BELVIDE SEPTEMBER 2026 ROUNDUP
September brought an excellent mix of autumn migration, scarce visitors and impressive bird numbers to Belvide Reservoir, with Ospreys, passage waders and Black-necked Grebes providing some of the month's most memorable sightings.
Ospreys were a particular highlight, with sightings on numerous dates throughout the month. The 6th September proved especially productive, with two Ospreys and two Marsh Harriers passing through, alongside three Hobbies and a Peregrine. Goshawks and Red Kites were also regularly recorded, while an Osprey passing high to the west on the 23rd provided another late-month highlight.
The three juvenile Black-necked Grebes present at the beginning of September continued to attract interest, with at least one remaining until the 12th. Their presence followed an exceptional run of records, bringing the reserve's 2026 total to an impressive 34 birds by 2nd September.
Wader passage was another major feature, with a good variety of species recorded throughout the month. Highlights included Knot, Sanderling, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Ruff. A juvenile Little Stint arrived on the 24th, followed by a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper on the 25th. Ringed Plover were particularly numerous, with counts reaching 29 birds on several dates.
The 19th September was especially productive, with seven Knot flying south, a Cattle Egret making a brief appearance and a juvenile Black Tern dropping in late morning. The following day brought another juvenile Knot, a Turnstone and three Cattle Egrets below the dam.
Gull activity increased during the second half of the month, with Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls featuring regularly. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull was also recorded on the 21st.
As autumn progressed, the changing season became increasingly apparent. Wheatears, Yellow Wagtails and Stonechats were regularly reported, with eight Stonechats at the west end on the 26th. Linnet numbers built steadily, reaching an impressive 260 birds on the 29th. Visible migration included Swallows, Meadow Pipits and Chaffinches, while 12 Jays flying over on the 26th suggested further autumn movement.
Wildfowl numbers also began to build, with notable counts of 275 Shoveler, 216 Teal, 68 Wigeon and 14 Pintail. Great Egrets remained a regular sight, with eight recorded on the 3rd, while the month's other interesting records included Grasshopper Warblers, Whinchat and Willow Emerald Damselflies.
The regional Patch All-Dayer on 5th September produced 85 species, including Ospreys, Black-necked Grebes and Whinchat.
Overall, September was another rewarding month at Belvide, with a wonderful variety of migrating birds, scarce visitors and the first signs of the autumn wildfowl build-up.
With thanks to Steve Nuttall for his dedication in recording and sharing daily sightings through the Belvidebirding.blogspot.com