Very quiet with 200 Teal, 74 Wigeon and 5 Siskin entered in the log book. The evening roost hasn't been done, so I don't know if the Smew has come in.

At Last!!! After years of moaning about why oh why has there never been a GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Belvide, today was the day it was finally put to bed. I picked it out this afternoon on the north shore opposite the West End Hide and punched the air with relief and delight. The bird was still present at 4.45pm at least.

A Peregrine was seen this afternoon also at least 500 Lapwing and an adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted. There was no sign of the Smew or the Knot today. A single Pink-footed Goose was in a field  next to the Shropshire Union Canal half a mile east of the reserve.

The redhead Smew was again seen briefly at 12.30pm and then again flew in to roost in the south east bay with the Goldeneye at 4.40pm. This bird is probably spending most of it's time at the private Chillington pool. The Knot was still present along the south east bay. 4 Goosander, 14 Mute Swan and 177 Canada Geese were noted.

The redhead Smew dropped in this afternoon at 3.35pm for 5 minutes before flying off to the south. It then flew in again at dusk to roost with the Goldeneye. The Knot was still present near the Gazebo hide also a Woodcock was flushed from the reservoir plantation. The Pink-footed Goose was still present with 191 Greylag Geese also a pair of Goosander were present and Shoveler have increased to 10. A single adult Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Common Gull roosted.

First of all it is with great sadness to hear of the passing away of West Midland birding legend John Fortey. John will be remembered along with Eric Phillips for finding Britain's first White Tailed Plover at Little Packington Gravel Pits. Fondly known as the General by some of us Belvide regulars, John's skill and expertise in the field was admired throughout the 60's, 70's, 80's and up to the mid 90's when he left the region to live near Dawlish Warren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Today the 2 Knot were still present. The adult Mediterranean Gull roosted again this evening, also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls including an adult and 2nd winter. A Water Rail was seen from the Scott hide and a Shelduck was seen this morning.

A better days birding with the best bird being a redhead Smew (photo by Ken Mather) that was picked out at dusk roosting with a group of Goldeneye from the Gazebo hide. This is the first record since a single female was present on the 14th January 2006. The 2 Knot were still present on the south shore ranging between the Gazebo and West End Hides. An adult Mediterranean Gull roosted also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls including an adult and 1st winter. Wigeon have increased to 139 and a Shelduck was present this morning.

A 2nd winter Caspian Gull (photo) roosted this evening. This individual appeared on the small side so probably a female. 3 Shelduck flew thru this morning and 13 Snipe were at the west end this afternoon.

Another very quiet day with 114 Wigeon and 180 Lapwing on the north shore. A Carrion Crow was seen to catch an adult Black-headed Gull to kill and eat it this afternoon.

A late item of news for yesterday, The Pink-footed Goose was present in the afternoon.

 A single Pink-footed Goose was with 167 Greylags.A pair of Goosander were present and Goldeneye have increased to 15. 28 Gadwall were counted and an immature Peregrine was seen.

Carrion Crow Photo by Ken Mather