West Midland Bird Club

Belvide Reserve Latest News

Unless otherwise stated, reports on this page are anecdotal, and have not been verified by the relevant country recorder or rarities committee.

For the scientfic names of these birds, and their local status, see our county lists.

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The latest update covers October 2011.

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November 2011

30: 4 Dunlin and 214 Golden Plover were at the west end. 106 Goldeneye roosted in the south-east bay at dusk.
29: 5 Goosander and 1 Yellow-legged Gull were noted. 4 Dunlin and 119 Golden Plover were at the west end.
28: 105 Goldeneye, 78 Gadwall and 95 Wigeon were counted. 174 Plover and 5 Dunlin were at the west end. An adult Peregrine was chasing the wild fowl in the afternoon.
27: The first winter drake Scaup was still present. 4 Dunlin and 1 Goosander were at the west end. 30 Shoveler were counted. An immature Peregrine was seen in the morning.
26: 4 Dunlin were at the west end. The Short Eared Owl was again present in the evening hunting the north-west shore. The first winter drake Scaup was present. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls roosted including 3 adults and a second-winter.
25: A Purple Sandpiper flew in at 1.40pm and was seen briefly in front of both the Andrew Chappell and Gazebo hides. The first-winter drake Scaup was still present. 145 Golden Plover and 4 Dunlin were at the west end. An adult Yellow-legged Gull and 1 Goosander were noted.
24: 87 Golden Plover and 4 Dunlin were at the west end. The first-winter drake Scaup was present. A Short Eared Owl was hunting the north shore from 4.30pm. An adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted.
23: 6 Tundra Bean Geese dropped in at midday, 8 White-fronted Geese were new arrivals including 2 adults and 6 juveniles. They fed on the north shore with the Greylag flock until 3.05pm when they flew off north-east. The first-winter drake Scaup was noted. 2 Dunlin and 127 Golden Plover were at the west end. The adult Mediterranean roosted.
22: The 6 Tundra Bean Geese flew in to roost opposite the West End hide at 4.23pm. The first-winter drake Scaup was present. 2 adult Little Gulls remain, also 3 adults and a second-winter Yellow-legged Gull roosted. 140 Golden Plover and 3 Dunlin were at the west end.
21: 7 Tundra Bean Geese were at the west end at 3.15pm but only 6 were noted at 3.40pm. A male and female Blackcap were near the Andrew Chappell hide. The first-winter drake Scaup was still present. 3 Dunlin and 189 Golden Plover were at the west end. 304 Greylag Geese were counted. 2 adult Little Gulls remained and the Mediterranean Gull roosted.
20: The main highlight were 6 Tundra Bean Geese that were at the west end at 2.30pm. They flew out on two occasions but returned and were still present at dusk in the south-east bay. This is the third record for Belvide following 2 birds that were present in November 2008. Another new arrival was a first-winter drake Scaup. 68 Pochard were counted. 3 Dunlin were at the west end. A probable Merlin was also reported at the west end. 1 adult Little Gull remains.
19: A juvenile Iceland Gull was a surprise in the roost in the evening, also the adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Little Gulls and 1Yellow-legged Gull were present. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 6 Dunlin, 131 Golden Plover and 1 Water Rail were noted. The WeBS Count produced 96 Goldeneye, 112 Wigeon, 265 Teal, 56 Gadwall, 279 Mallard, 40 Shoveler, 286 Tufted Duck, 41 Pochard, 806 Coot and 47 Mute Swan.
17: A Ruff was a new arrival, 6 Dunlin and 33 Golden Plover were also noted. 2 drake Mandarin were also new arrivals. At least 1 adult Little Gull remains. A Peregrine was seen in the morning.
16: 2 adult Little Gulls were present and the adult Mediterranean Gull roosted in the evening. 20 Golden Plover and 4 Dunlin were present in the morning. 1 Shelduck and 3 Goosander were noted.
15: The adult Little Gull was still present. 2 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Goosander were noted.
14: A Chiffchaff was near the Andrew Chappell hide in the afternoon. 3 Dunlin and 20 Golden Plover were present. A female Goosander dropped in at dusk. 18 Pochard were counted. The adult Little Gull stayed to roost and 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull also roosted.
13: 3 Shelduck were new arrivals and Goldeneye have increased to 62. 5 Dunlin were at the west end and 127 Golden Plover were noted. An adult Little Gull flew in at 11.20am and stayed for the rest of the afternoon and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosted. A Woodcock flew over the car park at dawn. 2 immature Peregrine were being pesky in the morning.
12: A female Pintail was a new arrival, 354 Teal, 250 Mallard and 55 Goldeneye were counted. 9 Dunlin and 200+ Golden Plover were at the west end. 1 adult and 1 first-winter Yellow-legged Gull were noted and the adult Mediterranean Gull roosted.
11: 5 Red-breasted Merganser arrived overnight including a first-winter drake and were still present at dusk. This is the highest number recorded at Belvide. Previous recordings were 3 drakes on the 12 January 1955 and 3 Red-headed on 20 February 1966. 144 Golden Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Dunlin were at the west end. 53 Goldeneye were counted. The adult Mediterranean Gull and 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted.
10: 2 Red-breasted Merganser including a first-winter drake were present between 11.00am and 12.10pm before flying south. A female Marsh Harrier flew through to the east at 2.25pm. 364 Golden Plover were at the west end and 13 Dunlin were noted. 45 Shoveler, 34 Gadwall, 86 Wigeon, 84 Tufted Duck, 18 Pochard and 39 Goldeneye were counted. A Peregrine and a Merlin were seen in the afternoon. A pair of Goosander dropped in at dusk. An adult Yellow-legged Gull and an adult Mediterranean Gull roosted. Also in the roost was a gull showing characteristics of an Azorean Yellow-legged Gull but this cannot be confirmed due to failing light.
9: 3 Dunlin were at the west end, also 1 Green Sandpiper and 234 Golden Plover were noted. 76 Wigeon and 267 Greylag Geese were counted.
8: A mixed flock of 500 Redwing and Fieldfare were around the Gazebo area. 10+ Goldcrest were along the boundary hedge and 1 Kingfisher noted. 6 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and 69 Golden Plover were counted. 17 Shoveler were noted. 5 Common Gull roosted.
7: 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin and 4 Snipe were present. 1 Goosander, 73 Wigeon and 771 Coot were counted. A male Blackcap was at the Gazebo feeders.
6: The highlight was a Cetti's Warbler that was heard and seen briefly 3 times at 9.40am in the Gazebo bay Phragmities. There was no further sign by midday. This is the fifth record for Belvide and the first since October 2007. 3 Green Sandpiper were on the dam wall, 1 Dunlin and 45 Golden Plover were noted. An adult Whooper Swan was a new arrival. The Long-eared Owl roosted in the Hawthorn along the south-east bay.
5: 226 Golden Plover were at the west end also 2 Dunlin, 1 Redshank and 1 Green Sandpiper were noted. 252 Teal, 13 Gadwall and 1 Little Grebe were counted. A "vis mig" watch off the dam between 7.20am and 8.45am produced 4066 Wood Pigeon, 21 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 11 Linnet, 2 Redpoll and 202 Starling.
4: 2 Dunlin, 1 Redshank and a drake Pintail were new arrivals. 262 Golden Plover were at the west end.
3: 208 Golden Plover were at the west end.
2: 3 Goosander dropped in at dusk, also 29 Goldeneye, 86 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and 38 Great Crested Grebe were counted. 142 Golden Plover were noted.
1: 80 Golden Plover were at the west end. 29 Goldeneye and 198 Teal were counted. 3 Goosander dropped in at dusk. A Water Rail was in front of the Scott hide at dusk. The Tawny Owl was sat at the box entrance from the Woodland hide at 4.55pm. A Yellow-legged Gull roosted.

October 2011

31: A Merlin was seen in the morning, also a Peregrine was noted. 110 Golden Plover were at the west end. An adult and a second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls roosted in the evening.
30: 113 Golden Plover were at the west end. 45 Shoveler, 98 Wigeon, 29 Goldeneye were counted and 3 Goosander dropped in at dusk. 36 Great Crested Grebe were present. In the evening a record 165 Reed Bunting roosted in the Scott hide reed bed and a male Blackcap was at the Gazebo feeding station. The Tawny Owl was at the owl box entrance at 5pm viewable from the Woodland hide. 4 Snipe were noted.
29: 77 Golden Plover and 6 Snipe were at the west end. 97 Wigeon were counted. An immature Peregrine was seen in the morning. An adult Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Gull roosted. A "vis mig" watch off the dam between 7.45am and 10am produced 8,138 Wood Pigeon, 4 Stock Dove, 227 Fieldfare, 136 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 42 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 15 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 35 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Linnet, 10 Skylark, 9 Meadow Pipit and 6 Pied Wagtail.
28: A pair of Mandarin were new arrivals, also 83 Wigeon and 183 Teal counted. A Green Sandpiper was on the dam, 58 Golden Plover and 866 Lapwing were at the west end. A Rock Pipit remains on the dam wall. An immature male Peregrine was present in the afternoon.
27: A single Rock Pipit remains on the dam. 1 Green Sandpiper and 40 Golden Plover were noted. 9 Bullfinch were at the west end and a Blackcap was at the Gazebo feeding station. 27 Shoveler were counted and a Water Rail was showing in front of the Scott hide in the afternoon.
26: 4 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and 40 Golden Plover were noted. 85 Wigeon were counted. 2 Rock Pipit were on the dam wall..
25: A Jack Snipe at the west end was the first of the year. A Greenshank was a new arrival, also 5 Snipe, 85 Golden Plover and 704 Lapwing were counted. 24 Goldeneye and 80 Wigeon were noted. A Crossbill flew over to the north mid afternoon. A Swallow was reported midday.
24: A single Dunlin was at the west end and another 5 flew through at 4.40pm, also 4 Snipe were along the south-east bay. 22 Goldeneye were counted.
23: 70 Golden Plover were noted. At least 10 Goldcrest were in the boundary hedge. A Tawny Owl was roosting near the Gazebo hide. A "vis mig" watch off the dam between 7.45am and 9.45am produced 3,216 Wood Pigeon, 8 Stock Dove, 787 Starling, 238 Fieldfare, 64 Redwing, 25 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 71 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 17 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 18 Skylark and 2 Meadow Pipit.
22: The Rock Pipit remains on the dam. 73 Golden Plover and 1 Green Sandpiper were noted. A "vis mig" watch off the dam between 8.15am and 9.30am produced 1,304 Wood Pigeon, 103 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Greenfinch, 24 Chaffinch, 9 Siskin, 22 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 13 Skylark, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit and 52 Starling.
21: 72 Golden Plover were at the west end. A Water Rail was in front of the Scott hide. 83 Wigeon were counted. A Rock Pipit was on the dam in the afternoon.
20: 6 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 11.30am, flying off north east at 5.35pm. A Curlew Sandpiper was in front of the Andrew Chappell hide early morning only, 1 Green Sandpiper was on the dam and 64 Golden Plover were at the west end. 69 Shoveler, 22 Goldeneye, 75 Wigeon and 26 Pochard were counted. A Short-eared Owl flew over the car park at 12.10pm. The Long-eared Owl was again roosting in the Willow tree along the south-east bay.
19: 2 Curlew Sandpiper were new arrivals, the Black-tailed Godwit was present in the morning only and 1 Dunlin and 2 Green Sandpiper were noted. 38 Shoveler, 72 Wigeon, 164 Teal, 20 Goldeneye and 670 Coot were counted. An immature male Merlin caught a Meadow Pipit in the morning. A single Rock Pipit and Stonechat were at the west end.
18: 20 Goldeneye and 18 Shoveler were counted. The Black-tailed Godwit was still present, 1 Green Sandpiper was on the dam and 4 Snipe were along the south-east bay. A late Garden Warbler was in the reservoir plantation behind the Woodland feeding station. A single Chiffchaff was noted.
17: 2 Black-tailed Godwit were present. A female Stonechat was in the west marsh. A Chiffchaff was by the West End hide. 19 Goldeneye, 72 Wigeon and 6 Pochard were counted. The Long-eared Owl was in a Willow along the south-east bay.
16: The first Curlew Sandpiper of the Autumn was in front of the Andrew Chappell hide, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper and 45 Golden Plover were present. The 3 Rock Pipit remain at the west end. A Stonechat was on the north shore. The Long-eared Owl was again in the Willow tree along the south-east bay from 4.30pm. The WeBS count produced 17 Goldeneye, 36 Tufted Duck, 163 Mallard, 142 Teal, 58 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 24 Great Crested Grebe, 148 Greylag Geese, 76 Canada Geese, 47 Mute Swan and 20 Cormorant. A "vis mig" watch off the dam between 7.15am and 9.15am produced 291 Redwing, 101 Fieldfare, 67 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 15 Greenfinch, 21 Linnet, 13 Siskin, 5 Redpoll, 80 Starling, 16 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 371 Wood Pigeon, 9 Skylark, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird and 10 Jackdaw.
15: The Black-tailed Godwit remains also 1 Green Sandpiper and 37 Golden Plover were noted. 14 Goldeneye and 10 Pochard were counted. The Long-eared Owl appeared late afternoon.
14: A Grey Plover flew through at 10.35am, 13 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin and 1 Green Sandpiper were present. A minimum of 3 Rock Pipit remain on the north shore. A "vis mig" watch off the dam between 7.15am and 10.15am produced 1418 Redwing, 922 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 122 Chaffinch, 67 Goldfinch, 40 Greenfinch, 71 Linnet, 7 Redpoll, 8 Siskin, 27 Meadow Pipit, 172 Starling, 1 Grey Wagtail, 19 Pied Wagtail, 2 Yellow Hammer, 106 Wood Pigeon, 1 Stock Dove, 17 Skylark, 9 Swallow, 8 Goldeneye, 40 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 5 Pochard and 3 Little Grebe.
13: The first 3 Rock Pipit of the year were feeding on the north shore in the afternoon. A juvenile Black Tern was present late afternoon. A Stonechat was showing in front of the Andrew Chappell hide. The Black-tailed Godwit remains and 1 Green Sandpiper was on the dam. 2 Golden Plover were with the Lapwing flock. Goldeneye have increased to 5. An immature Peregrine was present in the afternoon.
12: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Golden Plover and 1 Green Sandpiper were noted. 4 Goldeneye and 28 Wigeon were counted. An immature Peregrine and 6 Redwing were seen in the afternoon. Single Water Rails were seen in front of the Scott hide and along the Gazebo bay.
11: 4 Goldeneye were new arrivals. 1 Ruff was still present, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Green Sandpiper were noted. 2 Swallows flew through late afternoon. A Peregrine was seen in the morning.
10: A juvenile Arctic Tern flew through early afternoon. 1 Crossbill flew west at 1.55pm. The juvenile Ruff and the Black-tailed Godwit remain. 41 Wigeon were noted. 3 House Martin and 1 Swallow flew through in the afternoon.
9: The Long-eared Owl roosted in the Willow tree along the south-east bay. The predatory Great Black-back Gull was seen killing a Tufted Duck. A juvenile Ruff dropped in this afternoon. 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Peregrine and 6+ Redwing were noted.
8: A female Merlin was at the west end in the morning. A Little Egret was on the north shore briefly in the afternoon. The Black-tailed Godwit remains, 2+ Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Golden Plover were noted. 6 Redwing flew through in the morning. The Long-eared Owl was still present.
7: The first Redwing of the Autumn was along the south-east bay. 3 Drake Mandarin were off the Gazebo bay in the morning only. 2 Dunlin were present in the afternoon, 8 Golden Plover, 534 Lapwing and 1 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit were noted. 26 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler and 168 Teal were counted.
6: The Long-eared Owl roosted in the Willow tree along the south-east bay. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in the pre roost. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit remains. 2 Water Rail were in front of the Scott hide. 10 House Martin flew through in the afternoon.
5: 1 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was noted. 24 Wigeon were counted. The Long-eared Owl was in the hawthorn 100 yards south of the Andrew Chappell hide.
4: 3 Ringed Plover were at the west end, the juvenile Black-tailed Godwit remains and 2 Snipe were noted. 20 Wigeon, 5 Pochard and 1 Shelduck were present. 4 House Martin and 2 Swallow flew through in the afternoon and 2 Blackcap were near the Gazebo hide.
3: The Long-eared Owl was roosting in a willow tree along the south-east bay. 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover and 4 Snipe were noted. 17 Wigeon, 156 Teal, 5 Little Grebe and 205 Greylag Geese were counted..
2: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and 1 Ringed Plover were present. 9 Wigeon, 5 Pochard and 48 Mute Swan were counted. 2 Swallow flew south mid morning. The Long-eared Owl was again sat deep inside the original hawthorn in the afternoon. A skywatch off the dam between 7am and 9.30am produced 192 Meadow Pipit, 117 Pied Wagtail, 49 Chaffinch, 20 Siskin, 12 Linnet, 11 Greenfinch, 13 Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch, 22 Skylark and 4 Reed Bunting.
1: The first winter Little Gull was present briefly early morning only. The Long-eared Owl was showing well in the willow along the south-east bay. 1 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ringed Plover and 5 Snipe were noted. A late Willow Warbler was at the west end, also 3 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap were present. 8 Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 4 Little Grebe and 633 Coot were counted. A skywatch between 7am and 10am produced 11 Crossbill over south-west at 9.25am, 1 Merlin south at 8.20am, 96 Meadow Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 22 Siskin, 4 Bullfinch, 53 Linnet, 28 Goldfinch, 13 Greenfinch, 26 Swallow, 21 Pied Wagtail, 3 Song Thrush, 29 Skylark and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

September 2011

30: The Long-eared Owl roosted in a willow along the south-east bay. The Black-tailed Godwit was still present, also 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 470 Lapwing and 2 Snipe were counted. 7 Little Grebe and 146 Cormorant were noted. 1 juvenile Common Tern flew through in the afternoon. A Wheatear was on the north shore and 2 Water Rail were in front of the Scott hide.
29: 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin and 1 Ringed Plover were noted. 1 Wheatear, 8 Wigeon and 2 Water Rail were present.
28: The Black-tailed Godwit was still at the west end, one Greenshank and 1 Ringed Plover were also present. The Long-eared Owl was again roosting in the hawthorn 100 yards south of the Andrew Chappell hide. 41 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 140 Cormorant and 5 Wigeon were counted.
27: The Long-eared Owl was present in the hawthorn 100 yards south of the Andrew Chappell hide. The Black-tailed Godwit remained at the west end, also 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover and 411 Lapwing were counted. A juvenile Common Tern was noted early afternoon. A Wheatear was at the west end.
26: An adult Black Tern was a new arrival. 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Greenshank were noted and the Black-tailed Godwit remained at the west end. 33 Great Crested Grebe were counted.
25: A Pintail was a new arrival. 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and 3 Dunlin flew through and the Black-tailed Godwit is still present at the west end. 22 Common Tern (1 adult and 21 juveniles) dropped in at 8:15am before flying off south-west at 8.20 am. Hundreds of Swallows and Martins were noted heading south in the morning, also a Whitethroat was present.
24: 3 juvenile Black Tern dropped in at 12:15pm. The Black-tailed Godwit remained at the west end also 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper were noted..
23: A Grey Plover was a new arrival but was not seen after 2pm. The Long-eared Owl was again in hawthorn scrub along the south-east bay. The adult and juvenile Arctic Tern remained. 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Sandpiper were counted. 5 Little Grebe, 13 Wigeon and 1 Shelduck were noted.
22: An immature female Goldeneye was a new arrival. 2 Goosander dropped in briefly before continuing west. The adult and juvenile Arctic Tern remained. 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank and 2 Common Sandpiper were noted. Other summer migrants included a Whitethroat and Sand Martin. 16 Wigeon were counted and a Hobby was seen late afternoon.
21: The adult and juvenile Arctic Tern were still present. 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper were noted. A Wheatear was seen along the field west of the car park in the morning. An immature female Peregrine was seen in the afternoon.
20: The first Pintail of the Autumn was at the west end, also 16 Wigeon, 81 Shoveler, 156 Teal, 1 Shelduck and 119 Cormorant were counted. The adult and juvenile Arctic Tern remained. 1 Greenshank was a new arrival, 1 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper were present. A female Stonechat was on the north shore, 32 Yellowhammer were in the stubble below the dam and 3 Whitethroat were at the west end.
19: A single Oystercatcher was a new arrival. The adult and juvenile Arctic Tern were present. 15 Wigeon were noted. 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank and 2 Common Sandpiper were counted.
18: 1 Ruff and 1 Redshank were new arrivals, also 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper were present. The adult and juvenile Arctic Tern remained. WeBS Count produced 67 Shoveler, 10 Wigeon, 145 Teal, 124 Mallard, 39 Gadwall, 44 Tufted Duck, 464 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 19 Great Crested Grebe, 164 Greylag Geese, 25 Canada Geese, 56 Mute Swan, 108 Cormorant and 5 Grey Heron.
17: 1 Black-tailed Godwit was at the west end, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper were also present. The juvenile Black Tern was still present together with 1 adult and 2 juvenile Arctic Tern. 53 Shoveler, 120 Teal, 39 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 6 Little Grebe and 464 Coot were counted. 1 Hobby and 1 Peregrine were seen in the afternoon. 3 Grey Wagtail were on the dam in the morning.
16: The Long-eared Owl was again sighted in the Hawthorn 100 yards south of the Andrew Chappell hide. 1 Black Tern, 1 adult and 2 Arctic Tern were present. 1 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover were noted and 2 Greenshank flew through early afternoon.
15: 1 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was a new arrival, 1 Knot, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Little Ringed Plover were also present. There was no sign of the Sabine's Gull. The juvenile Little Gull, 1 adult and 3 juvenile Arctic Tern and 2 juvenile Black Tern remained. 1 Spotted Flycatcher was by the Gazebo bay. 30 Shoveler were counted.
14: The juvenile Sabine's Gull was still present feeding along the dam or roosting in front of the Andrew Chappell hide. 2 juvenile Little Gull were noted in the morning with 1 remaining in the afternoon. 2 juvenile Black Tern were new arrivals, 1 adult and 1 juvenile Arctic Tern and 1 adult Common Tern were counted. The juvenile Knot was still in front of the Andrew Chappell hide, also 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Little Ringed Plover were present. A Cormorant that has been present for a few days was ringed off the Irish coast as a chick on 19/6/11.
13: The juvenile Sabine's Gull remained along the dam for its 7th day. 1 juvenile Little Gull was a new arrival. 1 juvenile Arctic Tern and 1 adult Common Tern were still present. A Knot was in front of the Andrew Chappell hide late afternoon. 2 Ruff were at the west end, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover and 1 Little Ringed Plover were counted. A brief skywatch off the dam revealed 6 Siskin, 1 Redpoll and 10 Meadow Pipit. Hobby and Peregrine were also seen in the afternoon.
12: A juvenile Arctic Tern and 1 adult Common Tern were new arrivals. The juvenile Sabine's Gull showed well along the dam. 2 Ruff remained at the west end, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper were present. 131 Teal and 64 Cormorant were counted. A Whinchat was in front of the Andrew Chappell hide, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Hobby were noted.
11: A Manx Shearwater was found swimming off the dam at 7:00am and later took flight and sheared leaving at 6:35pm, flying strongly to the north-east. This is only the third record for Belvide following a corpse that was found in October 1969 and the last recorded live bird on 23 August 1985. The juvenile Sabine's Gull remained along the dam. 2 Ruff were at the west end, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Common Sandpiper were also present. A Redstart was below the dam and 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Hobby were noted..
10: The juvenile Sabine's Gull flew in at 11.25 am and showed well off the dam. 2 Ruff remained at the west end, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Little Ringed Plover were also present. 5 Siskin flew west in the morning, also 12 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Hobby were noted.
9: A Long-eared Owl was along the south-east bay scrub and was a new bird for the year. The juvenile Sabine's Gull was still present off the dam in the morning and then roosting on the shore in the afternoon in front of the Andrew Chappell hide. 1 juvenile Arctic Tern was joined by 3 adult Common Terns late afternoon. 2 Ruff remained at the west end, also 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper were counted. 1 Peregrine was noted in the afternoon.
8: The juvenile Sabine's Gull was present off the dam. 1 juvenile Arctic Tern remained, 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper were noted. 30 Siskin flew over to the south late morning. 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warbler were counted. 2 Hobby were seen several times.
7: The highlight was a juvenile Sabine's Gull that showed well off the dam wall from 6:30am (the only previous record for Belvide was a juvenile that was present on 1 October 1982). The juvenile Arctic Tern remained. 2 Redshank were new arrivals, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 2 Little Ring Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper were counted. 2 Hobby and an immature Peregrine were noted.
6: An Osprey flew through to the south-west at 12.55 pm. 3 Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin flew through early morning, 3 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Snipe were counted. Migrants included 1 Swift, hundreds of Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallows. 9 Wigeon and 3 Shelduck were noted. 7 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Garden Warbler were counted. The juvenile Arctic Tern was still present. 2 Hobby and 1 immature Peregrine were present.
5: A juvenile Arctic Tern was a new arrival and 2 Common Tern flew through. At 2.40 pm 3 juvenile Turnstone dropped on the north shore briefly before flying off north and 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank flew in briefly at 2.45 pm before flying south. 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Snipe were counted. 8 Wigeon and 3 Shelduck were noted. Migrants included 2 Swift, 1 Wheatear and 6 Yellow Wagtail.
4: A juvenile Little Gull was present between 9:00-9:25am. 3 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Snipe were noted. 15 Wigeon, 31 Shoveler and 3 Shelduck were counted. 15 Meadow Pipit flew over to the south in the morning. Migrants included 3 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Garden Warbler, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler and 4 Hobby.
3: A day list conducted between 6am-8.30 pm revealed 90 species as follows — Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mandarin, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hobby, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Swift, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Redstart, Wheatear, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch, Yellow Hammer, Reed Bunting.
2: A male Stonechat was the first of the year, 1 Whinchat and 4+ Spotted Flycatcher were present. 1 Knot was still at the west end, 3 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Snipe were noted. 20 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 3 Shelduck were counted.
1: A juvenile Knot remained at the west end, also 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Snipe were noted. 1 juvenile Mediterranean Gull was present in the afternoon. Migrants included 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat and 1 Garden Warbler. 4 Wigeon and 3 Shelduck remained. There was no sign of the 2 female Ruddy Duck which were present on 31 August..

August 2011

31: The Knot was still present at the west end and 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Snipe were counted. 2 Whinchat were in the wheat field below the dam. A Spotted Flycatcher was behind the Gazebo hide. 4 Wigeon, 4 Pochard and 3 Shelduck were noted. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 1 Hobby was also noted in the afternoon.
30: 3 Wigeon and 3 Shelduck were counted. 1 juvenile Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Snipe were noted. The 3 Whinchat were still below the dam and a single Swift was present. The juvenile Mediterranean Gull was present in the afternoon.
29: 1 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Ruff were counted and the juvenile Knot remains at the west end. The 3 Whinchat remain below the dam. 12 Swift were present in the morning. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was as the west end.
28: A juvenile Knot at the west end was a new arrival, also 2 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 3 Green Sandpiper were counted. 3 probable Curlew Sandpiper flew through at 9.20 am. The juvenile Mediterranean Gull dropped in at midday. 3 Whinchat were below the dam and 3 Wheatear were on the dam. A single Swift flew through. 2 Wigeon and 3 Shelduck were noted. A Great Black-backed Gull has returned for a sixth winter and is expected to wreak havoc.
27: 1 Greenshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover were present and 2 Ruff remain at the west end. 3 eclipse drake Wigeon were the first to return, 32 Shoveler and 3 Shelduck were noted. A single Wheatear was on the dam and at least 2 Whinchat were below the dam. 6+ Swift flew through. 3 juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and a Common Tern dropped in late morning. A Grey Wagtail on the dam was the first seen for several weeks.
26: 2 Ruff were at the west end, 1 Greenshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Snipe were also present. The 3 Whinchat were still below the dam and 3 Swift flew through in the morning. The juvenile Mediterranean Gull was reported again from early afternoon and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was noted. A Little Egret dropped in for an hour before continuing west.
25: A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at the west end in the afternoon. A Tree Pipit was trapped and ringed. 3 Whinchat remain below the dam. A pair of Hobby worked as a team to catch a House Martin. 5 Swift and 5 Yellow Wagtail flew through in the morning. The Ruff was still at the west end, also 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Snipe were counted.
24: 1 Ruff, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Snipe were present. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Gull dropped in the afternoon. 98 Teal, 24 Shoveler and 4 Shelduck were counted. A Raven was sparring with a Buzzard above the north shore.
23: A noteworthy total of 19 Wagtail were on the dam wall and 3+ Whinchat were below the dam. A single Ruff was at the west end, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Snipe were also present.
22: 4 Whinchat were noted in the field below the dam. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was present in the afternoon. Ruff have increased to 2, also 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Snipe were noted. 4 Shelduck and 414 Coot were counted.
21: A juvenile Ruff was at the west end was the first of the year, 1 Greenshank, 8 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover and 1 Little Ringed Plover were noted. A juvenile Arctic Tern was present between 6.50 am and 8.45 am. The 2 Whinchat were below the dam. 4 Shelduck and 88 Teal were counted.
20: A juvenile Black-necked Grebe was a new arrival. A juvenile Water Rail was along the eastern edge of the Scott hide reed bed. 2 Whinchat remain below the dam, 3 Lesser Whitethroat were also present. 1 Green Sandpiper and 6 Common Sandpiper were on the dam and 2 Ringed Plover and 2 Little Ringed Plover were at the west end. 7 Swift flew through in the morning. 4 juvenile Shelduck were noted.
19: The adult Little Gull was again noted at the west end between 2.05 pm and 2.40 pm. 4 Greenshank were new arrivals, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Little Ringed Plover were noted. 2 Whinchat and 2 Lesser Whitethroat were below the dam. A single Hobby was noted. 4 Shelduck were counted.
18: 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Little Ringed Plover were noted and a single Dunlin flew through. 82 Teal, 4 Shelduck and 1 Common Tern were counted. 2 Tree Pipit flew south at 8.10 am. 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Swift and 40 Sand Martin flew through. The 2 Whinchat were still below the dam, 1 Wheatear and 1 Lesser Whitethroat were also present.
17: 1 adult Little Gull dropped in at 1.25 pm. 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Little Ringed Plover were present. An immature Peregrine, 1 Hobby, 2 Raven, 1 Common Tern and 4 Shelduck were noted.
16: 5 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Little Ringed Plover were noted. The 2 Whinchat were still below the dam. 70 Teal and 4 juvenile Shelduck were counted. 3 Common Tern dropped in late afternoon.
15: A few new Waders arrived which included 1 juvenile Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank and 1 Sanderling. 3 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Little Ringed Plover were counted. 1 adult Little Gull was noted. 2 Whinchat were below the dam. 4 Shelduck were reported. The Buzzard that was taken into care the previous week was successfully released back in to the wild.
14: The adult winter Little Gull was again at the west end between 8.25 am and 8.45 am when it flew off west. 6 Common Sandpiper were on the dam and 1 Little Ringed Plover was on the north shore. 2 Whinchat were noted. Information on the colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit that was present on 25 May, RG-YR: it was ringed as a pullus in NW Iceland. WeBS count produced 92 Mallard, 37 Gadwall, 15 Shoveler, 40 Teal, 4 Shelduck, 20 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 342 Coot, 202 Greylag Geese, 311 Canada Geese, 58 Mute Swan, 11 Grey Heron and 5 Cormorant.
13: The main highlight was the reserve's first recorded sighting of Brown Argus; a male was in rough grass below the dam. An adult Little Gull was at the west wend between 11.55 am and 12.05 pm. 1 Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed Plover were on the north shore, 6 Common Sandpiper and 1 Snipe were noted. 4 Shelduck, 3 Pochard, 40 Teal and 20 Shoveler were counted. 2 Whinchat remained below the dam. A Spotted Flycatcher was noted.
12: 3 Greenshank at the west end were new arrivals, 4 Common Sandpiper and 1 Snipe were also noted. 2 Whinchat were below the dam. A Lesser Whitethroat was along the south east bay. 4 juvenile Shelduck and 329 Coot were counted.
11: A juvenile Goldeneye at the west end was a new arrival, also 4 juvenile Shelduck, 37 Gadwall, 364 Canada Geese were counted. 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe and 1 Curlew were noted. 2 Whinchat were below the dam.
10: 4 juvenile Shelduck were new arrivals. 3 Common Tern flew through in the morning. 2 Whinchat were noted. 3 Common Sandpiper were on the dam and a single Little Ringed Plover was new. An injured Buzzard was picked up along the Gazebo bay and taken into care.
9: 2 Whinchat remained in the wheat field below the dam. 19 Shoveler were counted. A single Greenshank dropped in at 3.30 pm, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Snipe were also present. A Hobby was hunting Starling in the afternoon.
8: 3 Black-tailed Godwit were present in the morning only, 3 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 9 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank and 1 Snipe were counted. A juvenile Water Rail was showing in south west corner. 2 Whinchat remain below the dam.
7: An Osprey flew through at 12.55 pm. A Greenshank dropped in at 9.25 am, also 9 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper were present. An immature female Redstart was by the West End hide. A Yellow Wagtail was seen off the dam. 31 Teal were counted. A Peregrine and Hobby were seen in the afternoon.
6: 18 Shoveler and 26 Teal were counted. 8 Grey Heron was worthy of note. 2 Whinchat were in the wheat field below the dam. A Sanderling was a new arrival, 7 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Redshank and the first returning Snipe were noted. 2 Hobby flew over and an immature Peregrine was present in the morning.
5: 1 Greenshank dropped in around midday. 10 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. A redhead Goosander was the first returning bird. 5 Little Grebe and 20 Cormorant were counted. A single Hobby was noted.
4: 19 Common Tern were noted. A single Dunlin was new, 1 Green Sandpiper and 8 Common Sandpiper were also present. 22 Teal, 11 Shoveler and 17 Cormorant were counted.
3: 1 Green Sandpiper and 6 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. Teal have increased to 16.
2: A juvenile Marsh Harrier was present at the west end between 1.15 pm and 2.15 pm when it flew off to the west. This was followed by an Osprey that flew through to the west at 3.20 pm. 1 Green Sandpiper and 7 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. 10 Teal, 6 Shoveler and 2 Little Grebe were counted. 2 Green Woodpecker were seen by the car park. An Essex Skipper was at the west end and there were 2 Roesel's Bush Crickets calling at the west end.
1: A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at the west end with a Black-headed Gull flock. 6 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. 6 Shoveler were noted.

July 2011

31: 3 juvenile Little Egret were present at the west end. A Greenshank was on the dam early morning, also 8 Common Sandpiper were noted. Little Grebe have increased to 5.
30: 2 Greenshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Sandpiper and 1 Little Ringed Plover were noted. 5 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 113 Mallard, 2 Pochard and 275 Coot were counted. 2 Arctic Tern flew through to the west at 8.20 am. A Roesel's Bush Cricket was still present at the west end.
29: 3 Pochard and 4 Shoveler were noted. 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Common Sandpiper were recorded. 2 Sandwich Tern were present briefly early morning. A Spotted Flycatcher was along the Gazebo bay. An immature Peregrine was being harassed by the Common Terns.
28: The main highlight was the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year which was showing around the car park area. 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Little Ringed Plover were on the dam wall. 2 Little Grebe and 3 Teal were noted. The 4 fledged juvenile Common Terns were showing from the Scott hide. A Roesel's Bush Cricket was at the west end, and is the first confirmed record for the Reserve. This species was once confined to coastal areas around the Solent and Thames but has now started to spread its range. The "song" is distinctive recalling a Savi's Warbler.
26: A juvenile Black-necked Grebe was a new arrival viewable from the Scott and Andrew Chappell hides. 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were at the west end. 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Oystercatcher were noted.
25: 3 of the 4 Common Tern chicks have fledged off the Scott hide rafts. 3 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. 190 Greylag Geese were counted.
24: A Peregrine was being mobbed by a Hobby over the car park in the morning. 5 Common Sandpiper were on the dam.
23: 7 Common Sandpiper and 3 Oystercatcher were counted. 1 Hobby and 1 Pochard were present.
22: 8 Teal and 3 Shoveler were noted. 5 Common Sandpiper were present. 1 Hobby was recorded.
21: 5 Common Sandpiper were on the dam, 2 Curlew, 1 Dunlin and 3 Oystercatcher were noted. 3 Shoveler were at the west end. Numbers of Greylag Geese have increased to 223.
20: 8 Teal and 1 Shoveler were noted. 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin were counted. 16 Linnet including 14 juveniles were in the west marsh.
19: 150 Greylag Geese, also 2 Shoveler were noted. A new brood of 5 Tufted Duck were in front of the Scott hide. 3 Black-tailed Godwit dropped in early afternoon. A single Dunlin was on the dam wall, 12 Common Sandpiper and 4 Oystercatcher were noted. 2 Hobby flew through in the afternoon.
18: A Water Rail was calling in the Gazebo reed bed which is the first record since April 2010. 6 Common Sandpiper were on the dam wall and 5 Oystercatcher were at the west end. A Shoveler was a new arrival.
17: 7 Black-tailed Godwit flew through at 10.15 am, also 4 Dunlin were at the west end and 8 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. WeBS count produced 8 Teal, 77 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 194 Coot, 58 Mute Swan, 94 Canada Geese, 50 Greylag Geese, 96 Lapwing, 5 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher and 3 Grey Heron.
16: A Sanderling was present on the dam between 9.30 am and 10.55 am when it flew off east. 7 Common Sandpiper and 4 Oystercatcher were noted. 6 Teal and 32 Greylag Geese including 6 juveniles were counted. A juvenile Yellow Wagtail was in front of the West End hide.
15: 22 Great Crested Grebe arrived overnight. 7 Common Sandpiper were on the dam and 4 Oystercatcher remain. 2 Teal were at the west end.
14: The second recorded sighting of a male Lesser Emperor which was hawking off the west lane in the afternoon. 1 Red-veined Darter was noted. A Crossbill was heard calling over the West End hide at 3 pm. 3 Common Sandpiper and 4 Oystercatcher were present. A family of Kestrels including 3 juveniles were south of the reserve. A hobby flew over.
13: 2 drake Pochard were new arrivals. 6 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. 11 Greylag Geese were counted. A Kingfisher was seen again from the Scott hide.
12: 3 Black-tailed Godwit flew through at 1.30 pm. The Dunlin remains on the dam, also 7 Common Sandpiper and 5 Oystercatcher were noted. A Kingfisher was at the west end.
11: 1 Dunlin was on the dam, 10 Common Sandpiper and 2 Lapwing chicks were on the north west shore and 5 Oystercatcher were noted. 58 Mute Swan were counted. 2 Raven flew over.
10: 10 Common Sandpiper and 7 Oystercatcher were present. The 2 rafts in front off the Scott hide have at least 2 Common Tern chicks each. 4 broods of Gadwall were noted totalling 23 young. A Kingfisher was seen 3 times in the morning.
9: The adult female Garganey was on the north shore, 7 Teal and 1 Shoveler were noted. 28 Common Sandpiper arrived overnight and were visible on the dam wall and 3 Redshank flew through. At least 1 Red-veined Darter was in front of the West End hide.
8: 11 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank and 6 Oystercatcher were counted. An adult female Garganey was on the north shore in the afternoon, also 4 Teal were present.
7: 5 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. 3 Teal and 2 Shoveler were at the west end. It appears that the 3 Common Tern chicks on the Gazebo raft have been predated.
6: The first Tufted Duck brood of 4 chicks were in the Gazebo bay and 2 Teal were noted. 6 Greylag Geese were counted. 7 Black-tailed Godwit, including a colour ringed bird, dropped in at the west end at 2.55 pm. 4 Common Sandpiper were on the dam.
5: A Quail calling in a wheat field below the dam and seen briefly in flight at 5 pm was a particular highlight. 8 Common Sandpiper were on the dam. 3 Pochard and 44 Tufted Duck were counted. A Hobby flew over.
4: At least 4 Red-veined Darters were showing in front of the West End hide. This species was first recorded at Belvide in July 2006. They were part of an invasion of this continental species and further sightings were recorded in 2009. 8 Common Sandpiper and 8 Oystercatcher were noted. A Red Kite flew west at 10.30 am. A single Hobby was chasing Starlings in the afternoon.
3: 8 Common Sandpiper were on the dam and 7 Oystercatcher were at the west end.
2: The second pair of Common Tern, in front of the Scott hide, have hatched an unknown number chicks. A Black-tailed Godwit dropped in at 8.45 am and 4 Common Sandpiper were on the dam.
1: An immature female Redstart was along the south east bay in the afternoon. 7 Common Sandpiper and 6 Oystercatcher were counted. 1 Hobby, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Lesser Whitethroat were noted.

June 2011

30: 6 Oystercatcher were noted at the west end and 2 Common Sandpiper were on the dam.
29: The pair of Common Terns and their chicks were on the raft in front of the Scott Hide. A Marsh Warbler was heard singing in the Gazebo bay in the afternoon.
28: 4 Curlew flew west in the afternoon. 1 Common Sandpiper and 7 Oystercatcher were noted. A first summer Common Gull flew through in the afternoon and an increase of Black-headed Gull to at least 30+ passed through with the first juvenile noted. The pair of Common Terns on the Gazebo raft had 3 chicks.
27: The main highlight was a Little Tern that was present between 12.40pm and 3 pm. A single Black-tailed Godwit at the west end was a new arrival, also present were 5 Common Sandpiper and 7 Oystercatcher. A Kingfisher flew past the Gazebo Hide.
26: A juvenile Willow Tit was along the Gazebo bay. Common Sandpiper had increased to 5. A pair of Mute Swan along the south-east bay had lost both their cygnets. 96 adult Canada Geese with 12 goslings were noted.
25: 3 Common Sandpiper were on the dam and 2 Little Ringed Plover and 6 Shoveler were at the west end.
24: 4 Common Sandpiper were on the dam wall, 2 Little Ringed Plover and a single Redshank were at the west end.
23: 2 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Hobby were noted. 3 Common Sandpiper remain on the dam wall.
22: The first 3 returning Common Sandpiper were on the dam wall. 1 Curlew, 7 Oystercatcher and 2 Little Ringed Plover were present. 6 Shoveler were new arrivals. The Mute Swan family, along the south-east bay, were down to 2 cygnets.
21: A Cuckoo was along the west end boundary hedge in the afternoon. An unseasonal sighting of a Siskin flew over to the north. Teal had increased to 7. A pair of Mute Swans, along the south-east corner, havd hatched 3 cygnets.
20: The first returning Green Sandpiper was reported on the dam.
19: The Barn Owl was seen again at 9.03pm. 1 Shelduck, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Redshank and 2 Little Ringed Plover were counted.
18: A Barn Owl was at the west end from 8.30pm. 3 Raven flew over to the south- west. 4 Teal were at the west end. 1 of the 2 Oystercatcher chicks has predated. A Kingfisher was along the Gazebo bay and a single Hobby flew over.
16: A new arrival was a juvenile Little Grebe noted in the Gazebo bay. 8 Oystercatcher and 67 Lapwing were counted. A Hobby was chasing hirundines in the afternoon. The first 2 Ringlets of the year were at the west end. A highlight was Belvide's first confirmed record of Tree Bumble Bee which was feeding on Bramble flowers at the west end.
15: A Red Kite and a single Curlew were noted.
14: A pair of Ruddy Shelduck were new arrivals. 18 Greylag Geese dropped in in the afternoon. 2 Grey Wagtail were on the spill weir in the morning. 1 Hobby was noted.
12: 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank and 4 Little Ringed Plover were noted. The first Gadwall brood of 12 ducklings was along the Gazebo bay. 30+ juvenile Tree Sparrows were at the Gazebo feeding station suggesting a good breeding season. 2 Ringed Plover flew through. 6 Common Tern were noted. 2 Hobby were seen to catch a Swift each. WeBS Count produced 4 Teal, 23 Gadwall, 109 Mallard, 43 Tufted Duck, 25 Great Crested Grebe, 233 Coot, 56 Canada Geese and 44 Mute Swan.
11: A single Little Ringed Plover chick remains on the north shore. A single Lapwing chick and 2 Redshank were noted. 2 Pochard were at the west end.
10: The Common Scoter remains.
9: A Red Kite was seen over the reservoir late afternoon.
8: 1 drake Common Scoter and 1 Hobby were noted.
7: 5 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 3 Teal, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Redshank were present. The drake Common Scoter was noted.
6: The drake Common Scoter and 4 Pochard were noted. 2 Redshank and 2 Little Ringed Plover were counted. A male Yellow Wagtail flew towards the south-west carrying food. A Tawny Owl was being mobbed by Blackbirds in the Gazebo bay.
5: A pair of Little Ringed Plover with a chick, 2 pairs of Oystercatcher (1 with 2 youngsters) and 1 Redshank were counted. 3 male and 1 female Pochard, a pair of Shoveler and 1 Teal were noted. 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Hobby were present. 3 Curlew dropped in in the evening.
4: 1 Drake Common Scoter was reported off the dam.
3: 1 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 4 Shelduck and 200 Coot were noted. 2 male Yellow Wagtail were busy collecting insects at the west end. A Red-legged Partridge with 6 chicks were present.
2: 1 Redshank and 6 Oystercatcher were noted. 1 Teal, 1 Pochard, 2 Shoveler and 4 Shelduck were counted.
1: 5 Common Scoter, including 3 drake, and 1 Pochard were new arrivals. 3 Hobby were seen in the afternoon.

May 2011

31: The pair of Oystercatcher still had their two young. 6 Common Tern were counted. 5 pair of Garden Warbler were around the reserve.
30: 20 Sanderling (a record number for Belvide) dropped in, also 24 Dunlin and 7 Ringed Plover passed through. 1 Arctic Tern dropped in at midday and 7 Common Tern were noted. A Cuckoo was on the north shore in the morning. A Hobby was hunting Swifts.
29: 1 Hobby and 1 Cuckoo were present in the morning. A single Ringed Plover flew through, also 9 Oystercatcher were counted. 3 of the 4 Little Ringed Plover appear to have been predated. 2 juvenile Whitethroat were by the West End Hide, the second Grey Wagtail of the year flew past the Scott Hide in the morning. 6 Shelduck were noted. 2 Canada Geese were on the north shore before flying off west.
28: A family of Chiffchaff were being fed near the Gazebo Hide. 2 Shoveler and 1 Hobby were noted. A single Dunlin flew through in the morning.
27: A Red Kite was seen again over the reservoir at 5.55pm. 4 Black-tailed Godwit were still present. 2 Shoveler and 1 Hobby were noted.
26: 4 Black-tailed Godwit remain, 4 Dunlin flew through. The Little Ringed Plover had 4 chicks on the north shore. Numerous Swifts were in evidence.
25: 41 Black-tailed Godwit flew in at 6.50am at the west end and was still present late afternoon. A pair of Little Ringed Plover had hatched 3 chicks on the north shore. A single Lapwing was nearby.
24: The first Turnstone of the year was on the dam wall with 2 Sanderling. 4 Dunlin were at the west end. The Oystercatcher chicks were down to 2. A family of Goldcrest, including 3 juveniles were in the reservoir plantation. A Hobby was chasing Swifts in the evening.
23: A drake Garganey was showing well in front of the Andrew Chappell Hide. 5 Dunlin flew through and 2 Ringed Plover were at the west end.
22: 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Dunlin were noted. A single Arctic Tern was present. A Corn Bunting flew over to the south-west in the morning.
21: A Cuckoo flew over to the north-east early afternoon. A single Dunlin was at the west end. 26 Greylag Geese flew in and 13 Cormorant were noted. A family of Treecreeper were along the Gazebo bay.
20: A Knot was a new arrival in front of the Andrew Chappell Hide. 1 Sanderling and 4 Ringed Plover flew through at 3.25pm, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 8 Oystercatcher were on the north shore. The Mute Swan cygnets were down to 2. A Hobby flew over in the afternoon.
19: 2 Dunlin and 1 Ringed Plover were noted. 2 Hobby were hawking east of the dam. 11 Shelduck were counted. The Mute Swan cygnets were down to 3. A survey of the nest boxes was very encouraging and shows box occupation has risen from about 40% to 70% in 2 years.
18: 4 Dunlin flew through and 8 Little Ringed Plover were present. The pair of Oystercatcher on The Scott Hide raft had hatched 3 chicks. The Mute Swan cygnets are down to 4. The Black-tailed Godwit was present early morning only. 2 Hobby were seen in the afternoon.
17: 11 Shelduck and 2 Teal were noted. A pair of Mute Swans, along the Gazebo Bay, had 5 cygnets and a Cuckoo was also present. 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin and 1 Arctic Tern were counted. A Sanderling flew through at 1.55pm and a Lesser Whitethroat was singing in the car park in the afternoon.
16: 5 Black-tailed Godwit were counted.
15: 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Redshank were noted. The Arctic Tern was still present also 10 Common Tern. 5 Black-tailed Godwit were in the south-west corner in the morning. 2 Hobby were hawking in the afternoon. A Kingfisher was seen again from the Scott Hide. WeBS count produced 2 Teal, 97 Mallard, 36 Gadwall, 31 Tufted Duck, 25 Great Crested Grebe, 118 Coot, 25 Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese and 4 Cormorant.
14: 6 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover and 4 Common Sandpiper were counted. A Cuckoo flew past the West End Hide at 6.30am. 1 Arctic Tern was present from late morning. A Hobby was hawking over the reservoir plantation.
13: 3 Ringed Plover were at the west end, also present were 6 Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. A pair of Hobby were seen in the afternoon. 8 Shelduck and 2 Teal were noted.
12: 1 Arctic Tern was a new arrival in the afternoon, also 9 Common Tern were present. 7 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover were at the west end.
11: 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 8 Common Tern were noted. 3 Greenshank flew through to the north at 9am.
10: 1 Pochard and 1 drake Wigeon were new arrivals. 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Ringed Plover were noted. 8 Common Tern were counted.
9: 1 Knot, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper and 3 Redshank were noted. 7 Common Tern were counted. The drake Garganey remains at the west end. A Marsh Harrier was seen along the Gazebo bay at 6.40pm.
8: The drake Garganey was still present at the west end, 38 Gadwall and 2 Teal were counted. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper were noted. A Cuckoo was seen in the afternoon.
7: The first Cuckoo of the year was near the car park. A record number of waders arrived at 12.10pm which revealed 42 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30+ Knot, 15 Grey Plover and 10 Dunlin. 2 Corn Bunting proved to be another record. The drake Garganey remains. A ring tailed Hen Harrier flew through in the afternoon. 2 Goosander and 1 Teal were noted. 2 Hobby and 2 Raven were present. An all day list produced an excellent 91 species as follows — Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal, Garganey, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Little Owl, Swift, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting.
6: A drake Garganey was a new arrival. 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatcher were noted and 2 Knot and 2 Whimbrel dropped in briefly at 2.45pm.
5: The first Sanderling of the year settled on the dam wall at 7.30am, also 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were at the west end from late morning, a Whimbrel was a new arrival, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 8 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher and 1 Lapwing were noted. 2 Black Tern and 6 Common Tern were present. The first Kingfisher of the year was in front of the Scott Hide in the morning. An adult Cuckoo flew over in the afternoon. 1 Grasshopper Warbler was at the west end.
4: The first 2 Wood Sandpiper of the year were on the north-west shore, also 3 Greenshank, 2 Redshank, 6 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Common Sandpiper were present. 6 Common Tern were noted. 1 Grasshopper Warbler was reeling at the west end. 2 female Goosander roosted again.
3: 5 Black Tern were new arrivals, also 8 Common Tern and the adult Little Gull remain. 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 6 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Redshank were counted. 2 Hobby were hawking insects in front of the West End Hide in the afternoon.
2: A Greenshank was a new arrival, 7 Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 6 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Redshank were noted. 1 adult Little Gull was still present and 6 Common Tern were counted. A male Whinchat was in the west marsh. 10 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon and 21 Teal were present. A pair of female Goosander came in to roost.
1: An immature female Marsh Harrier flew through to the east at 6.40am. 1 adult Little Gull dropped in at 12.10pm. 6 Common Tern were noted and 7 Arctic Tern dropped in the evening. 1 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank were at the west end. 2 female Goosander, 2 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 243 Tufted Duck, 29 Great Crested Grebe and 8 Shelduck were counted. A Hobby flew north late afternoon.

April 2011

30: 2 Curlew Sandpiper flying in at 3.30pm were the main highlight, one of which was in full summer plumage. 2 adult summer Little Gulls flew in at 8am and were still present late afternoon. 1 Arctic Tern and 4 Common Tern were noted. 8 Whimbrel paid a brief visit to the north shore at 12.30pm. 2 Bar-Tailed Godwit were seen in the evening. 1 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Little Ringed Plover and 2 Redshank were counted. Shelduck have increased to 10. 2 Wigeon and 20 Teal remain. A Lesser Whitethroat was at the west end, at least 2 Yellow Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail were on the north shore. A Hobby was seen in the evening.
29: The first Arctic Tern of the year dropped in at 7.20am and was then joined by 2 more early afternoon before all 3 flew off at 2.45pm. 13 Common Tern were present. 3 Common Sandpiper, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe and 2 Redshank were noted. 2 Wigeon and 8 Shelduck were counted.
28: 30 Swift were seen in the morning. The Grasshopper Warbler was still at the west end. A Peregrine flew over in the afternoon. 2 Common Sandpiper, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 4 Common Tern, 5 Shelduck and 2 Wigeon were noted.
27: 9 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe and 7 Common Tern were present. 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 4 Yellow Wagtail were counted. 2 Goldeneye and 2 Wigeon were noted.
26: The Black-Tailed Godwit was still present, also 9 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe and 3 Redshank. 2 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon and 25 Teal were counted. 1 Grasshopper Warbler was noted and 200 Swift were present in the morning.
25: A Black-Tailed Godwit was a new arrival. 7 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank and 2 Snipe were counted. 2 Wigeon and 1 Goldeneye remain. A Lesser Whitethroat and 4+ Yellow Wagtail were noted.
24: The first 7 Swift of the year arrived. A female Mandarin flew over to the west was also new for the year. A single Ringed Plover was a new arrival, also 6 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Redshank and 4 Snipe were counted. Common Tern have increased to 8. 1 drake Goldeneye, 3 Wigeon and 338 Tufted Duck were counted. At least 1 Grasshopper Warbler was at the west end.
23: The first Winchat of the year was in the west marsh. 3 Grasshopper Warbler were reeling along the south east bay. 3 Common Sandpiper were at the west end, also 5 Redshank, 2 Snipe and 4 Little Ringed Plover were present. 4 Common Tern and 3 Wigeon were noted.
22: An adult male Marsh Harrier flew through to the west at 6.30am. The first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was along the west lane. Other migrant counts today included 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 23 Sedge Warbler, 9 Reed Warbler, 15 Whitethroat, 4 Garden Warbler and 15 Yellow Wagtail also the first Grey Wagtail of the year was in front of the West End hide. 9 Goldeneye, 3 Wigeon, 40 Teal and 5 Shelduck were counted. 2 Common Tern were still present. 1 Dunlin, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe and 4 Redshank were at the west end. A late Fieldfare flew over this morning. A Hobby was hawking insects and a Tawny Owl was in the reservoir plantation in the afternoon.
21: 4 Grasshopper Warbler were at the west end included 3 reeling males and 18+ Sedge Warbler. 3 White Wagtail and 19 Yellow Wagtail, including a Channel Wagtail, were on the north shore. 4 Common Tern were present and a Black Tern dropped in at 1.15pm. A Red Kite flew through to the east at 3.40pm. A Hobby was hawking low over the reservoir early afternoon.
20: The first Garden Warbler of the year was singing along the south east bay and 2 Grasshopper Warbler were reeling at the west end. 1 Yellow Wagtail was on the north shore also a single Wheatear was noted. 1 Green Sandpiper was on the dam wall, also 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 5 Little Ringed Plover were still present. 1 Common Tern remains. 7 Goldeneye and 3 Wigeon were counted. An immature Peregrine flew through in the afternoon. 3 Bar-headed Geese were exotic visitors.
19: A pair of Black-necked Grebe were new arrivals and 1 Little Grebe was also present. The first 2 Black Tern of the year dropped in at 3.35 pm, also the first Common Tern of the year arrived at 1.50pm. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Redshank were counted. 81 Teal and 3 Wigeon were noted. 1 Grasshopper Warbler remains at the west end and 3 Yellow Wagtail were on the north shore.
18: 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank and 1 Snipe were noted. 3 Wigeon and 14 Goldeneye were counted. 1 Grasshopper Warbler and a single Yellow Wagtail were present.
17: Migrants include 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 8 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Whitethroat and 3 Willow Warbler. 2 Dunlin, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatcher and 1 Common Sandpiper were counted. 4 Wigeon remain.
16: 4 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 3 Redshank were noted. 8 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler and 6 Whitethroat were present and 2 male Wheatear were in the west marsh. An adult female Marsh Harrier flew through to the east at 8.17am. A male Brambling was at the Gazebo feeders. WeBS count produced 320 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 21 Goldeneye, 71 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 50 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 65 Mallard, 87 Coot and 14 Great Crested Grebe.
15: The first Hobby of the year was seen at 4.45 pm. A late Redwing was noted. 1 Black-Tailed Godwit and 2 Common Sandpiper were present.
14: The first 2 Greenshank of the year were on the north shore until 3.30pm, also present were 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 2 Redshank. A female Wigeon was a new arrival, 10 Goldeneye and 4 Shelduck were noted. 2 Yellow Wagtail and a male Wheatear were on the north shore, 2 Reed Warbler were along Gazebo bay also 4 Sedge Warbler and 1 Whitethroat were present. 400+ Sand Martin were estimated in the afternoon but still very few House Martin and Swallows. A Tawny Owl was roosting in the reservoir plantation.
13: The first Reed Warbler of the year was along Gazebo bay, also 1 Sedge Warbler. 5 Yellow Wagtail were on the north shore. 8 Shelduck were present. 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin were noted.
12: 2 Dunlin, 5 Little Ringed Plover and 5 Oystercatcher were counted. 8 Shelduck were present. 500+ Sand Martin were seen in the morning and 1 male Redstart was in the willows near the shingle island in the afternoon.
11: A pair of Garganey at the west end were the first of the year. A Red Kite was also seen at the west end at 2.55pm before drifting south. 9 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank and 2 Snipe were counted. 2 Sedge Warbler and 1 Whitethroat were noted.
10: A Grasshopper Warbler reeled briefly on the north-west shore in the morning which is the earliest on record. The first 2 Whitethroat of the year were at the west end, also 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Sedge Warbler and 5 Willow Warbler were also present. 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin were noted. A 'Commic' Tern was seen briefly around 9am.
9: A Red Kite flew over to the west at 2.30pm. A female Goosander flew through also 6 Shelduck and 1 Little Grebe were noted. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe and 3 Redshank were counted. Summer migrants included 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Sedge Warbler, 10 Willow Warbler and 12 Blackcap. A Brambling was on the woodland feeders.
8: 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 5 Oystercatcher and 2 Redshank were counted. 7 Shelduck were noted. Willow Warbler numbers have increased to 5. 1 male Redstart was reported towards the west end.
7: 2 Osprey flew through in the afternoon. The first was present between 4.15–4.25pm before flying off to the north-west. The second bird was present between 5–5.10pm when it flew off north. 2 Common Sandpiper were still on the dam wall, also 8 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 3 Redshank were noted. 2 White Wagtail were on the north shore. 63 Gadwall, 72 Teal and 4 Shelduck were counted.
6: The first 2 Common Sandpiper of the year were on the dam wall also 1 Green Sandpiper was seen there in the morning, 5 Little Ringed Plover and 3 Redshank were at the west end. 1 Willow Warbler was singing below the dam.
5: A female Merlin flew through to the north at 3.55pm. 6 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 3 Redshank were noted. 157 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 47 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 95 Teal and 4 Shelduck were counted. 150 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 10 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 male Brambling were noted.
4: The first Yellow Wagtail of the year was on the north shore in the afternoon. 200 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow and 5 House Martin were noted. Blackcap increased to 9 and a male Brambling was at the woodland feeders. 4 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 3 Redshank were present.
3: The first White Wagtail of the year was on the north shore with a male Wheatear. Other migrants include 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 70 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin and several Swallows and a male Brambling was at the Gazebo feeders. 3 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank and 4 Oystercatcher were at the west end. 18 Shoveler were counted. There was no sign of the Black-necked Grebe or the Knot.
2: The Black-necked Grebe remained off the dam and the Knot was still present, also 8 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank and 4 Oystercatcher were counted. 1 Goosander, 59 Goldeneye, 4 Shelduck and 1 Little Grebe were noted. 5 Blackcap, 150 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin and 5 Swallow were noted. 1 Sandwich Tern flew through at 8am and a steady stream of Meadow Pipits were moving north in the morning.
1: A single Knot was a new arrival and showed well. The Black-necked Grebe remains. 6 Little Ringed Plover were at the west end, also 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 4 Snipe and 4 Oystercatcher were noted. 10 Wigeon, 136 Teal, 56 Gadwall, 15 Shoveler, 92 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard and 4 Shelduck were counted. A female Brambling was by the West End Hide and 2 Fieldfare flew over to the north.

March 2011

31: 1 Dunlin and 2 Redshank were noted and 2 Little Ringed Plover were on the north shore. The Black-necked Grebe was still present. 1 male Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler were along the south east bay. Shelduck numbers have increased to 4, also 16 Shoveler and 10 Wigeon were counted. 2 House Martin and 5 Sand Martin were seen in the afternoon.
30: The first 2 Willow Warbler of the year were singing along Gazebo Bay. A Grey Plover flew through to the west at 12.30pm. The Black-necked Grebe remained off the dam. 4 House Martin, 10+ Swallow and 100 Sand Martin were counted. 2 Little Ringed Plover were on the north shore, also 1 Dunlin and 2 Redshank. 14 Wigeon, 35 Gadwall and 117 Teal were counted. 5 Fieldfare flew over.
29: The first House Martin of the year dropped in, also 7 Swallow and 60+ Sand Martin were counted. The Black-necked Grebe was still present. 3 Little Ringed Plover were on the north shore, also 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher and 1 Curlew were noted. Wigeon have increased to 18.
28: A Ringed Plover was a new arrival, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Curlew were also noted. A male Brambling was along the south east by. The Barn Owl was seen in the evening, hunting the west marsh from 8pm. The Black-necked Grebe remains.
27: 8 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Redshank and 2 Curlew were counted. The moulting Black-necked Grebe was still present. 85 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow were present in the morning. 60+ Meadow Pipit were noted south of the West End Hide. 6 Redwing and 6 Fieldfare were by the Reservoir Plantation. 2 Little Owl were on box 86.
26: The first Swallow of the year was present in the afternoon with 43 Sand Martin. 1 Green Sandpiper was on the dam wall, 1 Little Ringed Plover was at the west end, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin and 2 Redshank were also noted. 60 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing were below the dam. 2 Shelduck and 2 Wigeon remain.
25: 2 Green Sandpiper remain on the dam wall, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher were also present. 3 Shelduck, 50+ Goldeneye, 118 Teal and 2 Wigeon were counted. 26 Sand Martin flew through this morning, several Redwing and Fieldfare were seen in the Reservoir plantation.
24: The first Wheatear of the year was on the dam this morning and a Stonechat was reported on the north shore. 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Redshank were noted. 13 Chiffchaff were singing around the reserve. A female Merlin flew through in the afternoon. The Black-necked Grebe remains.
23: A new Black-necked Grebe, in its winter plumage, was seen by the Scott Hide. 3 Little Ringed Plover were at the west end, 2 Dunlin and 2 Redshank were present. 23 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon were noted. 22 Brambling were in the Reservoir plantation.
22: The female Scaup was seen at 7.45am but no later sightings were reported. 2 Little Ringed Plover were at the west end, 2 Dunlin and 2 Redshank were counted. Shoveler numbers have increased to 12. 1 Male Blackcap was noted.
21: A female Scaup was a new arrival and 3 Shelduck were also noted. 1 Little Ringed Plover was at the west end, 3 Redshank and 6 Oystercatcher were counted.
20: 3 Little Ringed Plover were at the west end, also 3 Redshank and 4 Oystercatcher were present. 3 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 9 Pochard, 41 Gadwall and 30 Great Crested Grebe were counted. Summer migrants included 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap and 2 Sand Martin. 6+ Brambling were seen between the Reservoir plantation and the Gazebo Hide.
19: A Common Scoter was the main highlight. The first Little Grebe of the year was at the west end. 3 Shelduck were on the north shore. 1 Little Ringed Plover was reported in the afternoon, 3 Dunlin, 2 Redshank and 2 Curlew were noted. A single male Blackcap, by the car park, was the first of the year. 1 Green Woodpecker was on the north side. 10+ Chiffchaff were along the southern boundary hedge. 22 Sand Martin flew through in the morning.
18: The first Green Sandpiper of the year was at the west end this afternoon, 3 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 7 Oystercatcher and 1 Curlew were counted. 1 Shelduck and 7 Shoveler were noted. 40+ Sand Martin were present in the morning and 7 Chiffchaff were along the southern boundary hedge.
17: 37 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher and 1 Curlew were present. 17 Sand Martin and 5+ Chiffchaff were noted. 63 Wigeon arrived. A male Brambling was along the south east bay.
16: 4 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew and 4 Oystercatcher were counted. 6 Shoveler were noted. 3 pair of Goldcrest were singing and holding territory.
15: 3 Little Ringed Plover were on the north shore in the afternoon, 4 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 4 Snipe and 6 Oystercatcher were present. 6 Golden Plover flew over to the west. 2 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, 114 Tufted Duck and 22 Great Crested Grebe were counted. 6+ Chiffchaff were along the south side.
14: A Little Ringed Plover was on the north shore in the afternoon, also 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 3 Snipe were present. 5+ Chiffchaff were along the south side and 2 Sand Martin dropped in at dusk.
13: The main highlight was a Barn Owl that was hunting the west marsh from 6.15pm. 3 Chiffchaff were singing along the south side. 4 Oystercatcher and 2 Curlew were noted. A WeBS count produced 370 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 31 Gadwall, 108 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Shelduck, 80 Tufted Duck, 75 Goldeneye, 137 Coot, 13 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Mute Swan and 4 Cormorant.
12: Spring migrant passage included a Little Ringed Plover that flew through to the west at 10.20am (this is the earliest on record by a day). 19 Sand Martin also flew through between 8.30am-5.30pm. The first 2 Chiffchaff of the year were near the Gazebo Hide and below the dam. 5 Oystercatcher and 8 Snipe were noted. 6+ Meadow Pipit flew north in the morning.
11: The first Sand Martin of the year flew through to the west at 4pm. 1 Dunlin, 5 Oystercatcher and 1 Curlew were noted. 3 Shelduck were seen but no sign of the Black-necked Grebe.
10: 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe were counted and 1 Redshank was seen briefly in the morning. 1 Goosander and 1 Shelduck were noted. The Black-necked Grebe was still present.
9: 2 Black-tailed Godwit were present briefly early morning, 7 Curlew and 4 Oystercatcher were noted. 1 Goosander was present in the afternoon, 78 Goldeneye were counted at dusk. The Black-necked Grebe remains.
8: The highlight was the arrival of a Black-necked Grebe (the earliest on record). 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher were noted. 2 Lesser Redpoll were along the south-east bay. Shoveler have increased to 7. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
7: 5 Black-tailed Godwit were seen in the morning reducing to 3 by the afternoon. 1 Redshank, 6 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 5 Snipe were also present.
6: 1 Black-tailed Godwit was still present together with 2 Dunlin, 5 Curlew and 4 Oystercatcher. 15 Siskin were counted. 60+ Tree Sparrow, 1 Willow Tit and 1 Marsh Tit were at the Gazebo feeders. 1 Little Owl was at box 86 in the afternoon. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted.
5: 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 3 Curlew and 5 Oystercatcher were present and a Black-tailed Godwit was seen at the west end. 516 Teal, 67 Tufted Duck and 25 Great Crested Grebe were counted. A Woodcock was seen again at dusk on the east side of the Reservoir plantation. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted.
4: A pair of Pintail were new arrivals. 7 Curlew and 1 Dunlin were present. A Woodcock flew over the spill weir at dusk.
3: 1 Dunlin, 5 Curlew, 5 Snipe and 4 Oystercatcher were at the west end. 79 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 1 Shelduck and 19 Great Crested Grebe were counted.
2: 2 Dunlin, 3 Curlew and 4 Oystercatcher were present. 87 Goldeneye were counted at dusk, also 438 Teal, 1 Shelduck and 2 Shoveler were noted. 12 Common Gulls roosted.
1: 5 Dunlin were at the west end also 5 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 16 Snipe were present. 2 Shelduck and 59 Gadwall were counted.

February 2011

28: A Ringed Plover flew through in afternoon. 1 Dunlin, 7 Curlew and 4 Oystercatcher were present. 7 Goosander were seen briefly in the afternoon, 1 Shelduck and a Peregrine were noted. A second- and a third-winter Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
27: 50 Gadwall, 8 Mute Swans and 126 Coot were counted. 1 Woodcock flew past the west end this morning. A Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were at the Gazebo feeders.
26: A splendid drake Smew was a new arrival and is the first drake at Belvide since 11 December 2004. 86 Goldeneye, 427 Teal, 1 Shelduck and 23 Great Crested Grebe were counted. 7 Dunlin, 5 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher were present. A male Siskin and 2 second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls were noted.
25: A female Pintail was a new arrival and 1 Shelduck remains. 80 Golden Plover flew through and 2 Curlew and 4 Oystercatcher were counted. A second-winter Yellow-legged Gull roosted.
24: At 1:55pm a Red Kite flying through was the main highlight. 4 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher were noted. 103 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon and 14 Great Crested Grebe were counted. An immature Peregrine was present in the afternoon, also several displaying Buzzard were on the wing.
23: A record number for Belvide of 45 Waxwing flew in at 4:30pm resting by the Gazebo hide for 5 minutes before flying off to the North-East. 9 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 940 Lapwing were noted. Pochard numbers have increased to 98 (highest total for the winter period), together with 97 Tufted Duck, 1 Shelduck, 2 Goosander, 2 Shoveler and 12 Great Crested Grebe. An adult Mediterranean Gull, in near summer plumage, roosted.
21: 2 Dunlin were at the west end, 2 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher and 781 Lapwing were present. 11 Great Crested Grebe and 38 Pochard were counted. An adult Peregrine was seen this afternoon.
20: The first Ringed Plover of the year was in front of the Andy Chappell hide, also 3 Curlew and 5 Oystercatcher were present. 409 Teal, 4 Shoveler and 9 Great Crested Grebe were counted. A male Siskin was again at the Gazebo feeders.
19: 2 Dunlin, 1 Golden Plover and 2 Oystercatcher were counted. 1 Shelduck was present. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls noted. A Siskin was seen at the Gazebo feeders. 1 Little Owl. A Woodcock flew out at dusk.
18: 4 Golden Plover, 1 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher were present at the west end. 47 Pochard, 81 Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebe were counted.
16: 74 Goldeneye (25 drakes) and 83 Tufted Duck were counted. 1 Curlew, 1 Dunlin and 2 Oystercatcher were seen at the west end. 18 Great Black-backed Gulls roosted.
14: 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 2 Snipe were at the west end. 16 Reed Bunting were at the Gazebo feeders. 2 Peregrine were present in the afternoon.
13: A single Shelduck was a new arrival, joining 6 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Shoveler, 59 Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard and 44 Cormorant. 1 Dunlin and 5 Oystercatcher were at the west end.
12: 4 new arrivals for this year are 2 Egyptian Geese, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Dunlin. 1 Golden Plover and 2 Oystercatcher were present. A Corn Bunting was seen briefly and 30 Siskin were along the Gazebo Bay. WeBS count produced 333 Teal, 102 Wigeon, 51 Gadwall, 54 Mallard, 49 Tufted Duck, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 121 Coot and 6 Mute Swan.
11: A first-winter White-fronted Goose was noted (this is the first record since a single adult was present on 24 October 2006). A small flock of Greylag Geese were also present. 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Goosander and 81 Goldeneye were counted. 50 large gulls roosted this evening with a surprise visit of a juvenile Glaucous Gull arriving at 5pm.
10: 4 Golden Plover were the first of the year. 2 Oystercatcher were noted. 1 male Brambling was again at the Gazebo feeders. 12 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll were along the Gazebo Bay.
9: 80 Goldeneye and 71 Tufted Duck were counted. 3 Oystercatcher were still present. A male Brambling was present at the Gazebo feeders.
8: 3 Oystercatcher were new arrivals. 78 Goldeneye and 2 Goosander were counted. 4 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin were along the Gazebo Bay. 95 Linnet remain at the west end. 4 Little Owl were seen at dusk (2 at box 86 and 2 east of the car park in Shutt Green Lane).
7: 10 Pochard, 62 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 38 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe and 57 Cormorant were counted. An adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted. The male Brambling was again at the Gazebo feeders.
6: 1 Goosander was noted. 1 adult, 1 second-winter and first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls roosted. 1 male Brambling was present at the Gazebo feeding station. 5 Raven were displaying to the north of the reserve.
5: 2 Yellow-legged Gulls including an adult and a first-winter were in the pre-roost in the afternoon. An immature Peregrine was also noted.
4: 72 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander and 170 Wigeon were counted. 1 Oystercatcher and Curlew were seen in the morning. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls roosted ( 3 adults, 1 third-winter and first-winter).
3: A single Oystercatcher was a new arrival. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosted. 167 Wigeon, 1 Goosander, 34 Cormorant and 96 Coot were counted.
2: 3 Great Crested Grebe were new arrivals, 69 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard and 2 Goosander were counted. 30 Reed Bunting roosted in the Scott Hide reed bed. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (1 adult and 1 third-winter) roosted.
1: Wildfowl counted included 2 Goosander, 60+ Goldeneye, 51 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 47 Gadwall, 262 Mallard, 368 Teal, 163 Wigeon, 5 Mute Swan, 181 Greylag Geese and 20 Cormorant.

January 2011

31: 4 Pintails were new arrivals. 1 Goosander, 242 Mallard and 4 Pochard were counted. The Little Owl was again seen at box 86. 96 Linnet were noted at the west end. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull roosted. 4 Raven were displaying to the north east in the afternoon.
30: 73 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 3 Shoveler, 171 Wigeon, 423 Teal, 42 Gadwall, 51 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 7 Great Crested Grebe and 99 Coot were counted. 1 adult and 1 first-winter Yellow-legged Gull roosted. The Little Owl was still present.
29: 2 Shoveler, 153 Wigeon and 1 Goosander were noted. 1 adult and 1 first-winter Yellow-legged Gull roosted in the evening.
28: A Little Owl was seen in the owl box south of the reserve at dusk. An adult Mediterranean Gull roosted. 86 Linnet were counted at the west end. 2 Goosander dropped in at dusk.
27: An immature Peregrine was seen in the afternoon. 4 Goosander, 54 Goldeneye, 39 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard and 144 Wigeon were counted.
26: 305 Teal and 112 Wigeon were present. 8 Lesser Redpoll were noted along the south east bay and 956 Lapwing counted at the west end in the afternoon. 1200 Large gulls including 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
25: 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Pochard and 2 Goosander were noted. The first Shoveler of the year arrived.
24: 300+ Lapwing and 4 Snipe were noted.
23: 366 Teal and a Raven were noted. 60+ Tree Sparrow were at the Gazebo feeding station. 2 Marsh Tit and 2 Willow Tit were present. 64 Linnet were counted at the west end.
22: 4 Goosander, 60 Goldeneye, 37 Gadwall, 180 Canada Geese and a Great Crested Grebe were counted. An adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted at dusk.
21: 3 Shelduck were the first of the year. A Goosander, 96 Wigeon, 242 Teal and 52 Goldeneye were counted. A Snipe was present at the west end. 3 adult and 1 third-winter Yellow-legged Gulls roosted.
20: 2 Great Crested Grebe and 4 Pochard were noted.
19: The first 2 Oystercatcher of the year were reported.
18: 62 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 3 Common Gull and 1300 Black-headed Gull were counted. 2 redhead Goosander were present in the afternoon. 59 Goldeneye were noted. 2 Lesser Redpoll were along the Gazebo bay.
17: 2 Great Crested Grebe were the first of the year. 55 Goldeneye, 145 Wigeon, 43 Tufted Duck and 14 Pochard were counted. An immature Peregrine and 31 Linnet were noted.
16: 2 Raven and an immature Peregrine were seen in the morning. 40+ Tree Sparrow and 1 Willow Tit were at the Gazebo feeders. A WeBS count produced 136 Wigeon, 278 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 176 Mallard, 18 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 36 Goldeneye, 65 Coot, 50 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag Geese, 9 Cormorant and 1 Grey Heron.
13: 4 Snipe were noted at the west end. 219 Lapwing were noted. 58 Gadwall, 232 Wigeon, 344 Teal, 4 Mute Swan were counted. A Redpoll was seen near the Gazebo hide.
11: The first day since 27 November 2010 that the reservoir was completely free of ice. One Goosander and 287 Wigeon were counted. 5 Curlew dropped in at dusk. 50 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull and 200 Black-headed Gull roosted.
10: 4 Goosander were reported off the dam, 284 Wigeon and 3 Mute Swan were noted. An immature Peregrine and 2 Raven were noted. 5 Curlew were present in the afternoon.
9: A Nordic Jackdaw was seen again below the dam in the morning. 17 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander and 5 Tufted Duck were counted.
8: A pair of Pintail were new arrivals, 266 Wigeon, 545 Teal, 54 Gadwall, 283 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldeneye, 7 Goosander and 253 Greylag Geese were counted. In the afternoon 2 Nordic Jackdaw were below the dam and 5 Curlew were on the ice. One Snipe was noted. 60+ Linnet were at the west end.
6: 6 Goosander, 5 Goldeneye, 453 Teal and 52 Gadwall were counted. 5 Curlew were seen at dusk. 2 Goldcrest were at the west end.
4: 4 Pochard were the first of the year, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 264 Wigeon, 360 Teal, 268 Mallard and 3 Goosander were counted. A Goldcrest was present at the west end and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was seen late afternoon.
3: With sub-zero temperatures overnight, the reservoir surface was again 99% frozen. 264 Wigeon, 340 Teal, 49 Gadwall, 70 Coot and 230 Greylag Geese were noted and 6 Goosander flew in at dusk. 10 Curlew came in to roost.
2: 2 Adult Bewick's Swan dropped in briefly at 2:00pm before heading off east. A single Redshank was a new arrival. 15 Curlew were present late afternoon. 16 Goosander were counted. 3 Brambling and 150+ Chaffinch were noted.
1: A spectacular start to the New Year was when a female Eider Duck flew in at 9:15am, but only stayed 15 minutes. This was only the fifth recorded sighting at Belvide — the last one being 9 November 1997. 4 Goosander, 14 Goldeneye, 172 Wigeon and 31 Gadwall were noted. A Little Egret dropped in briefly at 4:00pm. 14 Curlew were near the Scott hide late afternoon. 2 Brambling were reported at the Gazebo hide. An immature Peregrine was seen hunting the wildfowl. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and 8 Great Black-backed Gull roosted.

Further information

Reports by Sue Miller.

Belvide Reservoir Nature Reserve is situated near Brewood, Staffordshire, England, seven miles north-west of Wolverhampton, at grid reference SJ870099.

Ornithology in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire & the West Midlands county, since 1929.

Fetched from http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/belvide/latest on Saturday 04 February 2012 11:04:26

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