Report of Glossy Ibis, Anglesey

Visitors to RSPB Conwy (John and Wendy Barton) have just reported that they found a Glossy Ibis at Cors Erddreiniog, Anglesey. It was in the pool to the right of the boardwalk and still present when they left at 2.30pm.

RSPB Conwy sightings board

A green sandpiper yesterday (23rd) is the first of the autumn passage, and we've noticed a few redshanks (around a dozen) and curlews (up to 30) here this week, all signs of southbound migration. There are lots of young birds around at the moment, especially sedge warblers, which seem to be having an excellent breeding season. A kingfisher was seen this morning (24th) and a water rail reported on Monday (20th) were the first reported for a while.


Also, a plug for The Big Nature Count, the reserve's bioblitz event in partnership with Cofnod.  It would be great to see naturalists from across North Wales helping to audit the wildlife on the reserve, so please do come down on Sunday 3 July to help.

There'll be lots of activities and expert walks throughout the day, as well as bird-ringing with BTO Cymru, and an opportunity to meet a wide range of local wildlife groups.

RSPB Conwy sightings board

Not surprisingly, no major bird news from Conwy this week (where did that Broad-billed Sand go after it left Kinmel Bay?; sadly, not here!). A hooded crow on Sunday was only the second reserve record, four Sandwich terns were in the estuary on Monday and a stock dove was here this morning (a tricky bird to see here).

There's plenty of other wildlife to watch though, with record counts of some of the orchid species, which are carpeting some areas of grassland now. See the Conwy reserve blog for more details.

Broad billed Sand and other Goodies!

There was a Purple Heron seen flying west past Beaumaris  on the 11th and later Nigel Brown saw it in flight at Cors Bodeilio near Pentraeth on the 12th. Tony had 2 Roseate terns at Cemlyn on the 11th and upto 3 Otters have been showing on and off there recently, usually early morning (7-8) or late evening 9pm onwards. A Stone Curlew on the beach a Gronant on the 12th was a very rare record for North Wales and the Broad billed Sandpiper seen between Gronant and the Point of Air was relocated yesterday evening (Alex) (13th) at Horton's Nose near Rhyl, where the Snow Buntings usually overwinter.

Anglesey Spring Update

 A Great White Egret has been at Valley Wetlands 6-8th June, and showed well at the North End of Dinam yesterday(Ken). A Quail was flushed by John D on the grassy headland above Tyn Llan farm at Cemlyn also on the 8th, presumably as he was trying to relocate the possible Red throated Pipit he had in flight calling in that area on the previous day at SH 324 933. 2 Garganey were at Malltraeth RSPB on the 1st June. 2 Yellowhammers were in Mynydd Mechell in late May (per SRC).  3 adult Tree Sparrows have been seen recently near  Bryngwran, and at least one youngster has been seen proving breeding for the first time on Anglesey in many years. In the week 23-27th May an Iceland Gull and a Glaucous Gull were reported at Cemlyn (Harry/Alec). (Ben had an Iceland at the Spinnies on the 7th June). A Yellow Wagtail and 4 Sanderling including one in full summer plumage was at Cemlyn on the 29th May (SRC). A Red Kite was over Cemlyn on the 24th May (Tony). 2 Red Kites were over Cors Coch on the 23rd May (Les). A Barnacle Goose was at Cemlyn on the 15th May and a SE Owl was at Cemlyn on the 14th May (SRC/AW). A Short eared Owl was seen at The Range from the 16th - 23rd May. 6 Dotterel were on the Range on the 13th May and a White Stork (John W) was near Mona Airfield on the 12th. A Red Kite was over Tregain on the 12th May (Nigel). A Wood Sandpiper was at Malltraeth RSPB on the 11th May. On the 10th May a Black Kite was over the Range (Ken)  and a Black Tern was at Cemlyn. On the 9th there was a Grey headed wagtail at Cemlyn and on the 8th Tony White found and photographed this cracking Woodchat Shrike near Hen Borth, Cemlyn pictured above (photo Tony White). There was also a Black tern at Cemlyn on that date.