Absolutely buzzing to have found this juvenile Stone Curlew with my pal Paul Smith on the north shore this morning. The first record for Belvide and only the 4th record for Stafforshire and the first twitchable bird in the modern day county.
Belvide Birding𓅪
@belvidebirding.bsky.social
Birding news & Digi-scoped images from the West Midland Bird Club's Flagship reserve.
The 1st summer Bonaparte's Gull dropped in at 3.15pm after being absent all morning. Wonder where it went? Also the green ringed 1A5:C Yellow-legged Gull from the Camargue was present this afternoon.
This heavily worn 1st summer Caspian Gull was on the north shore this afternoon. The wing coverts were very bleached. It had a yellow ring on the right tibia code D:8 which is from a dutch scheme.
The 1st summer Bonaparte's Gull present for it's 3rd day showed well on the shore from the Hawkshutts hide late afternoon. #UKBirding
Our 2nd ever Bonaparte's Gull today following the 1st summer bird between 16th-22nd April 2020. We're on 🔥at the moment.
The Great Reed Warbler continued to give people the run around today and remains very elusive. However I managed to be in the right place at the right time to get some better shots.
My best efforst of the very elusive Great Reed Warbler I found this morning. The 2nd record for Belvide, following one on the 4th May 2017 and the 4th record for Staffordshire.
Some shots of the 55 White-fronted Geese that flew west this morning. The biggest influx I've witnessed since I've been birding. Also the 5 Tundra Bean Geese again on the north shore shore this afternoon. A Barnacle Goose dropped in late afternoon. Terrific stuff.
A monster 1st winter Caspian Gull dropped in mid afternoon. A real big hooter on this one. #UKBirding
An enjoyable Xmas eve visit produced to adult Russian White-fronted Geese and part of an influx into the country today. The 2nd winter Caspian Gull was present this morning. A Peregrine buzzed a Little Egret. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. #UKBirding
A trip to Dawlish Warren to see my first Lesser Crested Tern in Britain for 36 years. Finally having some fantastic views on the mud off Cockwood on the rising tide this afternoon. #UKBirding
3 Caspian Gulls roosted this evening, including an adult (photo) 3rd winter (photo) and 2nd winter. A juvenile male Goshawk flew over late afternoon. 3 Brambling were at the Woodland feeders. #UKBirding
This 2nd winter Caspian Gull was at the west end this afternoon. Also a great turn out for this mornings work party, where we cleared a load of encroaching willow scrub along the south east bay and Scott hide reed bed.
One of the most incredible WTF!! moments I have witnessed in 41 years birding Belvide. 8 White-rumped Sandpiper on the north shore between 4pm-5.30pm. Just short of a British Record of 11 on the outer Hebrides. Thought I'd lost the plot when I saw them. Still pinching myself. #UKbirding
My best efforts of the dark morph juvenile Honey Buzzard that flew south east at 7.35am. I picked it up way out to the north. It did the decent thing and flew between us on the dam and the Scott hide. Totally Buzzing. The yellow cere on the bill stood out a mile. #UKBirding
A few shots of the 1st winter Grey Phalarope off the dam this morning. Our 2nd in a few weeks. #UKBirding
A fantastic days birding on the autumn all dayer. 102 species recorded on the reserve today. A few photos of the Glossy Ibis, Whinchat and Black Tern.
A few shots of today's Sandwich Tern that dropped in at 9.55am and was still present around 4pm at least.
The 1st winter Grey Phalarope spent most of the day distantly at the west end. Perseverance paid off when it came closer this evening. #UKBirding
Today's 1st winter Grey Phalarope was my 8th on the reserve and the earliest on record. The last record was on the 13th September 2017. #UKBirding
The 2 eclipse drake Lesser Scaup were showing well from the West End Hide this afternoon and I've finally managed some better shots of them together. One is already dropping it's primaries and secondaries, so a prolonged stay is likely.
You've heard of 'The Two Ronnies' Well we have 'The Two Lennies' First 2 photos are of the first Lesser Scaup to arrive on the 23rd. The other 2 photos are of the bird that arrived yesterday. Neither are the Audenshaw bird as that was there today. They were much closer with better light today.
Some awful record shots of the 2 eclipse drake Lesser Scaup present today. The left hand and right hand birds in ther 1st photo. Middle two in the 2nd photo and a flap shot of the new bird. #UKBirding
Some shots of the presumed returning drake Lesser Scaup, affectionately known as 'Lenny'. It was last present on the 10th January, when it was frozen out. Hopefully another prolonged stay. #UkBirding
A few shots of the Woodchat Shrike at Stafford Rugby Club/Doxey Marshes. A massive grip back, following the only other Staffs bird at Whitemoor Haye on the 8th September 2010. Thanks to Geoff Hadley for finding this fantastic bird and for getting the news out. #UKBirding
