BELVIDE BIRDING
@BelvideBirding
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All the latest sightings as it happens at the West Midland Bird Club's flagship reserve.
Joined September 2014
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I've been birding all my life without ever seeing a Water Rail chick until today. Simply Lovely.
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A curious bit of behaviour witnessed this afternoon, when a Peregrine flew over these Ringies and 1 LRP, they pointed their tails upwards.
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I never thought I would be watching a Rufous Bush Chat When I got up this morning. Another Mythical rarity bites the dust. It showed very well this afternoon in the sunshine. A top find by Telford birder John Reeves.
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My best efforts of the 1st summer Brown Booby at the Lizard. After 4 days searching, 24 hours in the field and 1700 miles travelled, I think I've earned this one. Amazingly a different bird to the St Ives bird. A bonus Bonelli's Warbler too.
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My first processed image of the Tengmalm's Owl. Digiscoped at nearly 5.50pm with a Swarovski ATX 85 Nikon V1. Now for the long journey home to Belvide.
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Today's Red-backed Shrike becomes a personal milestone for me, reaching 250 species for the reserve. It's took me 39 years and over 9300 visits to get there. A very fitting bird. Photo by
@i54foz
I just love the place.❤
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After a 4 mile hike , I was rewarded with the stunning imm Lammergeier roosting on a cliff ledge. Whatever BOU decide it was a privilege to see on British soil. A massive thank you to
@DanPointon111
for extreme dedication to finding the bird's roost site yesterday.
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Not the sort of place I expected to see a Wryneck, perched in the middle of a rape stubble field. Only on view for 2-3 minutes before flying over us and lost behind Hawkshutts farm. The first at Belvide for 26 years and only the 3rd ever record.
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One of my most astonishing moments in 33 years birding at Belvide. You just never know whats round the corner. Still pinching myself.
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My best efforts of the 1st summer female Amur Falcon at Pothgwarra this am.
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A trip to St Govan's Head in Pembrokshire to see this stunning Magnolia Warbler. Another mythical American Warbler finally put to bed. My best digiscoping efforts.
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One of those WTF moments when I picked out this Manx Shearwater off the Chappell hide at 5.30pm. The last thing I expected on a light south easterly wind. The 4th record for Belvide and the first since September 2011. Wolverhampton Sea watchers.
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Today's Smew was our first for 3 years. It becomed the 179th species recorded on the reserve this year. Will Storm Bella bring our 180th? I will give it a good go tomorrow.
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Belvide Reservoir. The Rez that just keeps on giving. I found this 1st summer Laughing Gull just before 4pm. A first for Belvide and Staffordshire. The reserve will be open to non members if still present tomorrow morning. £3 entry.
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I've since found out it was two photographers, with no binoculars just cameras who were shouting out at the Starlings to stop them roosting. It really has set an all time low for bird photographers. 😡 We create a superb reserve for these bastards to take the piss.
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This immaculate Grey Plover spent most of the afternoon on the north shore. After being chased around by a Peregrine it showed very well on the Chappell bund late afternoon.
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Today's imm White Tailed Eagle that graced Belvide airspace this afternoon. Probably IOW release G466 that was on the Isle of Aran only 6 days ago. Will be interesting to know where it roosted tonight.
@timmackrill
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@ChrisGPackham
The guy pictured here whipped his hounds several times. A load crack that could be heard the other side of the reservoir. The 3 Cattle Egret were also flushed from their roost site. A sad end to what had been a lovely peaceful afternoon, until the savages arrived
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Savi's Warbler this evening. The first record for Belvide and 2nd Staffordshire record. The last one was 1977.
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Fulfilled a life long ambition today, watching this singing Quail at the west end this morning. Only seen birds in flight before. Field craft and patience paying off.
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A cracking few hours at Lower Largo, Fife yesterday morning before the Night Heron at Belvide stopped play. Some comparison shots of the Stejneger's Scoter top 2 and White-winged Scoter below.
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The adult female Lesser Scaup at Blithfield today. Glad to get the flight shot showing the wing pattern. My first in Staffs since the first for Britain at Chasewater in 1987.
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Went back for some more Goshawk action this morning and they didn't disappoint. 5 individuals seen including 2 adult female, 1 adult male and immature male and female. Below are images of the big female.
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Ring Ouzel are a very scarce passage migrant to Belvide. I had only ever seen singles before, so to see 6 together was very special indeed. Probably my favourite summer visitor. There is a certain mystique about them.
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Now the Cannock Chase Great Grey Shrike has moved on. Thought I'd post a few shots I took on the 6th February. Watched it eating several bees and even caught a mouse.
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To say the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was showing well yesterday was an understatement. Huge thank you to
@Tireebirder
Top top guy.
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Belvide Reservoir, the Rez that just keeps on giving. This female Red-necked Phalarope was found by Colin McShane around 6.10pm. It becomes the 14th record for the reserve. It flew off south west at 8.16pm and has probably all ready done its business north and is on the way back
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Never dreamed I would set eyes on a Varied Thrush on these shores. Taken Friday afternoon on Papa Westray when the rain had set in. Thanks to some great company and banter over the last few days.
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I found this superb Roseate Tern at 1.20pm and showed well to many admirers before it flew off at 3.05pm. The 4th Roseate, 5 birds, I've found since 2014. Hopefully get some more detail on the ring.
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Fantastic views of a sum plum Great Northern Diver off Dawlish this morning. Photos are off the back of the camera.
@lee_coll1ns
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I found my 7th and Belvide's 10th Purple Sandpiper late afternoon. A very confiding bird roosting and feeding on the dam wall. Belvide is on 🔥🔥🔥
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This super adult Sabine's Gull entertained for nearly 2 hours this morning. It becomes the 4th record for the reserve and the first since the outrageous 3 1st summer birds in June 2017. Always nice to do a little Wolverhampton sea watching.😎
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My first attempt at digibinning at these superb Cory's Shearwaters near the Bishop rock lighthouse. It highlights what can be achieved at just holding a camera against a pair of binoculars.
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At last!! Buzzing to find this 1st summer drake Lesser Scaup off the dam this afternoon. It later relocated to the south west corner this evening where it showed very well. And I nearly didn't go today.
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Just back from another epic journey to Barra. The American Redstart was simply simply lovely!!
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At last!! A Russian White-fronted Goose with the Greylag flock today. The first record for nearly 7 years.
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These are the days that spring passage is all about. 101 Arctic Tern present over the day. Throw in an Osprey, Barwit, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshamk, 9 Dunlin and the 12 hours flew by. images digiscoped with a panasonic G9
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The juvenile White-winged Black Tern showed well from the Chappell hide late afternoon. It becomes the 8th record foe Belvide and the first since June 2010. All images digiscoped.
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A back of the camera shot for now of the American Golden Plover. The first record for Belvide and Staffordshire.
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This juvenile Goshawk raided Hawkshutts wood at the west end this afternoon. Managed to get a few shots before it continued west upsetting the local Wood Pigeon population. Fantastic birds and on the increase.
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A very brief encounter with this Red-necked Phalarope this morning. Luckily Rob Going
@robgoing
got a few pix before it departed.
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This Little Tern performed very well from the Chappell hide most of the afternoon and tested my digiscoping skills to the max as it whizzed around. No further sign after 4pm.
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My visit to Belvide this morning was cut short to see Britain's first Cape Gull at Grafham water in Cambridgeshire. A proper beast of a Gull and showed superbly to several hundred birders. kudos to the finder.
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My brother Lee took some great photos of last night's Aurora in Shropshire, at Hopton Castle and Mitchell's Folds Stone circle.
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With all the troubles of Covid in 2020, Belvide has been my salvation. 3 new birds for the reserve with Laughing and Bonaparte's Gull and a Marsh Warbler. 179 species recorded this year is another record. Thanks to all who have shared the perfect antidote.👍
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A few shots of the juvenile Arctic Skua before it departed at 1.27pm. Already sat on the north shore when I found it, so who knows how long it had been there? My first since a juv 4th-6th Nov 2005.
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My best efforts of the superb Blackburnian Warbler on Bryher. A tricky bird to digiscope, which took me all Friday afternoon to get something decent.
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Today's Black-winged Stilt was the first record since the 2 youngsters reared at Holme in 1987 paid us a visit 1st-7th September. It showed very well for a short time off the west lane this afternoon, but was mainly more distant on the north shore.
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Totally delighted to take a few shots of these 3 juvenile Cetti's Warbler this afternoon. The first breeding record for Belvide.
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A single Sand Martin hawking in front of Gazebo hide this afternoon. Earliest record by a day I think? Will check when I get home.
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My best efforts of today's Red-rumped Swallow, which is a first for Belvide and 4th official for Staffs. check out the Belvide blog for a full round up.
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Loving the Panasonic G9 for digiscoped flight shots. The pair of Garganey were showing well in front of the Gazebo hide late afternoon.
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Glad I went back up yesterday evening to see the Pectoral Sandpiper in beautiful evening sunshine showing well from the Hawkshutts hide.
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The cool blustery conditions gave me the opportunity to digiscope some Swifts this afternoon.
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I think it was rather fitting today that the White-tailed Plover chose Sandwell Valley. A regular stomping ground for the late John Fortey and its just past the 7th anniversary since we lost Eric Phillips. Both finders of the 1975 Packington bird. God bless you both.
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Went back for 2nds to see the Black-winged Kite from the Horsey Mill side this morning. Showed much better in the early morning sunlight.
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Some record shots of the American Golden Plover at 300 yards range. A cautious approach to identification in the beginning. A great addition to the Belvide and Staffs list. Great to see so many happy faces.
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Another quality digiscoping session with the Wood Sandpiper this afternoon. My favourite wader ever since I was a lad.
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@ChrisGPackham
The local fox hunt witnessed today trashing our SSSI nature reserve. A total disrespect and a law to themselves. Several hundred wildfowl were flushed off the north shore. They were hunting 2 fox that fortunately escaped. Also witnessed whipping the hounds.
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On a cold grey wet morning, I celebrate my 40th Belvide anniversary. As a 12 year old lad, little did I know that this place would take over my whole life.😍
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Thought I'd post some comparison shots of a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull (left hand bird) we've had roost the last 3 evenings to a 1st winter Caspian Gull we had roost on the 6th November.
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Couldn't resist the gorgeous Black Throated Thrush at Whipsnade Zoo today. My first for 23 years. Great to bump into
@PaulHdigiman
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So glad I went back to Bempton this morning for the Turkestan Shrike, after unsatisfactory views on Wednesday. It showed superbly in the early morning sunshine. Interesting how plumage tones changed in different light and backgrounds.
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My best efforts of yesterday's Grey Headed Lapwing at Low Newton in Northumberland. Some nice views were had. 2 British firsts in the last few days and there's still the rest of May to come.
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Our first Whinchat of the spring was showing well off the west lane track.
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This morning's Marsh Warbler in comparison to Reed Warbler (right bird) wing measured 70mm, notch on p2 9mm. Pale tips to primaries, pale claws, yellow soles to feet. An overall sandy olive tone compared to the Reed. A great addition to the Belvide list.
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Today's summer drake Long-tailed Duck was the 4th I've seen in the month of May at Belvide. Only the 2nd I've seen in this plumage though. Reward for the hard hours myself and
@i54foz
have put in this week.
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A digiscoped juvenile Peregrine this morning. Pretty happy with these. Swarovski ATX85 Panasonic G9 20ml lens.
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Some quality Goshawk action in Staffordshire this morning. A brutish female, male and imm male were enjoyed.
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Mission accomplished. A mythical Yankee Warbler was put to bed this afternoon, with superb views of Britain's 4th Blackburnian Warbler on Bryher Isles of Scilly. A BOC shot as a taster. Thanks to
@Draycotebirding
for a well deserved find.
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At last!! A twitchable Stone Curlew in the Old Staffs County at Wolverhampton Race Course. Only the 4th record. Thanks to the groundsman who had the initiative to know it was something unusual and ask what it was.
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Chuffed to bits to see this adult Long-toed Stint at Swillington Ings Yorkshire. The first twitchable British bird since 1982. The toes are clearly just longer than bill length. Also longer necked than similar Least Sandpiper.
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The Little Stint was still present and totally unconcerned by the dumper trucks and diggers working just yards away.
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Some shots of today's pristine Slavonian Grebe. First record since 2 birds in November 2016. My first bird in full summer plumage and only my 6th record in 40 years. Plenty of records pre 1974.
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A pair of Hobby showed very well from the Gazebo hide this afternoon.
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It was great fun and very challenging to digiscope these Swifts this afternoon. Probably up to 3000 on the reserve today.
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Another amazing year with 176 species recorded on the reserve. A personal tally of 173. 3 new birds for the reserve with Night Heron, Lesser Scaup and RB Shrike. Other highlights were BW Stilt, Sabine's Gull, Pec Sand, Twite, Quail, GN Diver, Tundra Bean. Happy New Year.
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Thanks to all who visited our reserve today from far and wide. Hope you all enjoyed your visit.
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It almost felt like the good old days this afternoon with a Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, 3 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff and 2 Greenshank all knocking around together. Looks like it's been a good breeding season.
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Witnessed a new low at Belvide this evening. Some arsehole shouting out to stop the Starlings roosting in the reeds to prolong viewing to take photos. Absolutely pathetic. Hang your head in shame whoever you are.😡😡😡
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This very smart 1st winter Caspian Gull roosted from 2.45pm and was a new arrival. Probably a female judging by size. They don't get much better. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
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You've got to love a drake Garganey. The first of the spring was feeding along the south west shore. All shots digiscoped with a Swarovski ATX 85 Panasonic G9.
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The juvenile Hobby was sunning itself in the early morning sunshine on the Chappell hide roof.
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Some record shots of today's Wood Warbler. The first record for 9 years. It was very mobile ranging between the Scott and Chappell hides. A nice reward for me and
@i54foz
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I managed to get these 4 shots of the immature Saker, before it disappeared behind the reservoir plantation heading south west. Presumed escape, so a nice addition to the exotica Belvide list.
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Another outstanding year at Belvide with 173 species recorded on the reserve. This includes Savi's Warbler and WR Sandpiper that were firsts for the site. Also Staffordshire's first limosa Godwit. I managed to see 170 species. Happy New Year.
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2 Tree Sparrow at the Gazebo feeders were a total surprise. The first sighting since July last year. There's still hope.
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An enjoyable digiscoping session this afternoon with a pair of Hobby along the south east bay.
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Not a bad afternoons birding with an adult female Garganey new in. A fresh juvenile Wheatear, Green Sand, 14 LRP, 14 Common Sand, 1 Redshank and 2 imm/fem Mandarin.
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A mad dash to Sandwell Valley to see the White-tailed Plover. As a VC39 Staffs county lister, this fell well within Old Staffordshire. A massive well done to Pete Hackett for a great find.
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It's been a Little Gull bonanza day, with a significant movement across the region. Belvide top scored with a reserve record 31, including 25 adults, 4 2nd summer and 2 1st summer.
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Our 3rd record of Wood Sandpiper this year was showing very well on the south west shore today. Still present early evening.
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Today's female Ferruginous Duck becomes the 4th record for the reserve and the first since 2009. Other records in 2005 and 1972.
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One of the jewels of spring passage scarcities on any inland reservoir. This Black-necked Grebe was very mobile, before settling off the dam.
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You Beauty!!!!! The 4th record for Belvide. 3 found by moi. BOC shot for now.
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Processed a few more of the Little Tern from yesterday. All digiscoped with a Panasonic G9 Swarovski ATX85.
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Some record shots of today's female Red-necked Phalarope. The 11th record for Belvide and the first since 2 were present on the 28th May 2009.
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A trip over to Breckland today to see the Roller at Icklingham. My 4th in the UK and my first for 9 years.
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Went to see my 2nd Pallid Harrier in Staffs this morning at Middleton RSPB, though this will officially go down as the first, as my 2012 Belvide bird was deemed not proven. A firm two fingers up to BBRC as I will always regard mine as the first.
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