The main item of news today was a male LESSER EMPEROR dragonfly which showed very well between the Bryant hide and the Gazebo bay. This is another new dragonfly to Belvide and only the 3rd county record hot on the heels of one at Gaily reservoir 2 weeks ago. It is a southern european species, the first being recorded in britain as recently as 1996. They are slightly smaller than Emperor with a distinct brown abdomen with a very noticable blue band at the top of the abdomen. Also there were at least 40 Red veined Darters with several pairs seen ovispositing.

2 Black necked Grebe were new in today also 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper 10 LRP, 10 Shoveler and 88 Mute Swan.