BELVIDE 30.9.24 Drizzle Murk NE 1-2

 The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also the female Scaup and 19 Pochard were along the south east bay. 3 Garganey, 1 Pintail and 63 Wigeon were counted. The Black-necked Grebe was along the Gazebo bay. A mixture of 200 hirundines were present, mainly House Martin and Swallow with a few Sand Martin. 7 Great Egret and 2 Little Egret were noted.

BELVIDE 29.9.24 Cloudy SE 2-3

 The Tundra Bean Goose was again at the west end before flying off south late morning. The Lesser Scaup was off the dam, also the female Scaup was along the south east bay. 2 Garganey, 1 Goosander and 4 Pintail were present. The Black-necked Grebe was along the Gazebo bay. A single Ringed Plover was along the south west shore, also 46 Golden Plover were out to the east. 10 Stonechat were present , including 7 off the west track and 3 below the dam. 9 Great Egret and 2 Little Egret were noted. A juvenile Goshawk and Red Kite were east of the dam.

BELVIDE 28.9.24 Pale Legged Leaf Warbler in Yorkshire

 News received today included the Tundra Bean Goose still at the west end. The Lesser Scaup and female Scaup were off the dam, also 18 Pochard, 3 Garganey and 3 Pintail were present. 10 Great Egret were around the reserve. 2 Ringed Plover 40 Golden Plover flew thru. A record 14 Stonechat were present with 11 on Hawkshutts ridge and 3 below the dam. A Vis Mig off the dam between 0730-0900hrs produced 125 Swallow, 180 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 52 Skylark, 14 Meadow Pipit.

I had a day off from Belvide to see a Pale Legged Leaf Warbler at Bempton RSPB reserve in Yorkshire. The bird showed very well with patience as it skulked low down in the small scrubby copses next to the car park. It is only the 2nd confirmed record for Britain following a bird found dead on Scilly on 21st October 2016. This bird had flown a long way, breeding in a narrow zone of continental east Asia, from the Amur River southeast to Northeast China and North Korea. A distance of 7,400-8,500 km!!! They are very similar to Sakhalin Leaf Warbler and only reliably separated by call. Fortunately this bird was very vocal, best described as a repetitive high pitched Dunnock. In appearance it's similar to Arctic Warbler with a broad creamy upturned supercilium. The crown was greyish contrasting with olive green upperparts that could look quiet brown in certain lights. The wings showed a faint wing bar on the greater coverts. The legs were a very pale fleshy pink colour. There was also a Yellow-browed Warbler in the same copse.

BELVIDE 27.9.24 Cloudy N/NNW 3

 The Tundra Bean Goose was again present on the north west shore with the Greylag flock this afternoon. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also a female Scaup (photo), 432 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 3 Garganey and 3 Pintail were counted. A juvenile Arctic Tern (photo) was present this afternoon. The Black-necked Grebe (photo) was ranging between the Gazebo bay and West End Hide. 10 Great Egret becomes another new site record.

BELVIDE 26.9.24 Afternoon Rain E 1

 The Great Egret record continues to creep up with 9 present today, with 1 Little Egret. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also at least 2 Garganey and 3 Pintail were counted. The Black-necked Grebe remains along the Gazebo bay. A juvenile Ruff was a new arrival, also 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper were present.

BELVIDE 25.9.24 Afternoon Rain S 2

 An Osprey put on quiet a performance this afternoon. It flew in at 2.17pm and was presumed to have flown thru. However it was back again an hour later, where it caught a fish and perched on the scaffholding out from the Scott hide. It had a blue ring with white code FC8. It's a male, ringed on the Black Isle north of Inverness 0n the 1st July 2015. It has also been seen at the Saloum Delta in Senegal on the 16th October 2023. Thanks to Tim Mackrill for details. A video of the Osprey can be viewed here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1JHL6kbHck

 The Lesser Scaup remains opff the dam, also 3 Garganey, 3 Pintail and 64 Wigeon were counted. The Black-necked Grebe remains along the Gazebo bay. 7 Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper were present. Great Egret have increased to 8.

BELVIDE 24.9.24 Overcast W 2-3

3 Scaup were new arrivals including 2 adult drakes and an adult female. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 3 Garganey, 4 Pintail and 60 Wigeon were counted. The Black-necked Grebe remains along the Gazebo bay. Great Egret have increased to 7. 9 Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin were present. 2 Siskin flew west this afternoon.

BELVIDE 23.9.24 Overcast N 2

A juvenile Arctic Tern flew thru at 11am and is the one and only juvenile recorded this autumn. The Black-necked Grebe continues to show well along the Gazebo bay. The Lesser Scaup was off the dam. Shoveler continue to increase with 395 today, also 3 Garganey, 8 Pintail and 49 Wigeon were counted. 5 Great Egret and 1 Little Egret were present. 16 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper were on the north shore, also a Golden Plover flew south west this afternoon.

BELVIDE 22.9.24 Rain NE 2-3

 The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 275 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 3 Garganey, 369 Shoveler, 45 Wigeon, 219 Teal, 86 Gadwall, 5 Pintail, 120 Mallard, 6 Little Grebe, 17 GC Grebe were counted. The Black-necked Grebe remains off the Gazebo bay. 8 Ringed Plover and a LRP were present. 4 Great Egret and a Little Egret were noted. An adult and imm Peregrine were present. 94 Swallow, 17 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin flew thru.

BELVIDE 21.9 24 Overcast Thundery Showers NE 3

The main highlight today was a Tundra Bean Goose on the north shore with 352 Greylag Geese. It was first thought to be the same bird that has been touring Worcestershire for the last 2 years. However, that bird was still present at Bittel Reservoir this morning. The Black-necked Grebe remains in the Gazebo bay. The Lesser Scaup was off the dam, also 14 Pochard, 346 Shoveler, 5 Pintail, 3 Garganey,, 349 Canada Geese, 1 Bar Headed Goose, 56 Mute Swan were counted. A Marsh Harrier was along the south east bay at dawn and had probably roosted in the Scott hide reed bed. 4 Great Egret and a Little Egret were present. 5 Stonechat and a Whinchat were on Hawkshutts ridge. 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper were present. The 1st winter Med Gull and 9 Common Gull were noted.

BELVIDE 20.9.24 Overcast NE 3

 The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 3 Garganey, 4 Pintail, 46 Wigeon, 307 Shoveler, 170 Teal and 888 Coot were counted. The Black-necked Grebe was mobile around the reservoir. The 1st summer Hobby was again perched along the Gazebo bay, also 2 Red Kite flew over. 4 Great Egret and a Little Egret were noted. The 1st winter Med Gull was still present, also at least 5 Common Gull. 7 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin were present.

BELVIDE 19.9.24 Overcast ENE 3

 A juvenile Black-necked Grebe off the Gazebo bay was a new arrival. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 3 Garganey, 30 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 303 Shoveler and 10 Pochard were counted. 8 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper were present. The 1st winter Med Gull was again present this afternoon, also 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. A 1st summer Hobby was catching dragonflies along the Gazebo bay. 2 Great Egret and a Reed Warbler were noted.

BELVIDE 18.9.24 Overcast am/Sunny pm E 3

 The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 3 Garganey, 4 Pintail and 24 Wigeon were counted. Also a drake Tufted x Scaup hybrid (photo) was at the west end. The 1st winter Med Gull was again present this afternoon. 2 Great Egret and a Little Egret were noted. 8 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper and 70 Lapwing were counted. This mornings ringing session produced 32 Chiffchaff, 19 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Kingfisher.

BELVIDE 17.9.24 Sunny E 2

 An Osprey flew over high to the south at 4pm. A 1st winter Med Gull (photo) was on the north shore this afternoon was the first since early August. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 3 Garganey, 5 Pintail and 6 Pochard were counted. 2 Great Egret and a Little Egret remain. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Common Sandpiper were noted.

BELVIDE 16.9.24 Fair NNE 1

 The drake Lesser Scaup remains off the dam. Garganey have increased to 3 including 2 juvenile females and a juvenile drake. 4 Pintail and 274 Shoveler were counted. 13 Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpiper were present. 3 Great Egret remain. At least 4 Whinchat and 4 Stonechat were on Hawkshutts ridge. 2 Peregrine and a Hobby were noted.

Belvide 15.9.24 Late am Rain SW 2

5 Cattle Egret dropped in at 11am before departing south at 11.47am. Also 3 Great Egret and 1 Little Egret were present. The drake Lesser Scaup (photo) remains off the dam and has now completed it's wing moult. 2 Garganey, 6 Pintail and 22 Wigeon were counted. A juvenile Goshawk (photo) sparred briefly with a Peregrine this afternoon, also a 1st summer Hobby was again along the Gazebo bay. 12 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpiper and 4 Snipe were present. A Garden Warbler was below the dam, also a Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat were noted. 292 Swallow and 44 Meadow Pipit flew over between 0645-0845hrs. A juvenile Green Woodpecker and a pair of Stonechat were below the dam.

BELVIDE 14.9.24 Cloudy SW 2

 The drake Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 2 Garganey, 5 Pintail, 13 Wigeon and 220 Tufted Duck were counted. A Vis Mig off the dam between 0645-0845 produced 229 Meadow Pipit, 658 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagatil and 2 Mistle Thrush. 7 Whinchat, 5 Stonechat and 2 Whitethroat were on Hawkshutts ridge, with another Stonechat below the dam. 12 Ringed Plover, 1 LRP and 7 Common Sandpiper were present. 3 Great Egret and 1 Little Egret were noted. A Hobby was catching dragonflies along the Gazebo bay. This mornings ringing session produced 1 Cetti's Warbler, 57 Chiffchaff, 1 Northern Willow Warbler, 28 Blackap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Meadow Pipit.

BELVIDE 13.9.24 Fair SW 2

A Cattle Egret dropped on the north shore for around 10 minutes this afternoon was the first of the year, also 3 Great Egret and 1 Little Egret were present. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was hunting the north shore late afternoon. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 2 Garganey and 5 Pintail were counted. 8 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP , 2 Dunlin and 4 Common Sandpiper were on the north shore. A juvenile Whinchat was at the west end. A Spotted Flycatcher was by the Gazebo hide, also 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler were noted.

BELVIDE 12.9.24 Showery NW 3

 The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 2 Garganey and 6 Pintail were present. 1 Ruff, 10 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 7 Dunlin and 7 Common Sandpiper were present. An adult and iuvenile Goshawk were east of the dam this afternoon, also 2 Hobby and a Peregrine were noted. A late Swift was over the south east bay this afternoon. 3 Great Egret and a Little Egret were present. 2 Reed Warbler were along the Scott hide reed bed.

BELVIDE 11.9.24 Showery NW 4

 The Lesser Scaup was off the fishing club car park this morning, also 2 Garganey and 5 Pintail remain. 9 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 7 Dunlin and 5 Common Sandpiper were present. A juvenile female Goshawk flew over this afternoon, also a Red Kite and 2 Hobby. 3 Great Egret and 2 Little Egret were noted.

BELVIDE 10.9.24 Afternoon Rain NW 3-4

 3 juvenile Black-necked Grebe were new arrivals and only the 2nd record this year. The Pectoral Sandpiper was again from the Chappell hide this morning, but flew towards the west end and wasn't seen again for the rest of the day. A Ruff was a new arrival, also 1 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP and 6 Common Sandpiper were present. The Lesser Scaup was feeding off the Gazebo bay today. 2 Garganey were at the west end, also 307 Shoveler, 5 Pintail and a Shelduck were counted. 3 Great Egret were present around the reserve.

BELVIDE 9.9.24 Cloudy NW 3-4

An excellent days birding today with the highlight being 2 Roseate Terns (photos) that flew thru to the west at 4.17pm. Unfortunately they didn't hang around long enough for me to get a decent shot. A juvenile Black Tern dropped in at 3.03pm. An Osprey (photo by Kev Wardlaw) flew thru south at 1.53pm. The Pectoral Sandpiper was on the north shore this morning, before relocating again to below the Chappell hide. 7 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP and 8 Common Sandpiper were present. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam. 2 Garganey were at the west end, including a new juvenile drake, also 295 Shoveler, 19 Wigeon and 6 Pintail were counted. The Shoveler count being a personal highest count on the reserve. 3 Great Egret and a Little Egret were present. A Hobby was noted.

BELVIDE 8.9.24 Rain N/W 1-2

 The Pectoral Sandpiper was on the north shore this morning before relocating to the Chappell hide this afternoon. 7 Ringed Plover, 3 LRP, 8 Common Sandpiper, 1 Curlew and 8 Snipe were present. The Lesser Scaup remains of the dam. The Garganey was at the west end, also 247 Shoveler, 6 Pintail and 13 Wigeon were counted. 5 Whinchat and 3 Stonechat were on Hawkshutts ridge.A Spotted Flycatcher was by the Gazebo hide. A Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Willow Warbler were noted. The Great Egret remains at the west end with a single Little Egret.

Yesterday's 98 species recorded on the reserve are as follows.

1 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag Goose, 3 Canada Goose, 4 Egyptian Goose, 5 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 7 Pintail, 8 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 11 Garganey, 12 Pochard, 13 Lesser Scaup, 14 Tufted Duck, 15 Goosander, 16 Pheasant, 17 Little Grebe, 18 GC Grebe, 19 Cormornt, 20 Great Egret, 21 Grey Heron, 22 Buzzard, 23 Sparrowhawk, 24 Kestrel, 25 Hobby, 26 Water Rail, 27 Moorhen, 28 Coot, 29 LRP, 30 Ringed Plover, 31 Lapwing, 32 Turnstone, 33 Dunlin, 34 Green Sandpiper, 35 Common Sandpiper, 36 Greenshank, 37 Snipe, 38 Pectoral Sandpiper, 39 BH Gull, 40 Common Gull, 41 Herring Gull, 42 Yellow-legged Gull, 43 LBB Gull, 44 Feral Pigeon, 45 Stock Dove, 46 Wood Pigeon, 47 Collared Dove, 48 Tawny Owl, 49 Little Owl, 50 Kingfisher, 51 Green Woodpecker, 52 GS Woodpecker, 53 Skylark, 54 Sand Martin, 55 Swallow, 56 House Martin, 57 Meadow Pipit, 58 Pied Wagtail, 59Yellow Wagtail, 60 Grey Wagtail, 61 Dunnock, 62 Robin, 63 Whinchat, 64 Stonechat, 65 Song Thrush, 66 Blackbird, 67 Garden Warbler, 68 Blackcap, 69 Whitethroat, 70 Lesser Whitethroat, 71 Sedge Warbler, 72 Reed Warbler, 73 Willow Warbler, 74 Chiffchaff, 75 Goldcrest, 76 Wren, 77 Spotted Flycatcher, 78 Great Tit, 79 Coal Tit, 80 Blue Tit, 81 LT Tit, 82 Nuthatch, 83 Treecreeper, 84 Magpie, 85 Jay, 86 Jackdaw, 87 Rook, 88 Crow, 89 Raven, 90 Starling, 91 House Sparrow, 92 Chaffinch, 93 Linnet, 94 Goldfinch, 95 Greenfinch, 96 Bullfinch, 97 Reed Bunting, 98 Yellowhammer.

BELVIDE 7.9.24 Murky ENE 1-2

 Today a team of us attempted the autumn all dayer. We started at 5am and finished at 8pm recording 98 Species over the day.Highlights included the Pectoral Sandpiper from the Chappell hide. The Lesser Scaup off the dam. 3 Turnstone dropped in at 11.50am, also 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 LRP. 3 Whinchat and 2 Stonechat were on Hawkshutts ridge. A Spotted Flycatcher was mobile between Gazebo and south east bay. A Water Rail was below the Scott hide. The Great Egret was at the west end. 5 Pintail and a Garganey were noted. I will put a full list on tomorrow. 

BELVIDE 6.9.24 Sunny Warm NE 3

 The Pectoral Sandpiper continues to feed along the shore from the Chappell hide. A Greenshank and Oystercatcher were present during the morning only, also 9 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover and 2 LRP were present. 3 Common Scoter were new arrivals including 2 imm drakes. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam and is starting to grow back its flight feathers. 1 Garganey, 235 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 19 Wigeon were counted. An Osprey flew south from the car park just as I was leaving at 5.20pm. The Great Egret was still at the west end.

BELVIDE 5.9.24 Overcast NE 3-4

 The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper remains along the south east bay either viewable from the Chappell or Scott hides. 12 Ringed Plover, 1 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 7 Common Sandpiper and 5 Snipe were present. A Great Egret was at the west end all day. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 1 Garganey was at the west end. The north easterly wind brought an arrival of 13 Pintail over the day, also 10 Wigeon, 221 Shoveler, 87 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 2 Goosander and 507 Greylag Geese were counted. A Swift flew thru this morning. A White Wagtail (photo) was with 40 Pied Wagtail at the west end. 2 Hobby were noted. Some more footage of the Pec Sand taken today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnF8zr2P0g

BELVIDE 4.9.24 Cloudy NW 2

 The Pectoral Sandpiper was found again early afternoon. It was tucked away in the south east bay which was only viewable from the dam. It did return to the shore below the Chappell hide later, where it showed well again. 1 Greenshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper and 5 Snipe were present. A juvenile Cuckoo (photo by Steve Roberts) showed well for a short time in front of the Gazebo hide late morning. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 3 Garganey, 3 Pintail and 205 Shoveler were counted. A Lesser Whitethroat was by the West End Hide. A Hobby and Little Egret were noted.

BELVIDE 3.9.24 Early Rain NW 2

 The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was present from the Chappell hide early morning only, with no sign for the rest of the day. A Greenshank dropped in mid morning, also 3 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 1 Dunlin and 5 Common Sandpiper were present. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam. Garganey have increased to 4, also 221 Teal, 198 Shoveler, 85 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 3 Wigeon, 185 Tufted Duck and 1 Mandarin were counted. A Wheatear was off the west track this afternoon. 2 Little Egret were noted. A Common Tern flew thru this morning.

BELVIDE 2.9.24 Murky Patchy Rain SE/W 1

 The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper spent most of the day from the Chappell hide, though at times could hide below and behind the bund and vegetation. 4 Whimbrel flew thru at 11.15am. 5 Greenshank dropped in at 4.53pm, also 5 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 4 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper and 7 Snipe were present. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam, also 2 Pintail were the first of the autumn, 158 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon and 1310 Coot were counted. A Water Rail was below the Scott hide. A Lesser Whitetroat was off the west track. A Hobby was noted.

BELVIDE 1.9.24 Overcast E 3

 A great start to the month when a juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was found on the north shore at 1pm. It later relocated to the south shore in front of the Chappell hide. This becomes the 16th record for Belvide and the 5th record in the last 4 years. I've personally seen 14 of the 16 records. A Whimbrel and 2 Curlew flew thru early morning, also 8 Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 2 Dunlin, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper and 2 Snipe were present. The Lesser Scaup remains off the dam. There are now 3 Garganey along the south east bay, also 120 Teal, 10 Little Grebe, including a partial leucistic bird (photo) and 11 Egyptian Geese were counted. 2 Hobby and a Peregrine flew over. 3 Little Egret were noted. Some video of the Pec Sand can be viewed clicking the link.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVCt6HwKrQw