Adult Great Northern Diver at Longrock Pool

We have a surprise visitor on the reserve at the moment in the form of an adult Great Northern Diver. This high arctic species usually frequents the adjacent waters in Mount's Bay at this time of year but yesterday, 21st October, one turned up on the nature reserve and it is still there today giving the most amazing close-up views of what is usually just a speck on the distant sea. It has been seen feeding there on crabs - proof indeed that seawater has been entering this normally freshwater system. In recent months the tidal flap on the seaward end of the drainage pipe that allows the floodwater to escape from the Pool has been missing, allowing seawater, sand and seaweed to enter the site. On the plus side, it has also allowed crabs to do the same - much to the delight of the diver and the photographers present during the last 24 hours. It is still in full summer plumage so if you are passing this way it is certainly worth the effort to stop by and have a look. Failing that you might need to travel further afield to see such a bird in this plumage - Iceland is the nearest breeding ground and with fewer than 300 pairs I imagine you would need to work a lot harder to see one as easy as this. I am grateful to Amy Horn-Norris for permission to use one of her photos of this magnificent creature.