[Bish]

Is this a Black-throated diver?, I spotted it yesterday afternoon on the River colne at Brightlingsea

Regards Bish.

[dbradnum]

Yep, I think so. Good bird for Essex: well done!

Given that it was obviously showing well to get photos of that quality, any chance you could give some more details of where you saw it? (I know that it will probably wander as the tide height varies, but a starting point might be useful for others to look for it.)

[bitterntwisted]

Originally Posted by Bish

Is this a Black-throated diver?, I spotted it yesterday afternoon on the River colne at Brightlingsea

Regards Bish.

Can't see what else it might be. That's an absolutely cracking find! Only one or two a year for the county and I think others will want to go look for it as Dave says. Very well done! I believe the county recorder should be notified.

Graham

[dbradnum]

Originally Posted by bitterntwisted

I believe the county recorder should be notified.

Informally, via email: he has been!

[Bish]

Originally Posted by dbradnum

Yep, I think so. Good bird for Essex: well done!

Given that it was obviously showing well to get photos of that quality, any chance you could give some more details of where you saw it? (I know that it will probably wander as the tide height varies, but a starting point might be useful for others to look for it.)

Thanks for the confirmation

As for the picture I thought it was poor as the bird was a long way off, I was using A Canon 30D 500mm & 1.4x extender

The location was on the River colne at Brightlingsea opposite the Fingringhoe wick nature reserve at about high water 14.10

Regards Bish.

[lostinjapan]

Looks like a Black-throated Diver to me too. That is a good find and should be reported to the county recorder.

Many moons ago I used to live in Essex, but I don't remember it being quite as rare as one or two birds a year. Perhaps there has been a decline in wintering numbers in the last ten years?

In the late 90's 1 or 2 were present every winter on the Blackwater, but did make it across to the Colne, and could be seen most easily from Cudmore Grove, sometimes West Mersea or Colne Point.

Ex-Essex Boy

[Bish]

Black-Throated diver still present this afternoon on the River Colne at Brightlingsea at 15.14-15.50 about 1/2 a mile east of Fingringhoe Wick NR

Regards Bish.

[dbradnum]

Nice one Simon: great photos, leaving no doubt about the ID. Might even go looking myself this weekend if I'm heading that way.

[hannu]

Originally Posted by Bish

Black-Throated diver still present this afternoon on the River Colne at Brightlingsea at 15.14-15.50 about 1/2 a mile east of Fingringhohoe Wick NR

Regards Bish.

1st winter plumage

[chubri777]

looks like an Arctic Loon to me