A couple of years ago I photographed this bird at South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. I've always thought it was a Great Northern Diver but subsequently doubts have crept in that it might have been a Black Throated Diver.
The trouble is that at that time of year (May) these birds are transitioning from winter to summer plumage.
The first image has been cropped and enlarged whereas the second different shot is the original so you can see it was a fair way offshore.
Now that I've joined this forum I thought it was a good idea to get the opinion of some of you expert ID ers.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Hi TeeJay
I am no expert but one thing that stands out to me is that its a Juvenile bird no matter which member of the diver family it is.
I think it is a Great Northern Diver due to the white colouration around the neck area.
The Black Throated diver has a clean white mark around its neck area, and the Great Northern Diver a staggered white mark
Just a small observation and I am sure that someone will know more anyway.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi,
This is a Great Northern Diver moulting from winter to summer plumage. Some Wpl can still be seen around the neck and cheeks, and fresh summer spots are moulting through on the scapulars.
Structurally the bill is heavy with a good angle on the lower mandible, and is less dagger shaped and pointy than I would expect from a Black Throated. The neck also lacks the distinctive 'cobra hood' shape of BTD.
It's a nice shot capturing a plumage we don't see well down here in the south :))
S
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Thanks guys. I was fairly confident that I had identified it correctly but since I'd never seen one before it's good to have it confirmed. It's especially helpful to have the particular features that you used to distinguish it from a BTD pointed out.
Glad that you have got your ID {smile}
So that is sorted out now.
I hope that it was not a long wait since the date you have taken the picture LOL!