Bardsey's Willdlife 2020

2020 Bardsey’s

WILDLIFE

Bardsey Bird Observatory Report
Adroddiad Gwylfa Adar Enlli

A review of the wildlife of Bardsey Island in 2020

Published summer 2021

Bardsey Bird Observatory Bardsey’s Wildlife
2020
& Lodge
Front cover
Bardsey Bird Observatory is a small independent charity established in 1953 to
record migrating birds on Bardsey. The Lodge is based at Cristin, a farmhouse Woodchat Shrike
in the centre of Bardsey Island, and can accommodate 14 guests from April to by Steven Stansfield
October and everyone is welcome - [email protected]
Rear cover
Bardsey Island is home to rare and scarce species of birds, animals, insects and
plants and is a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Site of Special Scientific Interest Moonset – Looking south from
(SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA), and an Area of Outstanding Natural Cristin over the Narrows
Beauty (ANOB). by Steven Stansfield

Our work Inside front cover

Our core objective is to record the migrating and breeding birds that use the Cristin – Bardsey Lodge, the
island and surrounding area, alongside the other wildlife such as flora, home of BBFO
invertebrates, and marine mammals. We provide accommodation for all at the By Steven Stansfield
Bardsey Lodge, as well as opportunities, education and inspiration for all ages.
The Observatory works closely with the island’s owners, the Bardsey Island Photographs
Trust, and the Welsh countryside agency, Natural Resources Wales, to ensure
the management and upkeep of the island and its natural features. Kevin Clements, George
Dunbar, Josie Hewitt, Richard
Bird Observatory staff complete a census of all the migrating birds on the Layton, Bob Normand, Steven
island every day; this is entered into a database and the information is used by and Emma Stansfield, Mark
governments, conservation bodies and economic developers. It is also sent to Simmonds, Jeff Wragg
the British Trust for Ornithology and Bardsey Bird Observatory’s data currently
forms 3% of their ‘BirdTrack’ database of all the birds seen in the UK. Paintings & sketches

Birds Martha Street

Due to its position in the Irish Sea, Bardsey is an important stop-over for Editors
migrating birds and as such attracts a number of rare species. There have been
334 species of bird recorded on the island including Summer Tanager, Anthony John*, Emma
Cretzschmar’s Bunting, American Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, Western Stansfield, Steve Stansfield
Orphean Warbler, Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Buff-bellied Pipit. There are
several nationally and globally important species that use the island, in *Mr Anthony John, Brook
particular the Chough and Manx Shearwater, and many others are in decline Cottage, Sampford Spiney,
and are Red or Amber listed as Birds of Conservation Concern. In summer the Yelverton,
island’s breeding bird populations are surveyed, and their productivity is Devon, PL20 7QX
closely monitored; these include, Razorbill, Storm Petrel, Wheatear and over
25,000 pairs of Manx Shearwaters. Our data show that Puffins have increased Design & production
from 0 to 150 pairs in two decades. Both breeding and migrating birds are
carefully trapped, ringed and released under license as part of the national Compiled, typeset,
Ringing Scheme run by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), to help us designed and produced by
understand more about them. Steven and Emma
Stansfield
Wildlife
Published by
The Observatory studies and publishes findings on the island’s wildlife. Bardsey
and its surrounding waters host a variety of marine mammals; Grey Seals Bardsey Bird Observatory
breed on the island and Risso’s Dolphins, and Harbour Porpoises are often Summer 2021
seen. Bats, flora, lepidoptera, odonata and many other groups are also studied.
From Arachnologists to Zoologists, all are encouraged to stay, and contribute Printed by
to the scientific research and recording carried out through the Observatory. * [email protected]
) 01603 868 862
Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory
Registered Charity No. 249790 ISSN 0408-5655

Monitoring Bardsey’s wildlife since 1953

Bardsey

Bird and Field Observatory





contents

section 1 Dianne Charles 2
INTRODUCTIONS Andrew Lawrence 4
Steven Stansfield 6
Welcome from the Chair
Secretary’s report Samuel Prettyman and George Dunbar 24
Director of Operations’ review Steven Stansfield 64
Steven Stansfield 138
section 2 George Dunbar, Samuel Prettyman and 142
AVIAN REPORTS Steven Stansfield
George Dunbar 168
Migration diary Samuel Prettyman 182
Systematic list Samuel Prettyman 192
Arrivals and departures George Dunbar 212
Breeding birds Steven Stansfield 238
246
Manx Shearwater studies
Manx Shearwater census
Chough studies
Bird ringing
Rare bird reports
Gallery

section 3
NON-AVIAN REPORTS

Non-avian fauna Samuel Prettyman, Steven Stansfield and 254
Kevin Clements
Grey Seals Rebecca Robotham and Mark Simmonds 268
Butterflies 272
Moths Samuel Prettyman and Steven Stansfield 282

George Dunbar

section 4 Contributors 298
APPENDICES Accounts for 2020 300
Legacy information 303
Appendix 1 Membership 304
Appendix 2 Advertisements 306
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5

PRESIDENT Rt. Revd. David Hawkins
VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Hope Jones†, Bevan Craddock†, Mike West
Dr R Geoff Gibbs, Mike Archer

Trustees

Chair Dianne Charles, 2 Regent Close, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Hon. Secretary Andrew Lawrence, 14 Jack Haye Lane, Light Oaks, Stoke on Trent

Director of Finance Dianne Charles, 2 Regent Close, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Bookings Administrator Alicia Normand, 46 Maudlin Drive, Teignmouth, Devon

Prof. Joe Brownlie CBE, Colston Cottage, Buckfastleigh, Devon

Mark Simmonds OBE, University of Bristol, Langford House,
Bristol

Section 1

Introductions

Plas Bach © Steven Stansfield

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR

Dianne Charles

Welcome to the 64th edition of ‘Bardsey’s Wildlife’.

Our Director of Operations and Observatory Warden, Steven Stansfield, completed his 23rd season with
BBFO. Our assistant wardens were Sam Prettyman and George Dunbar.

As always, there was a great deal of work to be done in preparing the Observatory for the new season.
However, in every other respect this was a different season from any we have experienced before.

As the wardens were beginning their preparations for travel to the island, we were facing the beginning
of a lockdown in the UK, which we then thought might last for three weeks. BBFO entered into a series of
online discussions with Bardsey Island Trust Limited, our landlords, with Colin Evans, our boatman, Gareth
Roberts, who farms the island, and Emyr and Mari, island wardens for BITL.

It was finally decided that our staff could go to the island providing they observed the requisite quarantine
period and the BTO gave approval for ringing to take place, as the staff were then effectively isolated
on the island.

We were, of course, unable to welcome any visitors to the Observatory until restrictions were lifted in the
summer and were then only able to let the south side of Cristin to single families or social bubbles. This
caused us to expect a large financial deficit through the decrease in visitor income, but we were
extremely fortunate in qualifying for financial assistance from the Welsh government and in receiving
many donations from our loyal supporters. We are truly grateful to anyone who contributed in any way
and enabled us to make it through the year with a surplus instead of the expected deficit.

Our AGM in July was a very different affair from usual, being conducted via Zoom. However, it did give
the opportunity for many people to attend who would not normally be able to travel to North Wales for
the occasion and we hope that we can learn from the experience and use technology in the future to
enable virtual attendance at future AGMs.

At the end of the season, we said goodbye to George Dunbar. Sam Prettyman indicated his willingness
to return for a third season and we were pleased to welcome Stuart Cossey as our new Assistant Warden,
along with his partner Megan Hollywood-Harry.

I would like to register my thanks to all those who have contributed in any way to the successes of 2020:
staff, interns, trustees and volunteers both on and off the island. The trustees are still keen to recruit anyone
with fund-raising skills, so if anyone reading this feels able to help in this way, please contact me via
[email protected]. We are also indebted to Colin Evans, who continued to run our boat service under
very difficult circumstances, to Gareth Roberts for friendship and unwavering support, and to the staff
and trustees of Bardsey Island Trust Limited. We are extremely grateful to Natural Resources Wales for the
funding which makes it possible for us to carry out more of our valuable scientific work.

I hope you enjoy reading the report and once the pandemic is safely over, I do hope that you may be
able to visit the Observatory and experience the magic of Bardsey.



SECRETARY’S REPORT

Andrew Lawrence

2020 was without doubt an unusual year, being a bit busier administratively than others due to the
disruption to service experienced by the Coronavirus pandemic, which became the main focus in March.
The Trustees’ usual three meetings a year was extended to six due to discussions needed around the
pandemic and other matters, and the Annual General Meeting was, for the first time, a virtual one, taking
place via zoom.

Our first Observatory meeting, though, was the Friends of Bardsey “get-together”, at Penkridge in
Staffordshire on 22 February, and this was very well attended by friends old and new who were
entertained by Becky Robotham, of the Humane Society who, after a long drive to the venue, delivered
a talk on the seals of Bardsey, a topic close to the hearts of all of us, and Steve Stansfield also stepped in
with his review of the year on and off the island; our thanks go to them both. The day after the Penkridge
meeting our first Trustees’ meeting of the year took place, kindly hosted by Mike and Annie West in Walsall;
nowadays this is usually our only face-to-face meeting of the year, with Trustees and staff collectively
travelling many miles from various points of the compass to assemble and discuss any pre-season items
needing attention. As mentioned last year the Trustees meetings generally consist of several “standing
items”, but usually have one or two items of particular focus: staff matters are always at or near the top
of the agenda at this meeting, but access and buildings, as well as links with other bodies, were covered
this year. These were dealt with in the usual order and the meeting included a strong resolution to repeat
in 2021 the Friends’ meeting which most of the Trustees had just experienced the previous day… and then
a couple of weeks later the world went awry.

The Coronavirus pandemic began to take hold in the country in March and Dianne Charles, our Chair,
called two meetings to address associated factors to this, and the 13 March meeting was a searching
one looking at actions and options, including whether or not staff should indeed begin the observatory-
year on the island, for which they were provisioned and poised to start. All were keen and the journey to
Enlli was made shortly thereafter. We are fortunate in having a virologist amongst our Trustees and Prof
Joe Brownlie supplied some action points to address any problems, and policies in response to any
problems with the virus were also put in place with his help. A second meeting of Trustees was held a
week later, by which time it was clear that no guests would be able to be welcomed to the Lodge, at
least in the early part of the season, and the Trustees found themselves looking at the various financial
implications of this, including potentially a complete loss of income for the year. The second March
meeting on the 21st was a more expansive one looking at other operational matters likely to affect the
Observatory during this exceptional year, including the construction of a “virtual observatory” powered
by YouTube video channel with content made by the versatile Steve Stansfield.

Although not part of our own meeting regime, the Observatory was involved (via Steve and Dianne)

with regular update meetings with Bardsey Island Trust Ltd so we could keep in-step with all decisions
made by colleagues involved on the island.

The Trustees’ June meeting is usually one held in preparation for our Annual General Meeting, and
includes a review of the three months of work on the island. The pandemic had by now delivered its first
“peak” and there was some discussion at this meeting as to whether or how we could accommodate
any guests, with the possibility of single “bubble” groups being able to be accommodated being
considered (and later implemented). Also, this year it had become clear that there would be no possibility
of any face-to-face meeting for the AGM and the decision had been taken several weeks earlier to hold
the AGM as a “virtual” one using the “Zoom” meeting software, which allows attendees to join meetings
remotely and on 4 July we held our first remote AGM which was well attended by over 40 Friends of
Bardsey Observatory. A section of the BBFO website had been created to hold any documents
associated with this meeting and so all attendees were able to download copies of the meeting Agenda,
Accounts, and Minutes from the previous meeting (and, later, Minutes from this AGM). Although obviously
not as ideal as a true gathering, it was also possible to have some social element to the meeting with
various chats taking place over the screen during the lunchbreak, and those present were also later
treated to a presentation by Steve on the previous year on the island. The whole event worked more-or-
less without a hitch and we must express gratitude to all who helped to make this happen.

The October Trustees’ meeting is usually our last of the year and was again mainly focussed on the effects
of the pandemic on the charity, with finance to the fore and with some good news received, thanks to
our Chair’s nimble handling and navigation of grant applications, and fund-raising by staff. How the
Observatory would be working in 2021 was discussed, this alongside the more usual fare of factors
affecting staff, and the infrastructure of Cristin. Particular mention should be made of the reception of
the previous edition of the Report you are reading, with the 2019 issue of “Bardsey’s Wildlife” being
another hugely impressive and worthwhile publication and being very well received by the national
birding world. Routine mention was also made during the October meeting of the tidal turbine project
proposed for the Bardsey Sound area, but this came into particular focus at the end of the year with
another extra-ordinary Trustees’ meeting being called to discuss developments and for us to find a view
on how this development was to be responded to by the charity.

To conclude, our thanks again go to our Director of Operations/Warden Steve Stansfield and of course

to Emma and Connor who all must have experienced a year like no other in 2020 – their input to the many

meetings is hugely valued as has been their initiatives with fund-raising. Thanks too, to the year’s Assistant

Wardens, Sam Prettyman and George Dunbar, who provided very valuable support to BBFO during a

difficult time on the island. Grey Heron © Steven Stansfield

STANSFIELD

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS’ REVIEW

Steven Stansfield

2020 was probably one of the most bizarre years in the Observatory’s
66 year history and also in the lives of most people on earth, due to
the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic. Much of the world was in
lockdown, social distancing and face coverings became a legal
requirement, and Bardsey was devoid of people other than a few
residents for a large part of the year.
We held our AGM remotely via an online video conferencing platform
(Zoom) in July, which saw a good attendance of Bardsey’s friends,
including many who cannot normally get to North Wales for the
meetings.
Both spring and autumn produced a few nice rarities including
Woodchat Shrike, Citrine Wagtail, Greenish Warbler, two Blyth’s
Reed Warblers and another new species for the island in the form of
an Eastern Yellow Wagtail.

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64: 6-19 Mediterranean Gull© Jeff Wragg
7

STANSFIELD

WINTER REVIEW

Having left the island in November 2019, Emma, Connor and I headed off to spend the winter in our house
in Norfolk and began 2019 there.

Over much of the winter my usual tasks were completed and I spent time finalising Obs. paperwork for
the BTO ringing scheme, getting licence renewals for Schedule 1 species and ringing permits, putting
together the 148-page report to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for our Section 16 Agreement funding,
and working on the 2019 edition of ‘BARDSEY'S WILDLIFE’ getting it ready to go to the printers in late spring
2020. It was another bumper one at 320 pages, and once more a huge effort went into the content,
design and publication as we continually strive to remain amongst the top wildlife reports in the country.
Thanks again to Tony John for his role as text editor and to Emma for her help with making the manuscript
amendments and overall help with production and design. I added more recent copies of Bardsey’s
Wildlife to our ‘anyflip’ catalogue and they are available online in a flip book format. These are available
to view here http://anyflip.com/bookcase/lvza.

We then had a run of meetings to attend in February, firstly I did a presentation to North East Norfolk Bird
Club about Bardsey on the last day of January, and then we were off to the BOC meeting at Thetford
the following day (see report on page 14). Following this our Chair Dianne Charles, myself and Emma met
up to work through a 2020 action plan for work to be undertaken on the island during the year. It was
then circulated around the Trustees for approval. We then updated the Staff Contracts and these were
disseminated to the staff.

In late February many of BBFO’s friends and members gathered at Penkridge for a Members’ Day. There
were a number of talks, including a summary of 2019 by myself, a summary of the Grey Seal monitoring
that Becky Robotham and Mark Simmonds have been doing over the past many years, and a talk by
Alicia Normand about the moths of Bardsey, showing some of Ben Porter’s fantastic images. Alicia and
Annie West, with a band of helpers provided a fantastic lunch for everyone and afterwards a sizable
bunch of us went to a nearby curry house.

I put together the proposals for the section 16 Management agreement with Natural Resources Wales for
2020. These were:

1) Monitoring the nesting success and productivity of the Chough.
2) Monitoring and mapping of all the breeding seabird species on Bardsey and Ynysoedd Gwylan.
3) Manx Shearwater population census (year one).
4) Manx Shearwater productivity at a sample of nest sites.
5) Monitoring and mapping of all the land birds breeding on Bardsey.
7) Monitoring disturbance of Grey Seals by visitors and visiting boats.
7) Risso’s Dolphin Photo Identification.
8) Educational talks and walks for visitors on the island.

Early March saw Emma and I departing our winter hideaway at Owlwood Cottage in North Norfolk and
making our way back to North Wales via our parents in Rotherham and Southport. Each spring we make
the latitudinal migration from as far east as we can get in England to as far west as we can go in Wales
on the same latitude, buying up six months’ supply of food on the way. However, we were starting to fall
foul to the total pandemonium of the global pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes the disease
COVID-19 and was spreading rapidly. People around the world were panic buying, collecting food, toilet
paper and supplies in vast quantities in case they were needed in the event of a national lockdown, as
had already taken place in Spain and Italy. Early March usually sees the Observatory staff from various
parts of the UK dashing from one supermarket to another buying up enough food to last for many months.
Our shopping list for three of us (myself, Emma and Connor) includes 30 litres of UHT milk, 20+ tins of beans,
the same number of tins of tomatoes and sweetcorn etc. and then once we know that the boat is

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definitely sailing, a last minute dash to buy a month’s worth of fresh and frozen food. This year, as the
panic buying due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation took hold, we began to struggle to be able to find
food on supermarket shelves, and when there was food there, we were limited to the amount we could
buy… this did not bode well for survival offshore for the coming months!

Eventually, we rustled up enough food for a few months and the three of us, along with our two assistants
and their food, headed to Bardsey. Upon arrival on 18 March we found that summer migrants, like
Chiffchaffs, had beaten us there, but we were glad to be home and away from the madness that was
ensuing on the mainland.

Arrival on the island © Steven Stansfield

We began monitoring the island’s wildlife, and at that point preparing for a season with strict social
distancing measures in place and buying gallons of bleach in readiness for a daily dose in communal
areas. However, the UK was put into lockdown on 23 March, just five days after our return to the island, in
an unprecedented step to attempt to limit the spread of the virus. This meant that for the next three weeks
at least there would be no one allowed on or off the island.

Essential deliveries to the island of food (if we were able to get a supermarket slot!!), mail and other
supplies were still being brought on by the boatman Colin, but we were all exercising good social
distancing practices with him and any crew that came with him, along with good hygiene when handling
parcels etc.

64: 6-19 9

STANSFIELD

As lockdown continued, BBFO and Bardsey Island Trust had regular video meetings to keep abreast of
the developing situation and to make decisions as we had to soon start cancelling guests and refunding
the monies that had been paid for their stays on the island. Some were very generous and allowed us to
keep the deposits, and in some instances their full payments.
So we were straight back into monitoring and undertaking some remedial work that could not be carried
out on the lodge whilst guests were present, like removing the lime render from the common room wall
for example. We trapped a Barn Owl within hours of getting back onto the island – it had wintered in the
tractor-shed and, although it had kept the mice numbers down, it had made a HUGE mess in there!!!
Our daily census of the migrant birds and ringing programme continued where we left off in early winter
2019. As spring progressed our other monitoring projects we undertake as part of our management
agreement with the Welsh Countryside Agency (NRW) continued. As we are reliant on additional staff
and volunteers to supplement our work, we had to change our plans, so we had to reduce some of our
workload and change others to suit a smaller staff base, including the fitting of our solar PV system.
However, our priority work, the monitoring of the migrants and breeding land birds and seabirds, could
continue.
We had been in contact with the BTO to clarify the situation with regarding ringing and were given the
OK as the whole island was effectively the boundary of our property and there was no chance of contact
with the public.
As the month continued and birders and ringers across the whole of the UK were limited to the length of
time they were allowed out of their gardens, we began to feel more and more privileged that we were
able to wander around the island as normal, and go out birding as and when we wanted!! We had two
miles of open ocean between us and the closest case of Coronavirus. We were also blessed with some
calm weather allowing good numbers of common migrants to arrive onto the island. We had in general
a great spring in lockdown. It was not easy, but what better place to be in isolation?
Isolation at its very best! © Steven Stansfield

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Ela and Emma on the Narrows © Steven Stansfield

Due to the virus outbreak BBFO was unable to operate its main revenue stream (The Lodge) in the early
part of the year. The Observatory’s estimated loss of revenue was about £20,000. However due to various
grants made available due to the pandemic, much fundraising and many generous donations the
Observatory had a good year financially.

STAFF AND RECRUITMENT FOR 2020

In Autumn 2019 Lewis Hooper decided that he would be moving to pastures new for 2020. I put together
adverts and a job specification and began looking for a new team member. By the end of October, we
had a short list and one strong candidate. Along with Alicia Normand (Bookings Administrator), Prof. Joe
Brownlie one of our Trustees, Emma, Connor and myself we interviewed, and decided to appoint, George
Dunbar.

PREPARING THE LODGE

During the early part of the year, the two Assistants, Sam and George moved into the southern side of
the Lodge. In June, we found that we would be able to take guests in the lodge as the pandemic rules
eased, however, we could not run as a hostel. We decided that we would run the south side of the lodge
as a single letting unit, whilst allowing the staff to use the north side. This did mean that we had to create
a complete living unit in the north side of the lodge for the staff, including making a make-shift kitchen in
the boot room. Emma, Sam, George and Josie Hewitt, who was permitted to work as a volunteer, did
much of the preparation work to get the place ready.

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STANSFIELD

Eventually, in Mid-July we took our first guests of the year and we continued to do so, having a single
family unit or bubble in the lodge at any one time, until the next lockdown in October when we had to
close again. The residents continued to work together to keep the guests and visitors safe.

The office turned into a lounge © Steven Stansfield

VISITORS

Because of the pandemic and only being able to take ‘bubbles’ from July, the number of guests staying
this year was a record low. Only eight weeks were booked between lockdowns and a total of 23 guests
managed to stay.

SPRING MIGRATION

Spring migration was reasonable in 2020, with some class birds amongst some good arrivals of migrants.
The first notable arrival was on 9 April when 101 Willow Warblers were recorded, prior to this there had
only been low double figures. The 11th produced 226. but the highest count of the spring was on 16th
when 455 were counted across the island, this also coincided with the largest count of Blackcaps – 209.
Both are very respectable counts for recent years. Redstarts were in reasonable numbers too, there were
ten bird-days in April. It was also a good spring for Black Redstart, after 21 bird-days in March, there were
then a further ten in April. At sea, singles of both Great Northern and Red-throated Diver were recorded,
along with the spring’s only Osprey which flew north.
May was exceedingly dry, with southerly winds for the most part, occasionally very strong at 40mph or so.
Many resident birds around the island were food carrying and nest building from the start of the month,
but we were still in the late throes of spring migration. Sedge Warblers peaked at 27 on 6th. Spotted
Flycatchers saw reasonable passage with the highest count of 30 on 27th. Highlights of the month
however, were a male Greenish Warbler at Cristin and a Woodchat Shrike on 29th. On 30th a Shore Lark
was seen on the South End and a singing Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Cristin.
June saw passage slowing, however ‘June rarities’ are renowned, and on 4th a singing male Common
Rosefinch was the first of three singing males this month.

Woodchat Shrike © George Dunbar
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The next rarity was on 8th when the second Blyth’s Reed Warbler of the spring was heard singing from
dense cover in the Observatory Garden and a predicted Rose-coloured Starling arrived on 13th.

AUTUMN MIGRATION

Early autumn saw wader numbers begin to build towards the end of July, with Common Sandpipers
reaching double figures. Passerines began to move with 203 Willow Warblers counted on 24th. A
Melodious Warbler was at Tŷ Capel on 30th, this is the first record for four years and the first scarcity of
autumn. Strong winds towards the end of the month produced some movement at sea with four Arctic
Skuas, two Great Skuas and 117 Common Scoter passing. These southerly winds produced a remarkable
run of Yellow-legged Gull records with over ten individuals being recorded.

The influx of Yellow-legged Gulls continued into the first week of August, these were also interspersed by
the ever earliest autumn Sabine’s Gull off the South End with Kittiwakes on 3rd. By mid-month, passage
had increased and on 15th, an Icterine Warbler appeared at Nant in the evening, along with a Wryneck,
which was the first of four in August. An arrival of Willow Warblers on 16th saw 407 recorded along with
five Pied Flycatchers. On 16th a first-winter Citrine Wagtail was heard calling near the Narrows and was
then found on Solfach on 20th and remained to 28th. Sea passage began to improve towards the end
of the month, and Grey Phalaropes, Long-tailed Skuas, Roseate Terns, Little Terns, Black Terns and Sooty
Shearwaters were all recorded on several dates.

September began well, and Wrynecks were a large feature of the month, with six individuals being
recorded over eight days. The first Lapland Bunting was seen on 5th, followed by the second earliest
record of Yellow-browed Warbler on 18th. Seawatching in the first half of the month was relatively
productive, with two Sooty Shearwaters, two Grey Phalaropes, one Long-tailed Skua and two Roseate
Terns being the highlights. Late September improved, with the highlights being three Curlew Sandpipers,
two Little Stints, two Sooty Shearwaters, 21 Balearic Shearwaters, one Black-throated Diver, one Great
Crested Grebe, one Sabine’s Gull and one Great White Egret. An Osprey was seen on 16th, and a Long-
eared Owl was present between 11th and 15th. A further two Yellow-browed Warblers and seven Lapland
Buntings were recorded, and the first Firecrest of the autumn appeared on 20th on Pen Cristin.

October proved productive. Chaffinch passage was poor, however, Redpolls and Linnets moved through
in their hundreds, and many made good use of the fantastic sunflower and barley fields that had been
planted specifically for migrant birds by the island’s farmer Gareth Roberts. The fields were, on most days,
alive with migrant finches and other birds, and the flowers added a vibrant splash of colour to the island
late in the season (see image over the page). Crossbills, Lapland Buntings, and Woodlarks were recorded
in single figures during the month. The only thrush movement produced 500 Redwings and 150 Blackbirds
on 14th. A late passage of Hirundines came on 21st with 389 Swallows and 53 House Martins

With several days having Westerly gales the sea produced highlights including one Red-throated Diver,
three Black-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, one Great Crested Grebe, one Balearic
Shearwater, four Sooty Shearwaters, one Leach’s Petrel, five Pale-bellied Brent Geese, six Pintails, one
Goldeneye, four Eider, seven Red-breasted Mergansers, one Grey Phalarope, two Pomarine Skuas, five
Arctic Skuas, 23 Great Skuas, one Little Gull and a Sabine’s Gull. The most unusual seawatching record of
the year was a Nightjar which flew south along the West Coast on 7th!

Away from the expected species there were a good scattering of scarce and rare birds in the month.
The only major rarity of the year was found on 3rd in the form of an Eastern Yellow Wagtail in the Lowlands,
it remained there until 6th; this was a new bird for the island and the second for Wales. A Marsh Warbler
was trapped 15th. Other scarcities included two Whooper Swans, one Hen Harrier, three Jack Snipe, two
‘Eastern’ Lesser Whitethroats, at least ten Yellow-browed Warblers, three Firecrests, two Black Redstarts
and a Richard’s Pipit.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail © George Dunbar

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STANSFIELD
16 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS’ ANNUAL REVIEW

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STANSFIELD

BIRD OBSERVATORIES COUNCIL 2020

BOC The 50th AGM of the BOC was again held at the
BTO’s HQ in Thetford. The meeting was huge and
Bird Observatories Council was attended by 39 people, with myself, Emma,
Peter Howlett and Mike Archer representing
BBFO. In total 19 of the 20 Observatories were
represented. There was a fantastic atmosphere
and buzz as the Observatories shared their plans
on how their work will benefit birds and wildlife,
and the BTO and the BOC are continuing to work
closely together.

The meeting itself was fantastic and followed on from the 2019 meeting as a productive, forward thinking
and progressive gathering. Items on the agenda which were discussed included:

• The new Memorandum of Understanding between the BOC and BTO was finally agreed
• Feather sampling of rare and scarce migrants was discussed and techniques demonstrated
• An update on data and BirdTrack
• Motus radio tagging project update, several new masts had been fitted – www.motus.org
• The Bird Fair stand - Emma and I produced a presentation on the updating and its production
• The Young Bird Observatories Volunteer Fund

During the meeting we decided that we were to visit Cape Clear in July for a summer meeting, however,
this had to be cancelled as the Covid pandemic took hold later in the year.

Members of the BOC at the BTO HQ © Emma Stansfield
18 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS’ ANNUAL REVIEW

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to finish this, my 23rd annual summary, as I always have, by thanking the many people who
helped in various ways. Firstly, to the few volunteers we were able to have on the island in 2020: Mark
Carter for all his help and assistance with getting the ground ready and the installation of the frames for
the Observatory’s solar panels which are due to be installed in 2021. Also to Josie Hewitt and Dan Owen
for their help as volunteers during the summer. Alex Starace spent the autumn as our only intern this year,
his smiles and enthusiasm were always nice to have around the island.

Thanks to all at Cwrt farm (especially Angharad and Carwyn) for their assistance with various aspects of
the work of the Observatory during the year, and for accepting deliveries from Amazon, Tesco etc. Living
on the island would have been very difficult in 2020 without their support. I would like to thank the residents
on the island for their help, in particular, Ernest and Christine Evans, and Gareth and Meriel Roberts and
their granddaughter Ela for helping through the year, and Colin Evans for transporting Emma, Connor
and myself to and from the mainland. Thanks to Emyr Owen and Mari Huws, BITL’s Wardens, for their
assistance on the island during the year and for looking after Cristin when there were no Observatory staff
on the island during the winter months. Tony John edited this report once again and for this deserves our
appreciation. Emma also spent a lot of time reading and re-working some of the draft sections and
entered all the editor’s changes. Emma then worked through much of the text with me and made a
valuable contribution to some of the texts before printing took place. Patrick Davies, Louis Driver and
Kevin Clements helped proof-read sections of the report and for this they deserve my thanks.

I would also like to thank all the Trustees who helped in various ways to make our lives on the island easier,
especially Alicia Normand and Dianne Charles for their continued work. I must thank Sam Prettyman and
George Dunbar, who from March to November acted as Assistant Wardens in a very difficult year. Their
ability to work alone and as part of our small team and for undertaking most tasks efficiently and
effectively, from entering data to fuelling the generators, so that I can put them out of my mind, and for
helping me to run the Observatory for the whole season was much appreciated.

At this point I need once more to thank Connor. Connor was 18 in April and has become quite a strong
lad; he has become increasingly helpful to the Observatory, and taking on responsibilities given to him.
Again, over the year amongst other things, he continued turning the generator on and off for us which
saved me so much time, so that I was able to continue working undisturbed. He also moves gas bottles
and pumped all the fuel for the Observatory’s central heating system into the tanks once it had been
delivered to us. Connor has also taken on the role of ‘Head of I.T.’, so whenever we have an I.T. problem,
Connor ably steps in and sorts it out for us, also looking after the internet for us and sorting out the phones,
tablets and laptops of our staff, interns and volunteers, so they don’t use up all the bandwidth. And so,
thanks again Connor, your help really is appreciated.

Finally, as ever I have to say a very big thank-you to my helpful, patient, caring and ever-loving wife
Emma, for her part in helping the whole set-up run as efficiently as it does. Emma continued her unpaid
role as ‘Domestics Manager’ during 2020 and has been over some years now taking on more of a role as
my PA, as well as her usual work helping to clean the Observatory every Saturday morning, keeping the
gift shop stocked, tidied and looked after, looking after the finer details in the Lodge and generally
making sure that things were kept up to our exacting standards as well as undertaking some paid work
for the Observatory checking data and records during the year. On top of that, Emma is much, much
more than my strength and encouragement when things get too much for me, which they regularly do,
always being there for me to bounce ideas off when I need her, listening to me moan about everything
when things go wrong, as well as helping and supporting in many, many other ways too numerous to
mention, but most importantly for being there for me as my best friend and caring and long-suffering and
very supportive wife.

64: 6-19 19

STANSFIELD

Henllwyn sunset © Steven Stansfield REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.
20

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS’ ANNUAL REVIEW

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PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR, HOOPER & STANSFIELD
.

2 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

Section 2

Avian Reports

Rose-coloured Starling
© Steven Stansfield

64: 24-63 3

PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR, HOOPER & STANSFIELD

MIGRATION DIARY
A daily digest through the seasons
Samuel Prettyman, George Dunbar & Steven Stansfield

Meadow Pipits REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.
© EphSraanimdPeerrlfiencgt s

© Steven Stansfield

4

MIGRATION DIARY

Sanderlings Calidris alba are a circumpolar high-Arctic breeding wader, and is
a long-distance migrant, wintering as far south as South America, Southern
Europe, Africa, and Australia. It is highly gregarious in winter, forming large
flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches. On Bardsey it is a passage
migrant, primarily in spring and occasionally in autumn. One leg-flagged bird
recorded on Bardsey in spring 2010 was ringed on Elsemere Island in Canada
two years previously!

Its name derives from Old English sand-yrðling or ‘sand-ploughman’. The 5
genus name Calidris is from Ancient Greek skalidris, a term used by the
philosopher Aristotle for a number of grey-coloured waterside birds. The
specific alba is Latin for ‘white’ which Sanderlings look in their winter plumage.

64: 24-63

PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

The Migration Diary describes, on a near-daily basis, the main migration
that occurs on Bardsey throughout the season.

SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

Spring migration was reasonable in 2020, with some class birds amongst some good
arrivals of migrants. Spring was good for Black Redstart, with 31 bird-days recorded, along
with a few good arrivals of Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in April. The spring’s only Osprey
flew north at sea on 17 April. May was very dry, with southerly winds for much of the month.
Highlights of the month were a male Tufted Duck on 9th a male Greenish Warbler at
Cristin and a Woodchat Shrike on 29th. On 30th a Shore Lark was seen on the South End
and a singing Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Cristin. June saw three singing male Common
Rosefinches in the first ten days of the month, and on 8th the second Blyth’s Reed Warbler
of the spring that was heard singing from dense cover in the Observatory Garden and a
Rose-coloured Starling was well predicted on 13th.

AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS

Early autumn saw wader numbers begin to build towards the end of July, with Common
Sandpipers peaking at ten. Up to 203 Willow Warblers counted on 24th and a Melodious
Warbler seen at Tŷ Capel was the first record for four years. The southerly winds produced
an unprecedented arrival of Yellow-legged Gulls with 18 individuals being recorded. The
earliest autumn Sabine’s Gull was off the South End with Kittiwakes on 3 August. By mid-
August passerine passage had increased and an Icterine Warbler was at Nant in the
evening of 15th, along with the first of four Wrynecks in August. An arrival of Willow
Warblers on 16th saw 407 along with five Pied Flycatchers. The island’s fifth record of
Citrine Wagtail was heard calling near the Narrows on 16th and was then pinned down on
Solfach on 20th and remained to 28th. Sea passage improved towards the month’s end,
with Grey Phalaropes, Long-tailed Skuas, Roseate Terns, Little Terns, Black Terns and Sooty
Shearwaters all recorded.

September saw six Wrynecks during the month. The first Lapland Bunting was seen on
5th, followed by the second earliest record of Yellow-browed Warbler on 18th. Seawatching
was relatively productive, with four Sooty Shearwaters, 21 Balearic Shearwaters, two Grey
Phalaropes, one Long-tailed Skua and two Roseate Terns a Black-throated Diver, a Great
Crested Grebe, a Sabine’s Gull and a Great White Egret seen. An Osprey was seen on 16th,
a good scattering of Yellow-browed Warblers and seven Lapland Buntings were recorded
later in the month, and the first Firecrest of the autumn appeared on 20th.

October was again productive. The only major rarity of the year was found on 3rd in the
form of an Eastern Yellow Wagtail in the Lowlands, it remained there until the 6th; this was
a new bird for the island and the second for Wales. Redpolls arrived in good numbers.
Crossbills, Lapland Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Woodlarks were recorded in single
figures. A Marsh Warbler was trapped 15th.

Westerly gales produced some more sea passage, with highlights including three Black-
throated Divers, Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Balearic Shearwater, four
Sooty Shearwaters, Leach’s Petrel, five Pale-bellied Brent Geese, six Pintail, a Goldeneye,
four Eider, seven Red-breasted Mergansers, another Grey Phalarope, two Pomarine Skuas,
23 Great Skuas, a Little Gull and another Sabine’s Gull, along with what was the most
unusual seawatching record of the year was a Nightjar which flew south along the West
Coast on the 7th! Other scarcities included two Whooper Swans, a Hen Harrier, three Jack
Snipes, two ‘Eastern’ Lesser Whitethroats, at least ten Yellow-browed Warblers, three
Firecrests, two Black Redstarts and a Richard’s Pipit.

26 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

Citrine Wagtail © Steven Stansfield 27
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PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

MARCH a Buzzard and a Merlin at the South End, whilst the
number of Oystercatchers had increased to 137.
Whilst the observatory staff were delayed in their Seven Shelducks, 26 Starlings and seven
crossing, the first returning Manx Shearwater of Goldfinches were seen and nine Snipes and one
the year was heard calling on 15th by Bardsey Jack Snipe were flushed from the wetlands. This
Trust Wardens. The observatory staff were then peak spring count of 28 Snipes and four Jack
able to cross three days later on 18th and were Snipes was then recorded the following day on
greeted upon arrival at Cristin by a Barn Owl that 22nd. In contrast to the cold easterlies of the
was roosting in the tractor shed. The pellets and previous days, south-easterlies brought in some
faeces suggested that it had been using the site warmth. This coincided with the peak spring
for some time. The bird was caught, ringed and count of 216 Meadow Pipits. The first White
released. A handful of migrants were already Wagtail of the year was seen at Tŷ Pellaf, a Stock
present in the garden, including a singing Dove in the lowlands and 30 Razorbills at the
Firecrest, five Goldcrests, three Chiffchaffs and North End. Six Robins, 19 Stonechats, three
two Redwings. Five additional Redwings were Wheatears, 23 Chiffchaffs, 38 Goldcrests, 20
heard flying over Cristin later that night along with Carrion Crows and six Siskins were also recorded.
two Manx Shearwaters. Another warm, calm day on 23rd saw Chiffchaff
numbers continue to steadily build and
The first full day of the season on 19th allowed for Goldcrests continue to pass through, with 52 and
a more thorough census of the early migrants and 24 respectively recorded across the island. A
potential breeders, of which 11 Stonechats, 12 Kestrel was seen over the lowlands, a
Pied Wagtails, 56 Meadow Pipits and one Robin Sparrowhawk over the South End and the first
were recorded. Nine Rock Pipits were seen, three Puffins of the season were seen off the North
including a Darvic-ringed individual that had End. Two Snipes, eight Redshank and seven
been captured on Solfach in August 2019. A large Jackdaws were recorded along with the first Blue
proportion of the North End gull colony had also Tit of the year at Cristin, the first Collared Dove of
already returned, including 220 Herring Gulls and the year at Nant and a Stock Dove was again
31 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Amongst the gulls present at the North End.
there were six Canada Geese. Waders across the
island totalled 112 Oystercatchers, two Curlew, 12 The first Manx Shearwater ringing of the season
Redshank and 15 Turnstones. Two Shelducks were took place in the early hours of 24th, during which
present on Henllwyn. Other notable migrants 50 birds were seen along the West Coast. Whilst
included a Merlin hunting around the South End, ringing, a single Woodcock was flushed from the
a singing Skylark, two Jackdaws and a flock of 46 lowlands. Eight further wader species were seen
Starlings. A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was in the during the day, totalling 15 Purple Sandpipers,
light trap on the morning of 20th, a migrant two Jack Snipes, two Whimbrels, seven Curlews,
species not normally caught at this time of year. six Redshanks and 23 Turnstones. Singles of Black
It is possible that this individual may have Redstart, Swallow and Blackcap, and six
overwintered here in a building having arrived Common Gulls were also seen, all being the first
last autumn. The number of pipits had doubled, for the year. Two Whimbrels were seen at the
with 111 Meadow Pipits and 17 Rock Pipits South End, also firsts for the year, of which one
present, both of which could be seen was colour-ringed bird as a juvenile on Bardsey in
parachuting and heard singing. Eight Guillemots 2016. Passerine migration continued to gain pace
were seen on seawatch from the North End, three as the first seven Willow Warblers of the year, 84
Purple Sandpipers were on the Narrows and 15 Chiffchaffs, 28 Goldcrests, three Firecrests and
Snipes and two Teal were in the wetlands, all of 194 Meadow Pipits were all seen. Auk numbers
which were the first for the year. A Buzzard was had also increased, with 90 Guillemots, 41
seen over the lowlands and a Merlin was again Razorbills and 14 Puffins recorded off the North
recorded at the South End. The 21st was very End. A Buzzard and a Merlin were also recorded.
similar with continued steady passage. The first The 25th was similarly good for warblers with 106
Wheatear of the year, a male, was seen at Traeth Chiffchaffs, 15 Willow Warblers and 16 Blackcaps
Ffynnon, and the first Song Thrush of the year was recorded, as well as 42 Goldcrests. A Hooded
seen at Nant. Raptor presence again consisted of Crow, three Black Redstarts and a Danish-ringed
Robin were other highlights. The number of Black
28
REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

Redstarts doubled on 26th as six were seen, Of the tits and finches, just six Coal Tits, one Blue
although the standout total was 195 Goldcrests, Tit, two Great Tits and six Chaffinches were still
110 of which were at Nant. It was also the final present on 28th. Goldcrest numbers had also
day of peak spring Chiffchaff passage as 88 were fallen again to just 15. Black Redstarts and
recorded, along with ten Willow Warblers. Thrush Wheatears continued to trickle through, with
passage had also picked up and 28 Redwings, three and six recorded of each respectively. The
ten Fieldfares, 11 Blackbirds and a Mistle Thrush first four Black-headed Gulls of the year were also
were logged. Linnet numbers had also increased present with a Common Gull. Strong northerly
as 70 were recorded. Ten Snipes and one Jack winds on 29th meant that few passerines were
Snipe were seen in the wetlands, 124 Meadow recorded, with one Blackcap and the Cristin-
Pipits were present across the island and a Stock ringed Black Redstart being the highlights. The
Dove was seen at Nant. The previous day’s conditions were more favourable for
Blackcaps had clearly moved on as only one was seawatching, however, which produced 54
recorded at Nant, along with the first Great Tit of Manx Shearwaters, as well as the Mediterranean
the year. The first Lesser Redpoll of the year was Gull and the first Grey Plover of the year. Other
also seen at the Observatory. Two migrant Dark waders recorded on the island were one
Sword-grass moths were also trapped overnight. Whimbrel, four Curlews, four Redshanks and 16
Tits and finches were prominent throughout 27th Turnstones. Four Canada Geese were also seen
as 17 Coal Tits, four Blue Tits, four Great Tits, 26 on the Narrows. The long-staying Stock Dove was
Chaffinches, six Bramblings, 11 Siskin, four last recorded on 30th. Three new Black Redstarts
Goldfinch, five Lesser Redpolls and a Bullfinch joined the Cristin-ringed individual on the island,
were recorded. 70 Goldcrests and two Black including two at Nant. Also at Nant were five Coal
Redstarts were still present, including one that was Tits, one Blue Tit and four Great Tits. Finches were
ringed at Cristin on the previous day. The first Rook more numerous than on the previous two days as
of the year was seen at Nant with 12 Carrion 19 Chaffinches 12 Goldfinches, two Siskins and
Crows and two Hooded Crows. Three Buzzards, nine Linnets were recorded. Two Jackdaws were
two Fieldfares and 27 Redwings were also seen. also seen. Tits continued to come and go as two

Whimbrel © Steven Stansfield

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PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

Coal Tits, two Blue Tits and eight Great Tits were heard flying around the Narrows, a scarce
recorded on 31st. One of the Black Redstarts was vagrant to Bardsey and the first recorded this
still present at Cristin, as well as two Blackcaps, year. Corvids totalled one Rook, 24 Carrion Crows
and a Swallow was seen at Nant. The month drew and six Ravens. Elsewhere, four Redshanks and
to a close with two Woodcocks and nine Snipes ten Canada Geese were seen. Warm south-
seen along the West Coast in the evening. westerly winds on 4th produced the busiest day
for migrants so far in April as six Blackcaps, three
APRIL Chiffchaffs, 22 Willow Warblers, and 15 Goldcrests
were recorded. Two more Black Redstarts were
A Black Redstart at Cristin, a Merlin on the South seen, with one at Cristin and another at the
End, two Blue Tits and four Great Tits kicked off the Lighthouse. The number of Linnets had also
month in a similar fashion to last. Continual increased as 94 were recorded around. Nine
turnover of tits was evident from the arrival of a Redshank were seen on Henllwyn, which was the
ringed Blue Tit that had originally been caught in peak spring count. A Whimbrel and a Curlew
Cheshire. The two Jackdaws in the lowlands were were seen on the Narrows and three White
joined by ten Carrion Crows. A Skylark at Tŷ Pellaf, Wagtails were on Solfach. The peak spring count
a Willow Warbler at Cristin and seven Chiffchaffs of both Carrion and Hooded Crows was 31 and
were also present. Five Redwings were heard four of each respectively. The first two Swallows of
flying over the island in the early hours of 2nd. the month were seen at the North End. The first
During the day a Kestrel was seen coming in off Greenfinch of the year arrived on 5th in strong
the sea at the North End, four Snipes and one southerly winds. The first Ringed Plover of the year
Woodcock were seen in the Lowlands and corvid was also seen on Solfach and the first Sand Martin
numbers had risen to 17 Carrion Crows and eight of the year was recorded along with 19 Swallows.
Ravens. Strong winds provided good conditions for
seawatching which produced a total of 157
A Collared Dove, three Coal Tits and two Siskins Gannets. Elsewhere, Oystercatcher numbers
were recorded at Cristin. The first and only Red- continued to build as 102 were recorded, 33
throated Diver of the spring was recorded on 3rd, Willow Warblers were counted and a Mistle Thrush
a summer-plumaged bird that flew north along was heard singing at Nant. A Grasshopper
the West Coast. Three Twite were also seen and Warbler was heard reeling at Tŷ Pellaf early on 6th

Willow Warbler © Steven Stansfield

30 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

and hirundine passage continued later in the day 101 were recorded, including a French-ringed
as six Sand Martins, 22 Swallows and the first five bird caught at Nant, also present were 24
House Martins of the year were recorded. The Chiffchaffs and 22 Blackcaps. The peak spring
peak spring count of 191 Oystercatchers was count of 28 White Wagtails was recorded on
recorded. Other wader numbers included six Solfach, along with a Ringed Plover. A Greenfinch
Snipes in the Wetlands and two Whimbrels. 115 was ringed at Cristin with three Siskins and a Lesser
Meadow Pipits were recorded across the island, Redpoll. The female Bullfinch was also still present.
tit passage continued with four Coal Tits and Two long-distance migrants were first recorded
seven Blue Tits and corvid passage continued on 10th as a female Common Redstart was
with 28 Carrion Crows and a Hooded Crow. Two trapped at Cristin and a Sedge Warbler was
Lesser Redpolls flew over the South End. On 7th a heard singing from Cristin Withy. 60 Blackcaps,
female Bullfinch was caught at Cristin, whilst a 104 Willow Warblers and six Chiffchaffs were
male was seen at Nant. Also at Nant were a Black present. Wheatears continued to steadily pass
Redstart, two Lesser Redpolls, four Redwings in the through as 14 were recorded. The first Purple
Plantation and a Grasshopper Warbler in the Sandpiper since March was seen on the Narrows
withy. Four of the day’s five Coal Tits were seen at in with 21 Turnstones. Other waders recorded
Nant, with the other trapped at Cristin, and just were two Whimbrels, three Curlews, 110
one Blue Tit was seen. Warblers on 7th numbered Oystercatchers and a Snipe. Corvid numbers
20 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs and 24 Willow totalled eight Jackdaws, 24 Carrion Crows and a
Warblers, a Buzzard and a Skylark were seen Hooded Crow. 100 Manx Shearwaters were
along the west side of the Mountain. ringed overnight and a further 50 were re-
trapped. Whilst out ringing, Redwings were heard
Migrants were low in number on 8th. Just one on three separate occasions. 11th was beautifully
Swallow was recorded along with four Curlews, 11 calm and sunny which led to the first decent
Wheatears, four Jackdaws and two Lesser arrival of Willow Warblers; over the course of the
Redpolls. Warblers numbered five Blackcaps, five day 221 were counted, largely seen in the low
Chiffchaffs and 12 Willow Warblers. There was a vegetation on the west side of the Mountain.
vast improvement on 9th as two Grasshopper There was a year first in the form of three Crossbills
Warblers were present and the number of Willow which were seen in the Plantation with three
Warblers entered treble figures for the first time as Siskins, Crossbills are a fairly scarce bird for the

Ringed Plover © Steven Stansfield

64: 24-63 31

PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

island, usually only recorded as they fly over. flying from Pen Cristin over the west side of the
Similar to Willow Warbler, Blackcaps arrived in Mountain. The first large influx of Wheatears
decent numbers with 81 recorded, of which 27 occurred; 88 were recorded across the island,
were ringed. Two Grasshopper Warblers were with quite a good percentage of the Greenland
heard reeling in the calm weather, and one Blue race. A distinctive pale Buzzard with a missing
Tit remained. A flock of 25 Purple Sandpipers on primary on the right wing which was present the
the rocks around the Narrows, one Whimbrel and previous day was seen again. Hirundine passage
three Curlews were the best of the passing was slight but varied with three Sand Martins, nine
waders. Despite the fog on 12th, there appeared Swallows and four House Martins. More passerine
to have been a clear out of birds, only ten Willow passage included one Skylark, two White
Warblers and ten Blackcaps were recorded Wagtails and ten Goldfinches. The sunny weather
throughout the day. However, ten Wheatears continued on 16th and brought a bumper day of
were recorded and were pairing up in the North- migration, particularly for Willow Warblers,
West Fields. Three Redshanks, three Turnstones Blackcaps and Wheatears. Many different
and the second Grey Plover of the year seen on shades of Willow Warblers were caught, some
the South End added some variety to the wader were very frosty looking, but didn’t have the
counts. One Curlew and four Whimbrels were biometrics to confirm any particular ssp. In total 78
other passage waders recorded. A larger influx of were caught and 455 were recorded across the
Wheatears was very welcome during the cool island, the highest day total of the year for the
northerly breeze on 13th; 21 were recorded. species. Blackcaps, similarly had a good day; 209
Many of the males were acting territorially, were recorded, again the highest day total of the
numbers of this species will increase far beyond year. Furthermore, Wheatears also set their day
this total in the coming weeks. Hirundine passage total record of 244. Ten Grasshopper Warblers
picked up, with one Sand Martin and 12 Swallows. which could be heard reeling across the west side
There were also more warblers, including 54 of the Mountain set another record day-total for
Blackcaps, five Chiffchaffs and 23 Willow the year. Other warblers include three Sedge
Warblers. The tit invasion continued, with one Blue Warblers, three Whitethroats (the first records of
Tit and Two Great Tits adding to the already high the year) and 35 Chiffchaffs. Three Tree Pipits
total for this family. The highlight of the day had to were seen flying over and bolstered the pipit
be the first and only Marsh Harrier of the year, numbers with 37 Meadow Pipits which were also
which almost went unnoticed as it flew high over flying north. A male Redstart in the gorse at the
the Mountain in the early evening. More calm North End was the first of three recorded
and sunny weather on 14th provided some gentle throughout the day. Hirundine numbers were
passage. Goldfinches were the theme of the day much the same as the previous day, 12 Swallows,
with 32 recorded in total and 18 ringed, a very five Sand Martins and three House Martins were
respectable tally for Bardsey in what would prove recorded. Wader passage was more varied and
to be a very good year for the species; amongst included the first Common Sandpiper,
the fly-over migrants were two Buzzards, a Red Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit of the year.
Kite, a Kestrel two Tree Pipits and 16 Swallows, 125 Oystercatchers five Curlews, and 29
and, out at sea 18 Gannets were recorded during Whimbrels were also recorded throughout the
the morning. Wheatear numbers picked up to 27 day. After a streak of sunny weather, it turned
including the first ‘Greenland’ Wheatear of the grey on 17th and 25mph winds swept through
year; these were seen in the fields around the Bardsey; the highlight was undoubtedly an
island with 69 Meadow Pipits. Four White Wagtails Osprey which was seen over the sea during a
were seen on Solfach, and elsewhere on the seawatch from the North End. 26 Wheatears were
Narrows the usual Oystercatchers were recorded, recorded, many of which were likely lingering
89 and one Curlew. Yet more calm weather on after the previous day’s influx. A Grey Plover and
15th brought an incredibly early Wryneck, a a Common Sandpiper were the best of the
favourite bird for many. It was flushed from the waders, both seen around the Narrows. Also, on
track just below the Schoolhouse, this unusual the Narrows, on the rocks near Solfach was a
spring record was one of the first recorded continental Song Thrush. It was later in the
Wrynecks in Britain in 2020. There were more afternoon when passerines began to appear in
additions to the year list in the form of a Dunlin Cristin Garden, among them were 63 Willow
and Ring Ouzel, the latter was a female seen Warblers, 92 Blackcaps, 16 Chaffinches, 35

32 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

Goldfinches and the first Pied Flycatcher of the insects over the ponds attracted 18 Swallows, five
year, a male which was later caught. 18th was Sand Martins and 14 House Martins. Wader
even gustier and sea passage was quite passage was quiet and included one Redshank
productive with 62 Manx Shearwaters, one Great and 13 Turnstones, 96 Oystercatchers were also
Northern Diver and a Sandwich Tern, as well as 35 present on Henllwyn, but many of these will be
Gannets and two Black-headed Gulls. Besides breeding birds on Bardsey. More good migration
seabirds on the seawatch, 14 Whimbrels flew on a calm and sunny 20th produced nice spring
north quite far out which increased the day total migrants such as three Redstarts, three Pied
to 22. Similar to the previous day, passerines Flycatchers and a male Ring Ouzel. A great
picked up in the afternoon when 42 Willow surprise was a ‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff, a bird that
Warblers dropped into Cristin garden with 55 went entirely absent in 2019, was seen feeding
Blackcaps and 114 Goldfinches. The ringed Pied and heard calling on the edge of Tŷ Capel
Flycatcher from the previous day reappeared in garden. Swallow passage had risen, 84 counted
Tŷ Bach garden. Wheatear numbers rose to 44 is the highest total of the year so far, these passed
across the island, an increase from the previous over the island with two Sand Martins and a
day, but paling in comparison to the numbers House Martin. Blackcap numbers were beginning
recorded earlier in the week. The weather had to decline, but 49 were recorded, a good total for
cleared up slightly on 19th, although it was still the time of year. One Bar-tailed Godwit, nine
overcast and drizzly in the morning, the sun did Whimbrels and two Curlews made up the
come out in the afternoon. The Goldfinch influx passage wader numbers.
continued, 30 were present in the garden first
thing in morning and the day total grew to 122. As well as bright sunshine, 21st also brought the
Other migrants include the 6th Sedge Warbler of well water to a new low point. The 20mph
the year, two Grasshopper Warblers, a southerly meant passerines were not easily seen,
Whitethroat, 88 Wheatears and a Redstart, a but a rare spring record of a Lapland Bunting was
male that was seen in the lowlands in the taken on the South End as it fed around the short
afternoon. Whimbrel numbers continue to grow, grass and the track. A Bar-tailed Godwit was
a flock of 20 was seen around the coastline. Flying roosting with 105 Oystercatchers on Solfach. A

Black redstart © Steven Stansfield

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Red Kite was the second record of the year for day for Wheatears, not the highest total, but 129
this scarce island species, it was luckily seen spread across the island was very good to see,
sneaking over the Mountain. There was a nice most of these were ‘Greenland’ birds which are
variety of warblers including two Whitethroats, 82 larger with richer orange tones spread further
Blackcaps, 13 Chiffchaffs and 29 Willow Warblers. along the underside. 23rd was sunny and calm
More spring migrants included two Pied yet again. This brought some migrants in, most
Flycatchers seen between Cristin and Nant, as notably, 41 Sand Martins mainly seen in the early
well as 50 Wheatears across the island fields. A evening feeding over the farm. This is the highest
Black Redstart was very obliging and sat on the count to date, but numbers will increase for this
walls around Cristin in the late afternoon, species providing the weather is favourable.
providing great views. The Narrows produced 11 Accompanying the Sand Martins were 77
Shelducks, 21 Mallards, 13 Whimbrels, a Curlew Swallows and 13 House Martins. The trickle of
and a Redshank. Three Snipes added to these Collared Doves continued, just one was present
wader totals, recorded in the wetland areas. at Tŷ Nesaf. One Buzzard, one Kestrel and one
22nd April was the hottest day of the year so far, Peregrine were all that came in the way of
the Lapland Bunting was still present on the South raptors. Visible migration produced just two Tree
End and remained there all day, as did the Black Pipits throughout the day. Willow Warbler
Redstart at Cristin. The third Grasshopper Warbler numbers have fallen and the five caught at Cristin
of the year to be ringed was trapped at Cristin in were the only ones recorded; also caught were
the morning, a very good year so far for this five Chiffchaffs and three Goldcrests, however
species with 27 records. Yet again a Bar-tailed the latter are possible breeders. The Lapland
Godwit was present on Solfach, five Curlews, Bunting was still present on 24th and was showing
Snipe and 14 Whimbrels were amongst the other well in the usual spot on the South End. The
passage waders. Swallow numbers increased highlight of the day was a moulting adult Black
even more, a total of 126 was the new highest Kite which soared over the Plantation and
total of the year. Blackcaps had another good headed north towards the mainland. This was
day of 69 individuals just before numbers begin to only the 5th record for the island and brought the
dwindle in late April and May. It was a bumper

Wheatear © Steven Stansfield

34 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

year list to 111. Besides this, a staggering 393 Sand the best of any passerine movement. It was a
Martins passed over the withies, the highest day decent day for waders, considering the time of
count of the year; these were with 73 Swallows year, 31 Whimbrels on the South End, one
and 16 House Martins. The year list saw two other Redshank and six Turnstones gave some variety to
additions on this date in the form of a Yellow the day list. Willow Warbler passage continued to
Wagtail and a Swift which both flew north over decrease with only nine recorded throughout the
the South End. The first Lesser Whitethroat was day. 35mph winds on 30th and rainfall in the
ticked off on 25th after being caught at Cristin, a morning was not ideal for recording passerines.
further six warbler species were also caught, Despite the conditions, the Lapland Bunting was
including 12 Blackcaps, seven Sedge Warblers, six still present on the South End track and a female
Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher was in Cristin garden and a Black
Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff. After the previous Redstart remained in the courtyard. Five
day’s phenomenal Sand Martin passage, it Blackcaps, 13 Chiffchaffs and 15 Willow Warblers
seemed very quiet with just 13 recorded. One were also seen across the island. Instead,
Kestrel was recorded at the North End, but no seawatching proved to be fairly fruitful from the
other raptors. Whimbrel numbers finally jumped North End, two Arctic Terns added to the year list,
up and a flock of 30 was seen around the Narrows with these were two Sandwich Terns, 467 Manx
and the South End; the only other waders were Shearwaters, 44 Gannets, 48 Kittiwakes and one
the resident 79 Oystercatchers. When the year’s Black-headed Gull, all of which flew south.
first Cuckoo was heard on 26th, it was clear that
spring was with us; it was heard through the fog MAY
coming from the Lowlands and headed up to
Cristin. Unfortunately, the fog meant that The 1st of May brought the second
passerines were thin on the ground, with 18 Willow Mediterranean Gull of the year which flew south
Warblers and seven Chiffchaffs making up the past the North End hide. Seawatching was quiet,
bulk of the passage migrants. However, there was and besides the Mediterranean Gull, just 27
a flurry of waders down on the Narrows, the first Gannets and 46 Manx Shearwaters were
Purple Sandpiper in over a week was seen, as well recorded. However, a late White Wagtail landed
as five Dunlins, one Bar-tailed Godwit, three in front of the hide after coming in off the sea. The
Whimbrels, two Curlews, three Turnstones and Lapland Bunting remained on the South End for
one Grey Plover which was caught on the the tenth day and a Black Redstart also remained
Narrows. A gentle northerly on an otherwise in Cristin courtyard. One Sand Martin flew over
glorious day brought a male Pied Flycatcher into the Narrows, also on the Narrows were four
one of the Cristin nets on 27th. Passage of Turnstones which added to the wader total of 29
passerines is beginning to dwindle but saw a small Whimbrels, one Curlew and 131 Oystercatchers.
boost in Wheatear passage with 44 seen in the The sun broke out on 2nd and more passerines
fields around the island. Other than Wheatears, were recorded as a result. The resident
the only other passerines of note were 23 Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers were heard
Blackcaps, a respectable total for late April, and singing along the Mountainside; as well as this a
27 Willow Warblers. However, a Hooded Crow good spring record of Reed Bunting was had
added some welcome variety as it flew in off the flying north over the island. The largest count of
North End and headed south. The much-needed Sedge Warblers so far was taken with 20 recorded
rain on 28th meant birding was not as productive; throughout the day, including one caught at
the highlight was a Black Redstart which hung Cristin and found to have been ringed in
around Cristin until the evening. A flock of 18 Mauritania in 2019. The calmer weather meant
Whimbrels was present on the South End, with the hirundines were seen passing over in slightly
only other migrant waders being two Dunlins and higher numbers including eight House Martins
four Turnstones on Solfach. 13 Chiffchaffs and 20 and two Sand Martins. Besides Sedge Warblers,
Willow Warblers and 25 Goldfinches were the bulk other warbler numbers also increased, 25
of the passerine passage. Hirundine passage has Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 18 Willow Warblers, a
been declining, nine Swallows were recorded Grasshopper Warbler and 13 Whitethroats
and could simply just be the breeding birds. More provided a nice boost in records this late in the
rain on 29th meant birding was difficult, an spring. Later in the afternoon, the first Spotted
increase to two Black Redstarts around Cristin was
35
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PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

Flycatcher of the year started calling in the Plovers, a Common Sandpiper and a bonus Grey
Sycamore in Cristin garden. The Lapland Bunting Plover. A seawatch produced two Fulmars, 28
was present once again and a Hooded Crow on Gannets, two Shags, 40 Puffins, 80 Razorbills and
the West Coast was another scarcity for the day. 200 Manx Shearwaters in the space of half an
Calm weather on 3rd provided a fly-over Yellow hour. Passerine passage was also good with a
Wagtail and a Hooded Crow from Cristin. During very impressive 130 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows, 16
a ringing session in the morning another House Martins, ten Spotted Flycatchers and two
Grasshopper Warbler was caught, the sixth to be Bullfinches which were potentially the same
caught in 2020. A passage of 31 House Martins, 52 individuals as the previous day. A good variety of
Swallows and eight House Martins over Pen Cristin waders were on the Narrows on 8th, the new
in the late afternoon provided a nice flurry of late additions being three Sanderlings, with them
spring records. Whimbrel numbers dropped to were 11 Dunlins, 20 Turnstones, 25 Purple
nine, other waders included three Turnstones on Sandpipers and three Whimbrels. Another Yellow
Solfach. Wader numbers picked in both variety Wagtail was heard flying over and a small
and numbers on 4th, ten Dunlins, seven increase to three Collared Doves was recorded.
Turnstones, two Ringed Plovers and five Whimbrels Two Garden Warblers added some welcome
were present around the Narrows with the regular variety, one at Nant and one at Cristin, these
breeding Oystercatchers across the island. A nice were with a total of 30 Blackcaps, the highest
arrival of Spotted Flycatchers appeared in Cristin count of the month. A calm start on 9th saw a
garden, six were counted in total and we hope Lesser Whitethroat singing in Cristin garden and
that this number will start to rise from now on. Sand two Grasshopper Warblers in Tŷ Pellaf reedbed.
Martins and House Martins had another decent Grey Wagtails made their way onto the year list
day with 12 and eight respectively. 55 Swallows as three flew over the South End. One Sanderling,
recorded clearly had to include some migrants, seven Dunlins, three Ringed Plovers, 27 Turnstones
as opposed to simply being the breeding pairs. and three Grey Plovers were the best of the
5th brought a good number of small waders, two waders, all of which were seen around the
Ringed Plovers and 22 Dunlins was the year’s high Narrows. The rarest bird of the day was
count. More migrants included 14 Spotted undoubtedly a Tufted Duck which circled around
Flycatchers, mainly recorded in the gardens the Lowlands before landing in the Tŷ Pellaf pond,
around the island and 28 Willow Warblers and 22 this is the 36th record for the island, it stayed for
Blackcaps is an increase compared to recent the whole day and allowed for decent views. Two
days. The highlight of the day was a year tick in Black-headed Gulls and a Kestrel over Pen Cristin
the form of a Whinchat which appeared in a also added to the day list. A biting northerly on
recently ploughed area at Nant, but a late White 10th brought the temperature back down, it also
Wagtail on Solfach was another nice surprise. Two reduced visible migration to one Skylark and two
Bullfinches in the light south-easterly winds on 6th Rooks. The Tufted Duck remained from the
were the first records in over a month and were previous day but flew south off the island in the
recorded in Green Lane. Yet another two late morning. A Cuckoo was heard singing at Tŷ
Grasshopper Warblers were recorded as they Nesaf and the highest count of Wheatears for the
reeled from the Mountainside in the sunshine. month was recorded at 34. 13 Spotted
Dunlin passage increased further with a year Flycatchers were counted throughout the day,
record of 70 on Solfach with ten Ringed Plovers, the second highest total of the month so far.
32 Purple Sandpipers and two Turnstones. Besides Waders included 11 Dunlins, six Turnstones, two
the small waders, Whimbrel numbers were still Ringed Plovers, 13 Whimbrels, a Common
quite high with 11. Hirundines were making the Sandpiper and two Curlews. 13 Spotted
most of the southerlies, 17 Sand Martins, 24 House Flycatchers were present across the island and
Martins and 37 Swallows could be seen flying over the Greylag Goose remained on Pwll Cain and
the lowlands. Other passerines included a good the regular Grey Heron seen almost daily through
number of 27 Sedge Warblers, 21 Blackcaps, 20 May was present in the Wetlands. 11th was
Willow Warblers and four Spotted Flycatchers. A quieter with a 26mph northerly, wader counts
Greylag Goose joined the pair of Canada Geese dropped to seven Dunlins, four Turnstones, two
on Pwll Cain, remarkably only the 65th Bardsey Ringed Plovers, 21 Whimbrels and 24
record. Wader numbers were still strong on 7th Oystercatchers most of these were on Solfach
with Solfach providing 47 Dunlins, seven Ringed where there were also two White Wagtails

36 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

Knot © George Dunbar calmer weather, a Garden Warbler was caught
at Cristin and four were recorded, five Spotted
feeding on the small flies and sandhoppers. A Flycatchers were recorded throughout the day as
male Cuckoo was still present at Nant and was well as 21 Blackcaps and 18 Sedge Warblers. 15th
busy singing from the gardens. The weather on was one of the quietest days so far for migration
12th was a cool, gentle northerly but otherwise which is a sign of the summer lull to come. It was
very sunny day. A brick-red summer plumaged a calm sunny day and the best of the bunch was
Knot that was dazzled overnight was present on a Spotted Flycatcher at Nant. Down on Solfach
the Narrows in the morning. There were other there had been a clear out of waders that had
waders too, in the form of nine Ringed Plovers, a become quite a steady sight, just two Whimbrels
Dunlin, eight Turnstones, four Whimbrels, a Curlew were recorded as far as waders go. Things were
and a Sanderling. These were mainly on Solfach looking up on 16th and the action kicked off with
with two White Wagtails once again. Although two Cuckoos, a male and a female, in Cristin
many of the warblers that were present on the garden. The summer-plumaged Knot was still
island were the breeding individuals, a present on Solfach where it has been for almost a
Grasshopper Warbler could be heard singing on week. Other waders include 11 Whimbrels and
the Mountainside. 13th was a slow day for two Curlews. The scarcest birds of the day were
migrants, the wind was a 13mph northerly, nine Jackdaws that flew high over the island in
following the northerly the previous day. The Knot the early morning. After two quiet days in a row,
was still present on Solfach with four Turnstones, it was very nice to have a count of 62 House
eight Ringed Plovers and four Turnstones. Waders Martins and 419 Swallows on 17th, perhaps
were the bulk of the migrants as the passerines pushed along by the 17mph southerly. But either
included just one White Wagtail and one Spotted way it was an uplifted late burst for these
Flycatcher. 14th picked up slightly, Ringed Plovers migrants. Four Curlews and eight Whimbrels
increased their year high count to 12, there were made up the rest of the passage species seen.
also 18 Dunlins, two Sanderlings and the same Waders were more varied on 18th, the weather
Knot on Solfach, all making use of the was rougher with a 30mph south-westerly. On
abundance of sandhoppers to build fat reserves Solfach and the Narrows, one Sanderling, a Knot,
as they continue their migrations north. There
were more migrant passerines brought in by the 37

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PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

a Turnstone and a Purple Sandpiper made a nice but two Reed Warblers were the best that the day
variety, even if the quantities were small. Larger had to offer, hopes were that this gentle weather
waders included four Whimbrels and two Curlews will eventually provide something a little unusual.
as well as 78 Oystercatchers. A seawatch took Besides Reed Warblers, migration consisted of
place during the morning and produced 254 one Curlew, two Whimbrels and one Buzzard over
Gannets, 246 Kittiwakes, 35 Fulmars, 161 Puffins Nant. Nant was the main source of interest on
and 4974 Manx Shearwaters. Despite similar 26th, producing five Spotted Flycatchers and two
weather conditions, 19th produced better Collared Doves, a further three Spotted
numbers of passage passerines, 45 Swallows, Flycatchers were also recorded in the withies
three Sand Martins and 21 House Martins made giving the highest day count for over two weeks.
up the hirundine numbers. A small arrival of six Two Sand Martins were recorded flying over North
Spotted Flycatchers at Nant was modest, but West Fields, meaning that the gentle southerlies
welcome none-the-less. The hirundine action experienced over the last few days are beginning
increased greatly on 20th, producing 180 House to provide some activity. The wind swung round
Martins, the highest count of the year so far, with and pushed from the north on 27th. This change
them were six Sand Martins and 68 Swallows. The in weather held promise, the first Lesser Redpoll of
other passerine to slightly increase in numbers the month was caught at Cristin, which was one
were Spotted Flycatchers with seven recorded, of four seen throughout the day. There was a stark
the highest count for ten days. The highest increase in other migrants, too. For example, 30
Sanderling count of the year was had too, 11 Spotted Flycatchers were recorded, 26 of which
were feeding on Solfach with eight Dunlins and were in the Plantation. The other highlight of the
seven Ringed Plovers. Some of the Sanderling day was a Garden Warbler which was also at
were in almost total breeding plumage. There Nant. A Garden Warbler remained on a very hot
was drizzle early in the morning on 21st, this meant and calm 28th, migrants were in shorter supply,
passerines were not as easy to record, but there but four Collared Doves in the Lowlands made it
were three Ringed Plovers, two Dunlins and five onto the list, three Whimbrels were the only
Turnstones on Solfach, there had been a clear- migrant waders present. Bardsey struck gold on
out of Sanderlings, however. Other migrants were 29th, gentle south-westerlies of 12mph after the
very thin on the ground, with no notable passage gentle northerlies of the last two days proved very
of passerines. Strong winds on 22nd made birding positive. Perhaps it was also the strong southerlies
for passerines all but impossible, a Garden experienced during the last week that finally
Warbler in Cristin garden was the highlight of the gave the goods. The action started with the first
day. Passing out at sea during a morning watch Greenish Warbler of the year and 20th for Bardsey
were 500 Manx Shearwaters and 53 Gannets. singing its chaotic song in Cristin garden. This bird
23rd brought more 40mph winds from the south- was caught soon after and was the 10th spring
west and a seawatch took place throughout the record in the last ten years. It didn’t stop there
morning from the North End hide. Counts though, a Turtle Dove was seen at the Farm shortly
included 178 Gannets, 469 Kittiwakes, 18 Fulmars, after, another first for the year which was quite
1000 Guillemots and 600 Razorbills, not much elusive as it quickly flew between fields and
passage migration but probable seabirds from hedges. However, the star of the day had to be a
other breeding colonies. Once again, there was female Woodchat Shrike which was first seen on
a lack of passage for passerines, but three the perimeter of the Plantation. It then spent the
Spotted Flycatchers in the Plantation kept interest day flying between fence lines catching insects
up. Six Collared Doves, including four flying over such as honeybees from the dried grass fields. It
were the main migrant land birds of the day. gave exceptional views, at times, observers were
Things did pick up with the calm and sunny within ten metres of this brilliant Mediterranean
weather on 24th. Migrant passerines were in vagrant. It constituted the 27th record for Bardsey
increased supply with three Spotted Flycatchers but the first for eight years. So, although more
in the Withies and a Garden Warbler at Cristin. ‘common’ than the Greenish Warbler, the looks
Other passerines were singing such as a Blackcap and character made this the highlight of the
in Nant Withy and Whitethroats along the spring for many. Migrants include one Buzzard, six
Mountainside. Waders included the usual Spotted Flycatchers and an increase of Garden
Oystercatcher and four Whimbrels on the Warblers, with three recorded, one at Nant, one
Narrows. More southerlies on 25th was promising, at Cristin and one in the Withies. 30th was another

38 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

MIGRATION DIARY

Woodchat Shrike © Steven Stansfield the day, with the smaller waders having moved
off since the previous day.
great day, spurred on by the birds on 29th no one
needed any encouragement to look for rarities. JUNE
Waders had increased in numbers; 13 Sanderlings
and two Dunlins gave some welcome variety The 1st was brightened by a summer-plumaged
down on Solfach. The Woodchat Shrike had Sanderling and Turnstone on Solfach. There was
unfortunately departed, after a thorough search not much in the way of passerines, except for five
during the morning censuses yielded nothing at Spotted Flycatchers, two in the Withies and three
all. It took the whole day for things to get at Nant. June is a quiet month for most migrants,
interesting, in fact. It was the late afternoon when with most birds well underway with chick rearing,
down on the South End a Shorelark flew over 2nd saw one Garden Warbler, two Sand Martins
George as he was conducting an Oystercatcher and two Spotted Flycatchers. The waders were
survey, it didn’t hang around for very long and more varied, with six Sanderlings, two Whimbrels
quickly made its way north through the island. This and a Curlew making up the migrant numbers.
is the first record of this scarce west coast bird for The highlight of the day was a male Cuckoo that
Bardsey since 2015! Even later in the evening a was singing at Cristin in the afternoon. The
Blyth’s Reed Warbler was heard singing in the weather changed drastically on 3rd with drizzle
Garden in the same place that the Greenish was and 35mph northerlies throughout the day,
heard the previous day. it was touch and go this meaning small birds were harder to see. The
month, but May has appeared to deliver right at highlights of the day were five Sanderlings on
the eleventh hour. 31st was yet another hot and Solfach that were in breeding plumage. The 4th
calm day and quieter for rarities than the previous was overcast but the wind had dropped to a
two days. There had been a clear out of Spotted 14mph northerly. Passerines appeared to have
Flycatchers, and migrant passerines were once dropped in overnight, the highlight being the first
again in short supply with two Sand Martins being Common Rosefinch of the year which was singing
the only other migrants of note. For non- in Cristin garden first thing in the morning. This one
passerines, four Collared Doves, eight Whimbrels
and a Lapwing on the South End were the best of

64: 24-63 39

PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

Common Crossbill © George Dunbar Garden, the seventh record in the island’s history.
Unfortunately, it was only heard briefly, but a
was fairly elusive, but it was the first, not last of the recording was taken, and the identification was
year. Many gulls had congregated on Solfach, confirmed. Down on the narrows, two Whimbrels
mainly Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but were the only passage waders. Very calm
with a Black-headed Gull mixed in. Also amongst weather on 9th produced a nice record of two
them were four Dunlins and two Sanderlings. Two Common Crossbills perched in the Plantation,
Whimbrels were present on Henllwyn. Besides the another species for the year. Other than these,
Rosefinch, other passerines included a single four Siskins were the other migrant passerines
Spotted Flycatcher at Nant amongst singing during the morning census, also recorded in the
breeding Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Plantation. Light northerlies and sunny spells on
Whitethroats. A Common Rosefinch was in the 10th meant that it was mainly a day for recording
south end of Cristin garden on 5th and was breeding birds. The passerine migrants were
subsequently caught in the afternoon. This, as well made up of three Spotted Flycatchers on the
as the first Painted Lady of the year were the perimeter of the Planation and two Siskins flying
highlights of a quiet day. Two Starlings sheltering over Nant heading north. The West Coast
behind the Boathouse during the 38mph north- produced the first Grey Heron in five days and a
westerlies gave some variety on 6th. The UK was Buzzard over the North End was the only raptor
experiencing an influx of Rose-coloured Starlings recorded. Things got a bit more interesting on
at this time, and hopes were high for one to 11th when north-easterlies reaching 45mph swept
appear on Bardsey this spring. Waders included across the island. The first Little Egret of the month
just four Sanderlings. More gentle northerlies on flew over the Narrows and a Grey Heron was
14th yielded four Siskins and two Garden Warblers Present on Henllwyn with three Curlews. Three
at Nant. Juvenile Wheatears were present on the Sanderlings flew over the Narrows and landed on
Narrows with two Starlings once again. 8th was the South End which, added to the
warmer and less windy, although still northerly, but Oystercatchers were the Wader counts for the
it brought an amazing second record for the year day. Kittiwakes began grouping up on Carreg yr
of Blyth’s Reed Warbler! It was singing an
unmistakable song in the south end of Cristin REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.

40

MIGRATION DIARY

Honwy, this happens every year once juvenile Sunshine broke through occasionally on 19th, a
birds start fledging from various colonies. More nice change from the fog and drizzle of the last
gentle north-easterlies on 12th produced the few days. A walk to Nant yielded a female
second Common Rosefinch of the spring, this time Cuckoo flying around the Mountainside, seven
heard singing on the Mountainside. More nice Goldfinches were in the Plantation as well. As with
birds were had in the form of Lapwings seen on 20th, strong 41mph south-westerlies on 21st failed
the West Coast in the afternoon. Bardsey to shake things up, with just the breeding birds
experienced south-easterlies on 13th and like being recorded. 20 Starlings did pick things up on
clockwork, a scarcity turned up. After a UK influx, 22nd, a Redshank on the Narrows was a sign of
a much-anticipated Rose-coloured Starling was post-breeding passage through the island. The
found in the Lowlands, and luckily stayed all day strong southerlies on 23rd didn’t produce any
and could be seen in the afternoon sun as it slowly migrants. The gentle southerlies on 24th produced
travelled along hedgerows allowing for the year high count of 97 Swifts; as they screamed
exceptional views. Of course, this beautiful, through the bright, blue sky the island felt
striking male bird was a very welcome addition to wonderfully summery. However, they were the
the year list! It eclipsed the migrant passerines of only migrants of the day. The 25th was overcast in
the day which consisted of two Spotted the morning, but 25˚C by midday with gentle
Flycatchers and 20 Swifts. A Common Rosefinch south-easterlies throughout. An early morning
was once again recorded on 14th on a day of breeding bird survey yielded the first Treecreeper
mixed weather with no strong winds. It was heard of the year, in the Plantation. This is a scarce bird
early in the morning below Cristin and quickly for the island, usually one record a year is all that
headed north towards Nant and was not heard can be expected, making it a nice addition to
or seen again. There was a nice variety of the year list. Although still quiet, it was more active
migrants besides this, including a female Redstart, than recent days, with 30 Swifts over the
the first since 20th April, a Golden Plover which Mountain, a Curlew on Henllwyn and a high
was right on the South End tip and a Common count of 193 Starlings which roamed the fields
Tern sitting on the South End rocks. The latter two across the island. It was flat calm on 26th but
species were new for the year. A single Grey drizzle and thick fog set in in the late morning. A
Wagtail flew south over Nant, with other common Curlew was once again present on Henllwyn, this,
migrants consisting of two Buzzards, a Reed added to 30 Starlings made up the migrant
Warbler, two Spotted Flycatchers and three numbers for the island. 27th saw 30mph south-
Collared Doves. Another Golden Plover was seen westerlies sweeping the island all day. There was
on 15th, in the same place as the previous day, an increase in migrants and a walk to the South
so perhaps the same individual. Other nice End produced five Curlews, the highest number
waders were a Lapwing on the West Coast which recorded since mid-April. There were more
stayed for four hours before heading off the island waders in the form of one Redshank on Henllwyn
and a Redshank which was flushed from Solfach. and three Lapwings on the South End, but more
These were about the most interesting migrants excitingly, a male Ruff was in amongst the
on this foggy day, besides the small numbers of Lapwings in breeding splendour. It didn’t stay
Spotted Flycatchers (five) which have become long, flying south almost immediately. With recent
regular. 16th was very calm with a slight north- days being as quiet as they have been, this was
westerly and was therefore very quiet, with a a nice change. More strong winds on 28th made
Spotted Flycatcher at Nant being the only birding for passerines difficult and no migrant
migrant of the day. 17th saw thick fog over the activity was recorded. Out at sea 2362 Manx
island; with visibility down to around 50 metres it Shearwaters, 84 Gannets, 29 Kittiwakes and 16
wasn’t easy to record migration. There was a Puffins flew south over the course of one hour in
gentle northerly of 8mph which was consistent all the morning. 29th saw no change in passage
day. Two Curlews were seen on Henllwyn with migrants, but more 30-40mph south-westerlies on
one Grey Heron. Similarly, the 18th gave way to 30th did change things around the Narrows and
drizzle and not much was moving, two Whimbrels four Common Sandpipers were a refreshing sight.
on Henllwyn were the only waders other than A single Redshank was also present with three
Oystercatchers. A flock of 33 Starlings at Tŷ Pellaf Curlews, each species heralding signs of autumn
did lift things up a bit; the flock mainly consisted passage.
of juvenile birds dispersing from the mainland.
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64: 24-63

PRETTYMAN, DUNBAR & STANSFIELD

JULY far), five Curlews and three Common Sandpipers
were around the Narrows with a Grey Heron and
The wind had died down to a 10mph south- three Black-headed Gulls - the highest count
westerly on 1st of the month allowing for easier since 28th March. 8th was warm and calm,
birding conditions. Unfortunately, the wind although overcast. Wader numbers remained
brought drizzle and fog in the afternoon. A Grey consistent with previous days, totals include three
Heron was seen on Henllwyn with three Curlews. Curlews, four Whimbrels, a Redshank and one
Better still, flocks equating to 34 Common Scoters Common Sandpiper. An arrival of 65 Starlings was
flying south along the West Coast during a short something a bit different to be seen. 9th saw
morning seawatch. These would be birds similar weather, and similar bird counts, waders
returning early from breeding grounds further around the Narrows consisted of three Whimbrels,
north. Land bird migrants consisted of two Grey one Curlew, two Redshanks and a Common
Wagtails that flew south over the North End during Sandpiper. Passerine counts were mainly those of
the morning census, and a Siskin over Cristin. 2nd breeding birds, however, there was a Lesser
produced three Curlews which were once again Redpoll flying south over Cristin. 75 Starlings were
present on Henllwyn as they have been in recent also present between Cristin and Carreg, a nice
days. The sunshine meant that the breeding record even if none of them were pink… Another
Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats and Blackcaps Lesser Redpoll was recorded on 10th flying over
were heard and seen in their usual haunts. A Cristin on a beautifully calm and sunny day. The
French-ringed Storm Petrel was caught overnight, first Spotted Flycatcher for the month was seen at
which is the first to be controlled on Bardsey. Nant which added some nice variety for the day.
Otherwise, it was quiet day for migrants. With all A single Common Scoter flew south past the
the activity earlier in the year, it wasn’t too much North End during the morning and a Buzzard was
of a surprise to have a juvenile Cuckoo in the seen over the Mountain. Down on the Narrows,
garden on 3rd, but it was a nice surprise to have only four Curlews were recorded in the way of
it perched on top of the feeding station during passage waders. Ten Starlings remained on the
40mph south-westerlies. It was being visited island after the influx during the last couple of
frequently by its host, a Meadow Pipit. Three days and two Black-headed Gulls flew north over
Starlings were seen around the Withies and a Pen Cristin. Wader counts improved on 11th as
Sparrowhawk was at Cristin, the first record for passage continued. 47 Whimbrels was the year’s
three weeks. Wader passage had improved highest count to this point, all roosting on
slightly, on the Narrows, counts included two Henllwyn in the morning. Added to this were a
Whimbrels, four Curlews and one Redshank. Curlew, a Redshank, two Common Sandpipers
Waders were also in good supply on 4th. Two and a Dunlin on Solfach, the first of the month.
Whimbrels, three Common Sandpipers and the Two Black-headed Gulls were also present on the
year high so far of seven Curlews added some Narrows, and the first three Sandwich Terns of the
variety. This total of Curlews will be far surpassed month were seen out on Carreg yr Honwy. The
by the end of the month. The 5th saw 35mph 12th saw some real change in bird movements, a
south-westerlies and 30 Meadow Pipits flitting gentle southerly seemed to produce some nice
around in the North-west Fields. Seven Whimbrels, birds. A Red Kite was a brilliant addition to the
three Curlews, one Redshank and the first Black- month as it soared over the island, a Buzzard was
headed Gull of the month were the highlights to also seen over the Mountain with one Peregrine
be had around the Narrows. Calmer weather and adding to the raptor total. Dunlin passage
more sun on 6th were a welcome break. 14 continued, there were two on Solfach, a
Common Scoters flew south along the West promising sign of things to come. Other waders
Coast during the morning and down on the included 20 Curlews on the South End, meanwhile
Narrows four Curlews, including a singing Whimbrels dropped from the previous day to a
individual and two Whimbrels were the waders of more usual count of five on Henllwyn, three
the day. 7th gave way to wind and fog, but Redshanks and a Common Sandpiper
despite this, 16 Siskins were recorded in Cristin completed the wader totals along with the usual
garden, perhaps brought down by the rain. Oystercatchers. Five Common Swifts and two
Wader numbers are beginning to grow more Sand Martins provided even more variety to the
noticeably, 11 Whimbrel (the month high count so overhead passage. Things quietened down on a
gusty 13th, three Curlews and one Common
42
REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS.