As the weather has really improved this month, I have been very busy with a number of projects.
I have also picked some of the days with clear blue skies to go and revisit areas of interest to try and get better photo's with the sun on some of the birds that I shot on the colder drab days.
I returned to the coast to see if the two divers were present, the Great Northern and the Black-throated.
The Great Northern obliged, but I think the Black-throated has moved on!
Here are some of the shots.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hi Buzzard
Another set of beautiful pictures indeed of the Black Throated Diver.
They are very distinctive with their size and the way they postiion their heads as they move about
Loved the 1 Great Northern Diver we saw at Marston Vale at the end of January.
To think that they are a size of a goose goes without saying
Regards
Kathy and Dave
It's hard to keep up with all your new posts this afternoon. Another great set of photos.
I always find it difficult to identify these divers when they are in winter plumage. What were the features you picked out to ID this bird as a Black-throated Diver?
Regards TJ
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Unknown said: I always find it difficult to identify these divers when they are in winter plumage. What were the features you picked out to ID this bird as a Black-throated Diver?
Hi TJ, the characteristics of the Black-throated Diver in winter are the dark cap, barred brown-black back. The bill is also a good feature to help seperating the species.
The other thing is years of birding!
Hope this helps.
Another bird I have never seen and yet more lovely photos. You have been busy!
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
Hi,
THAT is a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER :))
Note the high forehead, pale area around the eye and no dark edge down the side of the neck or 'cobra hood' . There is also no pale flank patch.
:))
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
S, in my haste I have posted the wrong description to the correct photo's.
I have tons of photo's of both divers and not enough time on my hands at the moment to be thinking what I'm saying.
Brain overload and lack of sleep also utter shock that the photo's have remained present!
Thankyou for keeping me on the straight and narrow.
Apologies for the mix up, the photo's are of the Great Northern Diver.
TJ, my explanation is for the Black-throated which of course don't match the photo's. Please accept my apology if I have caused confusion.
Good job we have the professional birder - Seymouraves scanning the posts for mistakes :-}