Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Not one but two! Great Northern Divers at Shustoke Reservoir, North Warwickshire.

Great Northern Diver


A late start to allow the cloud and drizzle to clear, saw me arrive at Shustoke Reservoir in cold but sunny conditions. I'd heard that two Great Northern Divers were present but would I locate them? I decided to walk the perimeter, scanning every so often, noticing a few birders walking but none specifically onto anything. My first interesting bird was a female Common Scoter out in the centre. While it is nice to see the sun at this time of year, I walked the far shore quickly as I couldn't see anything, looking into the sun. Several birders were spotted on the dam, so I scanned and bingo - Great Northern Diver! It was unfortunately distant, but I scoped the bird, my first in Warwickshire for two years. It was also nice to see a Grey Wagtail  on the bank. Moving on, I noticed the Diver closing in towards the bank, so I stopped and then realised there were two birds present. The opportunity was so lucky and I filled my boots!

Great Northern Diver











Cormorant



Pochard





8 comments:

  1. Great images of the GND, normally for me they stay miles away, well done

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cheers Douglas - Shustoke has always been lucky for me. Right time, right place!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Kevin

    Any chance of borrowing some of your excellent diver shots for my blog?

    Cheers

    Tom

    ReplyDelete
  4. No problem, Tom - fill your boots!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Two is somewhat greedy Kevin ;-) Lovely captures!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cheers Jan - the second bird stayed well out on the water.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I haven't seen a Great Northern Diver yet, so I really enjoyed your pictures. From Findlay

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Findlay thanks for looking at my blog and taking the time to comment. I'm sure it wont be long before you see a GND - keep looking at the reservoirs nearby.

    ReplyDelete