BELVIDE APRIL 2026 ROUND-UP
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.
Notable raptor activity included Hobby (29th), Osprey (24th), Goshawk on multiple dates, plus regular Red Kite sightings.
Waders:
Good variety through the period including:
Wood Sandpiper (2) – first of year on 27th
Black-tailed Godwit peak of 22 on 29th (brief drop-in)
Regular Greenshank (up to 3), Curlew, Dunlin, and Redshank
Consistent numbers of Common Sandpiper (up to 13 earlier in month, 8 on 30th)
Little Ringed Plover (LRP) present daily (peaking around 12)
Gulls & Terns:
Mediterranean Gull (1st summer) on 27th
Little Gull (2 adults) on 23rd
Common Tern present throughout, building to small groups
Wildfowl:
Goldeneye persisted (up to 3 early, 2 still present late month)
Mandarin, Wigeon, and Shelduck regularly recorded
Notable count of 300 Tufted Duck on 24th
Passerines & migrants:
Increasing numbers of Wheatear (peak 10 on 19th; present most days)
Yellow Wagtail recorded regularly (up to 6 on 23rd)
First/early records included:
Whinchat (25th & 27th)
Lesser Whitethroat (from 22nd)
Warbler activity building with Sedge, Reed, Garden Warbler in song
Swift numbers rising sharply, including 120 on 28th
Other notable sightings:
Cattle Egret (25th), Little Egret up to 3 birds
Avocet (early morning 24th)
Garganey (drake) – first of year on 24th
Sanderling & Whimbrel (21st)
Tawny Owl breeding activity confirmed (young observed)
General Notes:
Migration picked up significantly through the latter half of the month, particularly from 23rd onwards.
Tern passage (especially Black and Arctic) was a key feature.
Wader diversity remained strong with several first-of-year arrivals.
Reminder to Members:
Please respect access rules near the car park. Strictly remain on the designated footpath and do not approach nearby properties.
