Red-throated Diver, Gavia stellata

Status

Scarce passage and winter visitor in recent years. c27 records. This, the most frequently recorded diver, is still a scarce bird. Multiples have occurred, including three which arrived during a rainstorm on 23 April 1989, with pairs in December 1991 and November 2005. The longest stayer was the juvenile which arrived on 20 November 2005 and remained through the winter until mid-April 2006. This species often frequents deep water and its small size and the vastness of the reservoir means they can be quite elusive at times.

Records

Please note the following list is still incomplete:

• 29 March 2007 (adult in summer plumage): arrived in a heavy shower and departed soon afterwards when the rain stopped.
• 20 November 2005- 12 April 2006 (juvenile)
• 18 November 2005 (2 individuals)
• 10-21 December 2002
• 21-22 November 1997
• 21-23 September 1997 (still in summer plumage)
• 27 October 1992
• 16 November - 22 December 1991, joined by a second 1-7 December.
• 7 April 1990
• 2 April 1989
• 23 April 1989 (3)
• 15-17 November 1989
• 14 March 1987 (adult)
• 9 & 23 November 1985
• 1 & 16 February 1985
• 27 January 1985
• 4 October 1980
• 25 March 1979 (found dead)
• 16-17 February 1979
• 6 February 1972 (found dead on 12 February)
• 18 January - 23 February 1968
• 9 March 1967
• 10 April 1966 (found dead)

Highest count

3 on 23 April 1989.

Photos

• Click Here - 5 February 2006. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 5 February 2006. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 5 February 2006. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 4 February 2006. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 4 February 2006. Photo by Jono Leadley.
• Click Here - 16 February 1985. Photo by Nigel Butler.
• Click Here - 16 February 1985. Photo by Nigel Butler.
• Click Here - 16 February 1985. Photo by Nigel Butler.