Reserve: Belvide

Compiled from daily sightings – Belvide Reservoir, April 2026. With thanks to Steve Nuttall for collating the Belvide Bird Blog.

A strong finish to April with continued passage of terns and waders, alongside lingering wildfowl and increasing summer visitors.

Highlights:

• Black Tern movement peaked with 10 present on 30th (7 lingering into afternoon), following 11 on 24th and smaller numbers from 23rd.

• Arctic Tern influx on 28th with a peak of 26 birds.

• Black-necked Grebes (2) remained from 26th through to 30th, favouring the dam/south-east bay.

Hi guys. With the Bhg colonies starting to increase please keep an eye out for any colour ringed birds especially Red rings. These would most likely be from Belvide ringers scheme 2018/19. Any ring sightings would be great. We already have several returning birds inc 25F2 -21N3-23L3-26FO-22N6-24N6. Kindest regards Foz.

Compiled from daily sightings – Belvide Reservoir, March 2026. With thanks to Steve Nuttall for collating the Belvide Bird Blog.

Month Overview

March 2026 at Belvide saw a strong early‑spring migration, including the first Swallow, Sand Martin, Wheatear, House Martin and Osprey of the year. A Black‑necked Grebe remained throughout much of the month, joined by multiple Little Ringed Plovers, several Black‑tailed Godwits, inland Common Scoter and two appearances of Kittiwake. Raptors continued to feature heavily with Goshawk, Red Kite and Peregrine near‑daily.

Key Highlights

•First Osprey of the spring flew north on 31 Mar.

•Black‑necked Grebe present throughout much of month.

With thanks to Steve Nuttall for collating the Belvide Bird Blog.

Month Overview

February at Belvide delivered an outstanding mix of winter wildfowl, early spring arrivals, and an unexpected late‑month spectacle: the sudden formation of a massive Starling murmuration, peaking at an estimated 35,000–40,000 birds. Rare geese, impressive raptor activity, and several first‑of‑the‑year records made this one of the most eventful Februarys in recent years.

Monthly Highlights

Siberian Chiffchaff remained between West End Hide and Gazebo Bay.

White‑fronted Geese movements: 77 on 8 Feb; 55 on 14 Feb.