BELVIDE MARCH 2026 ROUND-UP
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.
•Kittiwake on 25 & 27 Mar.
•Large early Sand Martin movement (up to 50 on 29 Mar).
•Wheatear first of the year on 22 Mar; multiple later.
•House Martin first of the year on 28 Mar.
•Common Scoter on 7 & 26 Mar.
•Little Ringed Plovers throughout month, max 4 on 27 Mar.
Raptors
•Goshawk seen regularly with juveniles & adults (up to 6 on 28 Mar).
•Red Kite frequent (up to 5 on 30 Mar).
•Peregrine noted frequently.
Wildfowl & Waterbirds
•Shoveler peak 56 (31 Mar).
•Goldeneye up to 47 (7 Mar).
•Teal up to 131; Wigeon up to 145–150.
•Shelduck regular with peaks of 7 (14 Mar).
•Great Egret flew east 22 Mar.
Waders
•LRP throughout month (1–4 birds).
•Redshank frequent; max 3 on 10 Mar.
•Curlew on several dates.
•Black‑tailed Godwit on 15, 17, 23 & 28 Mar.
•Dunlin on 7, 12 & 13 Mar.
•Golden Plover numbers up to 220 (15 Mar).
Passerines & Migrants
•Siberian Chiffchaff remained early–mid March.
•Chiffchaff arrival strong (10–12 birds early month).
•Brambling passage of at least 28 on 17 Mar.
•Redwing & Fieldfare in numbers late month.
•First Blackcap of year on 20 Mar; several singing later.
•Key Dates Summary
•1 Mar – First Sand Martins (2), Siberian Chiffchaff, Pink‑footed Goose.
•7 Mar – Common Scoter pair, 1st‑winter Caspian Gull, major BH Gull movement.
•15 Mar – Black‑tailed Godwit, 220 Golden Plover, juvenile Goshawks.
•17 Mar – 28 Brambling south, Black‑tailed Godwit, Sand Martin.
•18 Mar – Black‑necked Grebe & adult Little Gull new for year.
•22 Mar – First Wheatear & Green Woodpecker, Great Egret, WeBS count.
•25 Mar – Kittiwake, 3 Swallow, 70 Golden Plover.
•28 Mar – First House Martin, Black‑tailed Godwit, up to 6 Goshawk.
•31 Mar – First Osprey of spring; male Wheatear; 2 LRP.
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