020 02:29:26 PM

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

With a good forecast and news that the bird I wanted to see had stuck around I decided to head into N.Wales and up onto the Great Orme this morning. As I said the sun was shining but it was blowing a hooley, well it if pretty exposed up there!

Parking up in the Limestone Pavement car park I could see a couple of birders/photographers up on the skyline to the east. So up I went. The first bird in my bins was a beautiful Golden Plover, really close and then movement behind it drew my attention and there was the bird that I'd come to see, a juvenile Dotterel. The bird, typical of all Dotterels was totally unconcerned by the 3 or 4 of us watching it and just pottered around feeding well. I just sat still and the bird came closer and closer. I ended up with frame-filling shots of the birds front end, it was so close for digiscoping!! In the end just 2 of us were left watching and photographing the bird and eventually I decided to haed on. I then did a short seawatch seeing as how I haven't been to the sea for a while!! Not much other than a Cormorant, 4 Gannets, 3 Guillemots, 6 Kittiwakes and most surprising a Sandwich Tern. I know it isn't too late for terns but I just never expected it today!!

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

A couple of hours sea watch from the minor headland around four miles east of Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula. Amongst others :- Gannet (c.12) Cormorant (4) Shag (1) Goosander (3) Common Tern (c.10) Sandwich Tern (c.25) Mediterranean Gull (min 6) Swallow (c.6) Meadow Pipit Rock Pipit (1) Linnet There was a large rocky area around the next bay which, at low tide, held a nice selection of gulls and terns. I only had ten minutes to spare there but picked out at least six Mediterranean Gulls plus most of the terns and only covering a small part of the rocks.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Decided that this weekend would be an Osprey one. Decided on some Welsh birds so popped the 67miles over to Llyn Brenig today, an easy run. Pretty much as soon as we arrived we saw Osprey in the air and on scoping the nest platform one was onthere too. We assume that the two flying birds were the adults and that the third bird was this years young bird. So 3 seen in total. Views are pretty distant unless you book the forward photography Hide, but a digiscoped effort which I quite like is attached.

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

A great day visiting a few locations.

Highlights:

First stop: Gronant dunes:
Estimated 250+ Little Terns - mostly on the beach, but many back and forth to the colony and fishing.
A small number of Sandwich Terns on the beach.
1 Marsh Harrier over the dunes and it (or another) later seen over the sea which caused panic amongst the Terns.
4 Sanderling - in summer plumage
c40 Dunlin - all summer plumage
Quite a few Ringed Plover plus a young chick.
1 Grey Heron over the sea
1 Common Gull plus the usual Gulls
3 Reed Warbler
2 Stonechat
(Also 2 Grey Seal in the sea)

Anglesey:
Holyhead Harbour:
8 Black Guillemots
1 Shag
1 Raven
(Also: 1 Grey Seal)

South Stack RSPB:
Breeding ledges now mostly empty apart from a handful of stragglers of Guillemots
On the sea a few Guillemots, 2 Razorbill and 7 Puffins
6 Shags
Still lots of Kittiwakes nesting on the island as were the Herring, Lesser Black-backed and a few Great Black-backed Gulls.
A few Chough
1 Hooded Crow sat on a fence post at The Range
3 Rock Pipit
1 Stonechat
Out to sea 4 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Gannet and a few Terns went past.
Also a probable Silver-studded Blue butterfly

Penros Coastal Park:
1 Black Guillemot
1 Mediterranean Gull
4 Bar-tailed Godwit feeding with numerous Curlew & Oystercatcher
1 Great Crested Grebe on sea
2 Sandwich Terns
1 Buzzard

R.Alaw estuary:
6 Little Egret
1 Kestrel

-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Wednesday 22nd of July 2020 08:32:32 PM

Dave Ousey · Status: Offline

Re-Tern to Wales. 12/7/2020

With the Gateway to Wales having just been re-opened we thought that it was time to visit the principality and of course a visit to our favourite tern colony, Cemlyn Bay. I picked up Steve B and Kevin C at 7-15am and with a decent forecast of sunny periods we left Castleton. We have been doing this trip to Anglesey for many years and I think that it is always one of our most looked forward to trips. Our first stop was Holyhead Harbour and we were soon rewarded with a couple of Black Guillemots flying about, then an unusual sighting of a Mediterranean Gull swooping serenely around the harbour. It seemed strange that no ferries were in the port but they did eventually arrived from Ireland later as we saw them from our next stop at RSPB South Stack.

As we arrived at South Stack the car park looked like a building site but the new centre is well on the way to being open. A scramble down a path to Ellins Tower for a spot of sea watching was interrupted with the sight and sound of 5 Chough. Such happy birds as they call and tumble around the sky in such a beautiful setting. A few passing Gannet`s and terns was all the sea had to offer but the cliffs had lots of auks to marvel at, always great to watch these birds. Also a single Shag was seen on the rocks below the lighthouse. A walk towards the old radio towers in search of some butterflies was not productive as the sun went in. A Hooded Crow was seen along with a few Stonechat, Skylark, and Linnet etc.

At Cemlyn Bay the sound of the tern colony could be heard in the distance and as we parked up the sight was equally impressive. We had heard that the local tern colony on the nearby Skerries had been abandoned due to a Peregrine Falcon having taken up residence, also that a full time warden has not been there to dissuade predators like this. There appeared to be no warden on duty at Cemlyn Bay, but there were lots more terns than normal, had the Skerries birds taken up residence? Normally its lots of Sandwich Terns with Common Terns outnumbering the Arctic Tern but this year there were large numbers of Arctic Terns present. Less Black Headed Gulls was also strange, we tried to get some photos of the birds as they busily fished to feed their young chicks and enjoyed the sunshine.

Next stop was the Little Tern colony at Gronant/Presthaven Sands, but as lockdown had been relaxed and lots of sunshine could only mean one thing, people enjoying the beach. The Little Terns could be seen from the viewing platform as they fished over the sea and the colony was well barb wired etc so lots of birds were present. As we left Gronant we headed down the old coast road and we ran into a really bad traffic jam that slowed us up, Steve B was very unimpressed!

Dave O.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

I read a North Wales report today to the effect that all the Scoters seem to have disappeared from the Colwyn Bay - Llandullas area. So the nocturnal migration across the NW of 1000s upon 1000s of birds may be nearly over.

Cheers John

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

Worlds End:

Early morning start to see the Black Grouse lekking.
3 leks seen totalling at least 32 males giving great views of the action. No females seen though.

Also:
5 Red Grouse
2 Stonechat
A few Meadow Pipit in display flight
4 Mistle Thrush - 2 pairs
1 Dipper
4 Siskin
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
a few Greylag and Canada Geese.
Bala Lake: 1 Great Northern Diver from car park at eastern end 1 Red-breasted Merganser

-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Saturday 14th of March 2020 09:23:01 PM

-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Saturday 14th of March 2020 09:24:02 PM

Clive Part · Status: Offline

Sunday 8th March Day trip to Anglesey. Menai Bridge, Church Island - Common Sandpiper Red Wharf Bay - Snow bunting (opposite Ship Inn) Fulmar - flying close to cliffs. Benllech - Velvet scoter, 8 Black gulliemots, 3 Red-throated divers (in bay). Moelfre - 6 Kittiwakes (on Ynys Moelfre) Razorbill, Gulliemots diving of point. Cemlyn - Whimbrel, 4 Purple sandpipers, 6 Grey plover, Red-throated Diver, Gannet ( out at sea), 80+ Golden plovers (on lagoon island) Llanfaethlu - 1st winter Rose-coloured starling (in private garden close to convenience store) Beddmanarch Bay - 40 Pale-bellied Brent geese Llyn Coron - 2 male and 1 female Goosander. An excellent variety of birds.

Rob Smith · Status: Offline

Black Grouse lekking at Worlds End ca20 birds in two locations noted.

re previous two confusing comments made here which were made from my I phone which for some reason did not come out as it was written?

Rob Smith · Status: Offline

Red Wharf Bay Snow Bunting Fulmar in nearby cliff Benllech bay Velvet Scoter eventually flew in to scope view Red throated diver Pale bellied brant 30 Black Guillemot 8 Llanfaethlu Rose coloured Starling showing well Penrhos coastal park Distant view of Slavonian Grebe Pale bellied Brent 40

-- Edited by Rob Smith on Saturday 7th of March 2020 07:30:20 PM

Rob Smith · Status: Offline

Penmaenmawr promenade seafront

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

RE: North Wales and Anglesey

john tromans · Status: Offline

Two Snow Buntings at close range in same area of Hortons Nose Rhyl as Doc Brewsters sighting of the 21st January. Female Scaup also showing well on Brickfield pond.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Final update (see Leighton Moss post!)

On 19/1/20 I went to the Rhyl area with Carys and caught up with a couple of good birds in the short time we had there. First of all we called at Rhyl Brickfield Pond and very quickly found the female Scaup, a regular returning bird, on the pond there. Then the short nip up to Horton's Nose NR on the edge of Kinmel Bay. Here the 2 Snow Buntings showed really well, even when dogwalkers walked right by them. Also out on the beach were Sanderling, Dunlin and Ringed Plovers.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Yes, nice to meet you again. Great viewing this morning and we couldnt miss with the photos really!

markwoodhead · Status: Offline

2 Snow Buntings ( m + f) on beach by caravan park, Horton's Nose, Kinmel Bay performed well today. Nice to meet Mark Jarrett there as well.

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Originally posted today by Dave Ousey:

North Wales 8/12/2019

Probably our final trip of 2019 had myself, Kevin C and Bob K heading for the North Wales coast in my most recent car, a Skoda Yeti! Which, up to now is certainly a car for all seasons and conditions. Our plan was to visit RSPB Conway to try to connect with one of the Firecrest`s that seem to winter on the reserve in most years. A chance meeting with a couple of birders from the Liverpool area on the way in, took us right to the correct area, the dipping pond with a bridge right across it. It was a fresh morning on the reserve along with a wind that might reduce our chances of seeing these tiny birds. After about an hour and with the local Robin population becoming very friendly, my two compatriots became restless and wandered away. What happened next? Yes you have guessed right, a Firecrest flew in for about a minute and gave decent views and promptly disappeared. I summoned my friends to the bridge but after a further 20 minutes no further sign of the bird! A warm up in the RSPB centre was called for before we headed off to try to find a Snow Bunting at Rhos on Sea.

When we arrived at Rhos the tide was just beginning to go out but the wind was certainly picking up, a search of the beach area along with other birders revealed no sign of the Snow Bunting. We also had a look for any Purple Sandpipers on the rocks, again without success. After news that a male Surf Scoter had been seen from near the Rainbow Bridge at Old Colwyn, we headed up the road, parked up and began the walk (with the wind behind us) along the footbath to the bridge. We set up our scopes in what shelter we could find and began to search through the large flock of Common Scoters that winter along this coastline every year. The waves were making it quite difficult to pick out the Surf Scoter as all the sea ducks bobbed up and down. After about an hour of searching and with a large bank of rain coming in we decided to abandon the search. The walk back against the wind was brightened up by a spectacular rainbow appearing, but alas no crock of gold at the either end of it!

Dave O.

John Watson · Status: Offline

Tried for the Spinnies Firecrest yesterday (Sunday) mid-pm, without success. Solitary female Wigeon, though, on the pool

Most excitement was the crazy Blackbird you saw, attacking my car with a vengeance ! Also a very late Wasp there

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

24/11/19 Headed to Anglesey for this month's trip, with nearly the full compliment of Oldham Birders. Started at the northern end of the Inland Sea, where winter plumage Slavonian Grebe and Great Northern Diver gave good views (if a little distant for the Diver) with Red-breasted Merganser and Goldeneye also present. A large flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese feeding on the western side of Beddmanarch Bay was intermingled with a selection of 7 common wintering wader species.
Headed back onto mainland North Wales to call in at The Spinnies for the Firecrest there (and someone still needed Greenshank for their year list biggrin

). We just missed a sighting of the Firecrest 'by 5 minutes' so hung around the pull-in for a while, ticking off common woodland birds of almost every group except Warblers, despite one of the party picking up a Firecrest call. A trip to the hide took us past the other site where the Regulus had been regular, and procured a single, distant Greenshank. Headed back to our original search area buoyed by the news that the bird had been seen 'recently' only to find that it was a mis-report of the earlier sighting, but we stuck to the task and were eventually rewarded with some cracking views of the bird in the roadside trees and vegetation. It perched out in full view for more than a second several times and showed several good angles (How the hell did it know that none of us had a camera with us? biggrin

) before moving off through the vegetation, past the female/juvenile Blackbird vandalizing the cars in the pull-in.
Taking the hint, we headed off to Old Conwy for a panoramic view of the Scoter flock from Station Road. Yet again we failed to find even a Velvet Scoter among them and only Cormorant, Shag and Great Crested Grebe dotted among the flock, so headed home via the Wirral. Surprisingly, our total for the day was 63 species seen and Fieldfare heard, with only 2 species not seen in North Wales

-- Edited by Mike Chorley on Monday 25th of November 2019 12:36:47 AM

Phil Woollen · Status: Offline

Please see link to David Winnards blog below with ref to the Rhyl Warbler Magnus Robb is saying the sonogram indicates YBW. https://www.brnw.cymru/post/the-rhyl-warbler-by-david-winnard

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Just to let members on here know what I know. I visited Weds & had prolonged good views of the warbler in question at the N.end of the lake in the company of a top birder (member of these forums, rarity finder and observer of 3-figure numbers of Yellow-broweds in the UK).

I spoke to the finder of the Rhyl bird, Alex, who saw the bird for the first time on Weds! His initial ID was done on call only, he never saw the bird, so he was ultra confident that the call was Hume's. A brave call, but shows how indicative the call is! My views in the field were that this was a brighter bird than other Hume's I've seen (5 previously in UK) and my colleague noted bare part colouration as non standard for Hume's. Overall though the bird was duller than any Yellow-browed Warbler that either of us have ever seen and the call was definitely Hume's. Alex (the finder) has seen the sonogram and tells me that is within the variation of Hume's and not Yellow-browed at all. I have read 2 papers on the ID and to summarise: (i) There is more that 1 race of Hume's and race mandellii (not too likely in UK as a migrant though!) has paler bare parts and is brighter overall and (ii) Hume's call can have some variability around the classic call whereas Yellow-browed varies very little (from British Birds paper by S.Madge). The bird in Rhyl had almost no median covert bar (shown well in pic that John posted) which fits with Hume's rather than Yellow-browed. This was noted, and commented on, in the field by myself and my colleague. In relocating the bird near the car park after if had been missing from the N.end for 45mins my colleague used playback and the bird responded to Hume's calls but not to Yellow-browed. Everyone who I have spoken to who was there (and has been there) agrees that the call was that of Hume's. Some of the pictures commented on by 'experts' who haven't been, and from which the bird was downgraded on the info systems, are, in my and others opinions, brighter that the bird in the field. A camera or processing artifact is a strong possibility given the way digital camera technology works to optimise images now, even 'in camera'.

Overall the evidence is compelling that this is a Hume's Warbler, albeit a bright example (comparatively), and using the maxim innocent until proven guilty I think a lot of folk I spoke too will be ticking it for now!

And to help this make this a sightings post too the last report of the bird as time stands today is yesterday smile

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 16th of November 2019 01:44:18 PM

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

John Rayner wrote:

Hi Mark,

I can't access this WhatsApp group so haven't seen these photos. In your opinion what indicates YBW in the 3rd photo. I think Mark W's photo below also indicates Hulme's, so that's 3 to 1 in favour of the original ID. But, as you say, the call should be the clincher, I hope someone managed to record it.

Cheers John

Hi John - The photo you attach does look good for Humes. On one of the three photos I saw, the legs were pale/flesh coloured and not dark as on a YBW. Also, the dark grey feathering on the wing coverts and tertials seemed darker than Humes and more consistent with YBW. That said, two other photos I looked at, in my opinion, showed the washed out plumage of a Humes, especially the breast and underparts which arent quite as light as a YBW.

The bird only showed for 30 secs, for me, on Tuesday and it was flitting about partly behind branches. It would have been nice to see a prolonged view of it. On balance, after having heard it call and with no info on a sonogram, my view would be Humes. Cheers, Mark.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Hi Mark,

I can't access this WhatsApp group so haven't seen these photos. In your opinion what indicates YBW in the 3rd photo. I think Mark W's photo below also indicates Hulme's, so that's 3 to 1 in favour of the original ID. But, as you say, the call should be the clincher, I hope someone managed to record it.

Cheers John

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

There are three photos on the North Wales WhatsApp Group. The first two, I would say Humes but for the third, I would say YBW. As We already know, its difficult to judge from photos. More important to me was the call and the call was Humes in my opinion.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

JOHN TYMON wrote:

I think it was confirmed on Wednesday as Yellow-Browed Warbler? or thats what someone told me .

Hi John,

You are correct that Bird Services are now reporting it as a Yellow-browed Warbler.

I saw the bird on Thursday and must say I was surprised to see the later YBW reports. What I saw in the field was a washed out YBW-type without any yellowish-green tones, fairly well depicted in Mark Woodhead's image (and attached with his permission). The mantle, coverts and tertials here show the greyish tones. This is supportive for Hume's, but I realise photos are open to different interpretations. What is incontrovertable in my own mind is the call I heard. Twice it flew close above my head, about 2-3 metres, and on both occasions called loudly. It was unlike any YBW I have ever heard and exactly like Hulme's. To attempt a transcription it sounded like 'cheeoo' with a distinct downward inflection on the 'oo'.

I would love to see the images or sonograms that others have used to come to the YBW decision.

Cheers John

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

JOHN TYMON wrote:

Mark Jarrett wrote:
The Humes Leaf Warbler, found yesterday at Brickfield Pond in Rhyl, finally gave itself up after a one and a half hour search this afternoon. It flew in to the car park area with a small flock of Long-tailed Tit, flitted around in a Willow tree for just long enough to ID it, called twice and then disappeared. Nice to hear the two syllable call, not dissimilar to that of Yellow-browed Warbler but shorter and not as high pitched.
I think it was confirmed on Wednesday as Yellow-Browed Warbler? or thats what someone told me .

The bird was found on the 11th and identified, mainly on call, as a Humes. A photograph was taken but it wasnt particularly good. When other photographs appeared on social media, it was suggested that certain id features were more suited to YBW. I have seen two photos on the North Wales WhatsApp group and on one, for me, the legs of the bird appear pale (not dark) and the dark feathering on both the wing coverts and tertials appears more akin to YBW than Humes. That said, its so difficult trying to id from a photograph due to lighting conditions, camera settings, post photo enhancing and so on, as you will know. I have seen photos of Humes that look like YBW and ones of YBW that look like Humes! More importantly, I heard the bird call when I was there and it was spot on for Humes, a view held by most that actually heard it. A sonogram of the call was being looked into but not sure of the outcome.

JOHN TYMON · Status: Offline

Mark Jarrett wrote:
The Humes Leaf Warbler, found yesterday at Brickfield Pond in Rhyl, finally gave itself up after a one and a half hour search this afternoon. It flew in to the car park area with a small flock of Long-tailed Tit, flitted around in a Willow tree for just long enough to ID it, called twice and then disappeared. Nice to hear the two syllable call, not dissimilar to that of Yellow-browed Warbler but shorter and not as high pitched.

I think it was confirmed on Wednesday as Yellow-Browed Warbler? or thats what someone told me .

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

The Humes Leaf Warbler, found yesterday at Brickfield Pond in Rhyl, finally gave itself up after a one and a half hour search this afternoon. It flew in to the car park area with a small flock of Long-tailed Tit, flitted around in a Willow tree for just long enough to ID it, called twice and then disappeared. Nice to hear the two syllable call, not dissimilar to that of Yellow-browed Warbler but shorter and not as high pitched.

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

Tuesday, 5th November 2019. 09:00 - 15:30 hrs. Serious walk this one (30,000 steps) in sunny and cool conditions. Nice trip down memory lane for me and my wife - and of pushing my mums wheelchair all the way up to the Llandudno Cable Car station!

Llandudno - Great Orme:
Lapland Bunting x 1 (lifer for me)
Other birds seen included: Stonechat , Raven and Meadow Pipit

Llandudno - West Shore:
Snow Bunting x 1 (was seen by other birders in the morning - but we dipped in early afternoon)
Swallow x 1 (latest one I have ever seen in UK!)
Little Egret x 1
Teal x 2
Oystercatcher x 10
Jackdaw x 40
Crow x 25

Llandudno - North Shore:
Curlew x 20
Rock Pipit x 1
Raven x 2
Great Black-Backed Gull x 1
Lots of Herring Gull and Black-headed Gulls

Also, on Sunday, 3rd November 2019 - I saw 3 Chough near the summit of the Little Orme

-- Edited by Steve Judge on Tuesday 5th of November 2019 04:32:41 PM

-- Edited by Steve Judge on Tuesday 5th of November 2019 04:33:49 PM

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

Monday, 4th November 2019. 11:00 - 15:00 hrs.

Walk from Rhyl Harbour (Foryd Bridge) along west bank of River Clywd - to Rhuddlan - and return via east bank of River Clwyd.

Ruddy Shelduck x 2
Shelduck x 35
Little Egret x 5
Pink-Footed Geese x 31
Greylag Geese x 100
Canada Geese x 20
Wigeon x 50
Goldeneye x 2
Goosander x 5
Curlew x 25
Redshank x 30
Lapwing x 15
Oystercatcher x 45
Meadow Pipit x 7
Buzzard x 5
Kestrel x 1
Pied Wagtail x 1
Starling x 30
Crow x 50
Dunnock x 1
Wren x 2
Great Tit x 2
Robin x 1
House Sparrow x 7
Magpie x 12
Blackbird x 3
Herring Gull x 50
Black-Headed Gull x 50
Lesser Black-Backed Gull x 4
Cormorants and Shags

-- Edited by Steve Judge on Monday 4th of November 2019 04:27:42 PM

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Dave Ousey wrote:

Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey. Friday 27^th September 2019
It showed really well at times and would allow you to watch it down to 5 yards.

Further to Dave's post here is my only photo of the bird feeding in the grass

Cheers, John

Dave Ousey · Status: Offline

Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey. Friday 27^th September 2019

The news of a probable Eastern Yellow Wagtail having been seen again on the 26^th of September had me thinking of making a trip to see it. All my regular birding mates were contacted, with no takers, until John R of Red Throated Pipit fame and Craig B made contact. We had a plan to wait for news and meet up and go, the weather forecast was not very good though. Friday morning dawned and at around 9am, news of the bird being present had us preparing to go. Unfortunately Craig B had to pull out after a family problem ruled him out. It was raining as I picked up John and headed for Anglesey but the rain stopped by the time we got onto the A55. We made good time and further reports that the bird was still present helped us. Near Llandulas some roadworks did slow us down by about 15 minutes, but once on the island the sun came out. The narrow lanes around Cemlyn Bay had us both thinking about the parking arrangements on site, but as we passed about 20 birders, their cars were neatly parked on the banking!

At 1-30pm we managed to get into a position looking over a metal field gate and were a small spoil heap that has been favoured by the bird was. News that the bird had been seen 10 minutes earlier had us thinking about the 15 wasted minutes in the roadworks! At around 2pm the Eastern Yellow Wagtail flew over our heads for about 20 seconds and the long seet seet call was heard. It then flew down the field towards the shingle ridge that it had been seen at before. There now followed a 3 hour wait hoping that the bird could be seen on the ground. During this time Lee Evans and other birders had arrived and a wider search of the area began. Our time at the gate was spent counting all the other bird species that we saw, highlights being: - 3 Chough, 2 Raven, 2 Swallow, 1 Wheatear a total of 24 species. Lee had arranged with the landowner/ farmer for a small group to go into the field and search for the wagtail. Within 10 minutes a call came in that the bird had been found, we gained permission and around 15 of us were soon watching a new bird species in Great Britain. The bird liked staying in the grass carefully moving around whilst catching prey items. It showed really well at times and would allow you to watch it down to 5 yards. It flew up onto a wall and was admired for a few seconds and the distinctive call was heard again. We returned to the gated area and a collection for the farmer was made and the bird was left in peace. It was last seen at around 6-20pm flying out to the shingle ridge (it was not present on Saturday) we headed for home, both of us having enjoyed a new bird.

On Saturday the Eastern Yellow Wagtail had its probable title removed after a recording of its calls clarified what it was.

Dave O.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Doc Brewster wrote:
After a long spell in the shop I had 2 days off so today wanted to head out & the decision was made when news of yesterday's probable Eastern Yellow Wagtail (news out too late for anyone to go for it) was refound today at Cemlyn.
Heading off after rush hour meant an easy journey over and on arrival only a handful (prob 12) folk were on site for this potential mega! After locals had pinned down its favoured fields I joined others on the shingle bank on the seaward side of Cemlyn RSPB lagoon.A short search ensued and then a shout that the bird was there went up. A minor panic as I couldn't find the right area, followed by relief as I scoped the (prob) Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis) sitting on a wall above the opposite field. This immature bird had clear double white wing-bars, a clear white supercilium and no yellow in the plumage, quite similar to a Citrine Wagtail. Previous pictures ahd shown it to have a very, very long hind claw and its call matched that for Eastern Yellow Wagtail. The bird then flew back over the ridge to where it had first been seen so I drove round to there, but no sign from the gate on the road. Then a huge slice of luck. A birding mate who knew the farmer appeared and had gained permission for him and me (& 1 other) to enter his fields. We stalked carefully and obtained fantastic close views, down to a few metres, of the bird. We heard it call and were happy with the ID. The farmer has asked for all others to keep out of the fields, if birders ignore then I fear the bird may be deliberately flushed away from the area. Our job was to try to get better ID features and views. The bird is easily viewable with patience from the shingle ridge - with a scope!
The bird was still present (from RBA) at 6.20pm.

A recording of this bird has been confirmed as Eastern Yellow Wagtail, so a real mega, with less than 10 records ever in the UK (I can find evidence of just 5 by searching RBA archives) smile The curse of the weekend occurred with no sign on Saturday or today.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

After a long spell in the shop I had 2 days off so today wanted to head out & the decision was made when news of yesterday's probable Eastern Yellow Wagtail (news out too late for anyone to go for it) was refound today at Cemlyn.

Heading off after rush hour meant an easy journey over and on arrival only a handful (prob 12) folk were on site for this potential mega! After locals had pinned down its favoured fields I joined others on the shingle bank on the seaward side of Cemlyn RSPB lagoon.A short search ensued and then a shout that the bird was there went up. A minor panic as I couldn't find the right area, followed by relief as I scoped the (prob) Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis) sitting on a wall above the opposite field. This immature bird had clear double white wing-bars, a clear white supercilium and no yellow in the plumage, quite similar to a Citrine Wagtail. Previous pictures ahd shown it to have a very, very long hind claw and its call matched that for Eastern Yellow Wagtail. The bird then flew back over the ridge to where it had first been seen so I drove round to there, but no sign from the gate on the road. Then a huge slice of luck. A birding mate who knew the farmer appeared and had gained permission for him and me (& 1 other) to enter his fields. We stalked carefully and obtained fantastic close views, down to a few metres, of the bird. We heard it call and were happy with the ID. The farmer has asked for all others to keep out of the fields, if birders ignore then I fear the bird may be deliberately flushed away from the area. Our job was to try to get better ID features and views. The bird is easily viewable with patience from the shingle ridge - with a scope!

The bird was still present (from RBA) at 6.20pm.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

After an enforced stay at home yesterday I was itching to get out so I headed over to the Great Orme this morning. Parking at the Limestone Pavement car park I headed up towards the cairn and then to the cliff edge where 2 birders were watching the very obliging Lapland Bunting that has been there a few days. We stayed quiet and still and the bird approached within 2-3m of us feeding non-stop. A bit later several more birders/photographers appeared and even though the bird was still not really bothered it stayed 5m away most of the time. I was able to show a few passing members of the public the bird through the scope and all seemed impressed at what must have initially looked like an LBJ to them! Soon only myself and two others remained and again the bird came to within 2m. The main difference to me was the level of chatter when more folk were there. Even though it wasn't loud or excessive it did seem to affect the bird slightly, but never stopped it feeding, so wasn't really a problem to the bird. Also present were a Wheatear and Choughs.

-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 8th of September 2019 09:58:57 PM

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Spent two and a half hours at Rhos Point today, over the hide tide from 12pm. Weather sunny after a couple of early deluges with brisk westerlies. Of note :-

Great crested Grebe (2)
Fulmar (1)
Manx Shearwater (1)
Gannet (c.15)
Cormorant (c.150)
Common Scoter (3)
Oystercatcher (5)
Ringed Plover (6)
Grey Plover (1)
Turnstone (4)
Kittiwake (c.20)
Sandwich Tern (150 min)
Guillemot (2)
Razorbill (30-40)
Swallow (2)
Wheatear (2)

Most of the birds were heading west after being blown in to Colwyn Bay and thereafter fighting their way back out. It was quite pleasant, wrapped up in a few layers sat on one of the many promenade benches. Unfortunately, no skuas which was the main reason for my visit.

sid ashton · Status: Offline

It is now reported by the RSPB that the male Savi's Warbler that we were watching at Cors Ddyga turns out to be one of a pair that had nested on the reserve, this is a first for Wales.

Following the discovery of the lone male, found by warden Ken Maurice on 14 June, a second bird was seen a while later. Volunteers kept a close watch and saw behaviour that confirmed the birds were breeding, including carrying food to an unseen nest. Good news.

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

Given our collective amnesia it's a surprise that 4 members of Oldham and District Birders managed to remember to turn out for today's trip to North Wales! biggrin

We started at Cors Ddyga where the Savi's Warbler showed very well in the hedge across the marsh from the track (Probably the 'well right of the bridge' of previous posts). Good views of it singing in both the lichen-covered tree to the left of a gap and the bushes to the right. A distant white house visible through the gap made a useful reference for levels. Probably the best views of a Savi's we've had since the bird at Thornham in the early 1990's. It had a very unhappy male Reed Bunting for company, as well as at least one Lesser Whitethroat, but the bonus bird of the morning was a Turtle Dove in the dead tree right of the gap. A bit of a walk beyond the Savi's site failed to produce the hoped-for local insect specialities, but we located two Spoonbills very actively feeding in the same pool where Mike A and I had had the Whooper Swans in December, and 3 of us got an Odonata life tick with Variable Damselfly. The car-park was busy, Sid (the cycle path is popular with dog walkers), but there was a good turnaround in terms of visitors.

From here we headed to South Stack, where the parking was even busier, down to Ellen's Tower and almost straight onto 3 Puffins on the sea below the cliffs. Another bird was on the right hand side of the middle section of the first 'seabird city' and a little later one was in the vicinity of a burrow a little higher up. Plenty of Razorbills and Guillemots, the usual variety of gulls, at least 1 pair of Fulmars, 1 displaying Rock Pipit, Chough, at least 5 Gannets out to sea and a raft of Manx Shearwaters leap-frogging each other as they joined gulls pursuing a shoal of fish just under the surface. Stonechat and Linnet completed the list for this site

It was quite windy at Cemlyn when we arrived so a quick scan of the tern colony from the inland side usefully produced the sought for Arctic Terns, with a couple of chicks. There was one Black Guillemot in the bay, Common Sandpiper and female Red-breasted Merganser flew in off the sea, a single Gannet headed west and some Manx Shearwaters looked to be scavenging around a fishing boat.

Mike A and I chose to head up the Conwy valley to Coed Hafod, but the arrival of the rain put paid to our efforts before we'd added many woodland species to the day's total of 64.

sid ashton · Status: Offline

sid ashton wrote:
Phil Hampson wrote:
Likewise Sid. Cracking bird and great to see. South Stack dipped on Peregrine and Raven, Chough overhead. Beware of limited parking whilst development work ongoing at RSPB VC.

On my way home I called in at RSPB Conway, no problems parking there Phil, but there wasn't much to see either!!
On the other hand the car park at Cors Ddyga for the Savi's was overflowing when I left at about 10ish.

I noticed a couple of reports re the Savi's today and wondered if anyone from the forum went over and if so how busy was the car park? I have a non-birding neighbour who is going to be over in that direction tomorrow/Monday and he was thinking of going to have look to see what I was so excited about biggrin .

Dave Ousey · Status: Offline

Well it did start well, Anglesey. 19/6/2019

A Lesser Grey Shrike in Norfolk then a Black Winged Pratincole in Lincolnshire had been on our sights to visit but, as so often happens the birds fly off! So we made other plans to go to Anglesey to see a Savi`s Warbler that had taken up residence at RSPB Cors Ddyga near Pentre Berw. With Kev C and Steve B we headed along the A55 on a good looking morning. After a bit of navigation we found, what is to us, a new reserve. Lots of birds in song including the distant Savi`s Warbler could soon be heard along with Sedge, Reed & Cettiss Warblers. Eventually the main bird could be seen at distance either perched on a bush or a reed stem whilst blasting its buzzy song out. As it was a new bird for one of our crew we lingered a while and just enjoyed the moment. We had a small stop at South Stack and watched the Chough`s flying around enjoying themselves with lots of Guillemots & Razorbills flying in & out of their nests / ledges. Another brief call near RAF Valley to try to hear/see a Lesser Whitethroat that had been popular in the area a couple of years ago, no joy their then!

Always one of the highlights of the year is a trip to Cemlyn Bay to watch & admire the Sandwich, Common & Arctic Tern colony that has been established here for such a long time. This area has produced lots of rare birds in the past with Bridled & Sooty Terns to name but two. We all enjoyed our hour in nice sunshine watching the Sandwich Terns returning with their beaks full of fish to feed their nestlings. Up to 4 Black Guillemot`s were also seen in the bay. As time pressed on we decided to call at Aber Falls and see if we could catch up with any of the woodland species that the area is famous for. As we all wandered around the area I managed to hear a Redstart, but seeing it proved to be more difficult. A Ringlet & Common Blue butterflies were also seen in this beautiful valley as we headed back to the car.

Dave O

sid ashton · Status: Offline

Phil Hampson wrote:
Likewise Sid. Cracking bird and great to see. South Stack dipped on Peregrine and Raven, Chough overhead. Beware of limited parking whilst development work ongoing at RSPB VC.

On my way home I called in at RSPB Conway, no problems parking there Phil, but there wasn't much to see either!!
On the other hand the car park at Cors Ddyga for the Savis was overflowing when I left at about 10ish.

Phil Hampson · Status: Offline

sid ashton wrote:
With excellent directions from the Doc and a little help from two local birders I was watching the Savi's Warbler very soon after I arrived at Cors Ddyga at 08.00 this morning in calm and sunny conditions. It made four appearances and was singing a lot of the time in the hour or so I was watching. It was nice to get out today to a reserve (Maltraeth Marsh) that I haven't visited for quite some time and to see a good selection of species including Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Wren, Swifts, Swallows, Marsh Harrier and Cetti's Warbler singing in competion with the Savi's!!! Also nice to meet again Phil Hampson and his mate Chris Evans.
Likewise Sid. Cracking bird and great to see. South Stack dipped on Peregrine and Raven, Chough overhead. Beware of limited parking whilst development work ongoing at RSPB VC.

-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 21st of June 2019 06:19:13 PM

sid ashton · Status: Offline

With excellent directions from the Doc and a little help from two local birders I was watching the Savi's Warbler very soon after I arrived at Cors Ddyga at 08.00 this morning in calm and sunny conditions. It made four appearances and was singing a lot of the time in the hour or so I was watching. It was nice to get out today to a reserve (Maltraeth Marsh) that I haven't visited for quite some time and to see a good selection of species including Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Wren, Swifts, Swallows, Marsh Harrier and Cetti's Warbler singing in competion with the Savi's!!! Also nice to meet again Phil Hampson and his mate Chris Evans.

-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 21st of June 2019 06:19:13 PM

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Savis Warbler still present at Cors Ddyga RSPB Reserve (formerly Malltraeth Marsh) today. Arrived at 13.45 and with no luck by the Bittern sculpture, I ventured on over the bridge to the information post. The bird reeled on and off for a good half hour out in front of this spot. One brief view just before I left in the difficult 27mph winds. I understand it showed a bit better later in the afternoon. I had almost postponed my visit until tomorrow because of the high winds but now Im glad I didnt. Nice UK tick.

Simon Gough · Status: Offline

Saturday 15th June

Cemlyn Bay and South Stack with Stockport Birdwatching Society

After a wet week it was brilliant to get out into the depths of Anglesey and remember what that big yellow thing in the sky is. The day started at Cemlyn but it was hard not to feel a tiny pang at whizzing past Cors Ddyga knowing full well that birders like the Doc were on there watching the Savi's Warbler. However the majority of the Society members are not for the transient pleasures of twitching so we avoided the chance to stare at the reeds for hours on end and treated ourselves to the tern colony instead. I did see 3 swans on a pool from the coach, and it was tempting to think they might be the 3 Whoopers that have been reported on the bird news services. We will never know of course.

Cemlyn was excellent, the sound first then the sight of dozens of Sandwich Terns shuttling to and from their nests, with a good smattering of Arctic and Common Terns too. We found 3 Black Guillemot in the bay and there were plenty of Manx Shearwaters buzzing around on the open water beyond the spit there, along with expected things like the odd Gannet and numerous auks. I was also delighted to spot a Sedge Warbler bringing food to a nest as I walked back up the hill to the coach, a nice bonus year-tick having missed this species at more conventional sites this spring.

The sun was shining brightly by the time we got up to South Stack and so commenced a very enjoyable afternoon watching the colonies of breeding birds and the ever delightful Chough. I got some of my best views of Chough this time, one bird fed on the ground from us about 25m away and in my scope the bright red legs and bill and glossy black coat absolutely popped. Amidst the hordes of Guillemot you could see a steady stream of Manxies heading south and the whole scene was fabulous. Small passerines were represented by Stonechats and Rock Pipits along with Skylark, Whitethroat, Linnet and Meadow Pipit and some members saw Whinchat and Peregrine too.

The Society visits South Stack every couple of years and this was probably my favourite trip to date, although it is always good. For more information on the Society see: http://stockportbirders.blogspot.com/

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

Up before 7am today to pop over to Anglesey!

A good, clear run saw me parking up at the Cors Ddyga NR near Pentre Berw before 9.30am. I headed on the path 400m past the bittern sculpture, where I found a group of 3 birders looking glum! I was informed that the bird that I had come to see had not been seen nor heard for approximately 1.5hrs, not great news. The birder who had seen it then, was just leaving, that meant just the 3 of us would have to refind it.... hopefully! Amazingly my luck was in, and how, within 2 minutes of me setting up my scope the bird in question popped up on top of the reeds directly in front of us and was singing, facing us. I had my scope on it instantly and was watching my first 'Welsh' Savi's Warbler (although it was my 4th UK one at least). A few moments later it flew left and dropped into the reeds, although I picked it up again as it came up and flew purposefully right, out of view behind some emergent willows in the reedbed.

Thereafter, several more birders joined us and, trying to help, the 3 of us stayed to try to try to relocate the bird. However after an hour it hadn't reappeared so I left. Monitoring the news services it seems that after my view of it flying right at 9.20am there was no further sign until late afternoon when it was heard singing well right of where we had it perched up, which fits with where it flew to. An elusive bird but well worth it to get it onto my Welsh List which is the only country list I keep over and above my UK List. Also I was back home before midday, so a pretty easy mini twitch smile

John Williams · Status: Offline

Great Orme Llandudno 11.30-16-00

1 Chough, 4 Linnets, 4 Stonechats (Family Group), 6 Ravens, 2 Peregrines (Flying Together), 2 Buzzards and 1 Kestrel.

On the sea below the cliffs were 1 Puffin, 1 Black Guillemot plus numerous Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Shags and Fulmars.

Gannets numerous offshore.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

A visit to Rhyl and Prestatyn as an extention to my little holiday from mid Wales, I spent the day out for today.
It was a tiring and very windy day but overall it was good!

About 41 species clocked in.

Highlights include

Great views of little terns
Sandwich terns
Ringed plover
Oystercatcher
Curlew
Pheasant
Skylark
Swift
Rooks
Linnets
Sedge warbler

Ta!