Today all that hard work finally paid off. After cursing Belvide's recent quiet spell, with other local reservoirs getting all the birds, it was time the Golden pond had its moment. At 12.52pm a fine adult pale phase POMARINE SKUA flew in over the dam and flew the whole length ot the reservoir attacking a GBB Gull in the process, before flying off in a NNW direction. This is only the 2nd ever record at Belvide following an adult bird in October 1970. Not only was it a Belvide and county tick for me but also completes the set of Skuas I have seen at Belvide. A lucky 4 other birders managed to connect including Bernie Smith, Barry Coumer, Micky Owen and Terry Thomas.

Also present today was a single Black-tailed Godwit that was new in, 4 Raven were sparring over Stretton wood, 3 Goosander and a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull.A celebratory beer is in order for tonight.