I am pleased to confirm that a replacement Tern raft is close to being installed at Blithfield. This will join the new raft installed last year. I would like to thank the SSW PEBBLE fund which fully funded the raft last year and funded half of the cost of this year’s raft. The Club greatly appreciates the support with the funding - and you can read about the benefits for the Tern population in the West Midland Ringing Groups excellent report posted below. The installation will commence as soon as a boat can get under the causeway - I’ll keep members posted as we progress

As many visitors will know there have been some issues with the Forward and Stansley Wood hides. The initial issue was a concern that there might be bats using the hides and the need to use platforms / working at height training regulations so the new galvanised sheeting could be installed. I am pleased to say that these issues are now resolved and SSW have agreed to complete the work before the end of April. The Bat boxes the club has purchased will be installed at the same time. I’ll update as the work progresses but feel free to call me with any questions, with best regards Mark

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.

The reserve access codes have all now been changed.

You will find the new codes on your membership card or via the members directory on the website.

The reserve access codes have all now been changed.

You will find the new codes on your membership card or via the members directory on the website.

The reserve access codes have all now been changed.

You will find the new codes on your membership card or via the members directory on the website.

Dear All - could I please ask all members visiting Blithfield to follow the guidance below from SSW. We have had members stuck in the mud before - so please adhere to the guidance. Many thanks Mark - any questions please call

Would it be possible for you to disseminate some information to the WMBC Members regarding the vehicle tracks at Blithfield on our behalf please?

Following one of the wettest winters ever recorded we have experienced a good deal of waterlogging and mud is the inevitable result. Many of the vehicle tracks have suffered and therefore we would like to ask that people don’t drive onto very wet or muddy ground, avoid driving along the bank on the North Lake, and don’t park on sloping ground. We would also like to ask that visitors observe the ‘road closed’ signs and any cordoned-off areas. If anyone does become stuck,…

Please see attached Blithfield sightings for February - many thanks to Peter Betts for collating

As visitors will know and from conversations / posts below there have been some issues with access to the Forward and Stansley Wood hides.

SSW are undertaking staff training for platform / working from height to enable the replacement galvanised sheeting to be fitted. The Club has also taken UK Government guidance on bat box installations. A site meeting is set for the 16th of March to discuss / review / progress with the repairs. Further updates to follow. Apologies to members for the inconvenience but be assured we are working to close out the current issues. Feel free to make contact me with any questions regards Mark