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Red-throated (?) Loon at Paphos, Cyprus (1 Viewer)

AlanR

Bird photographer
United Kingdom
OK, here's the next one fom Cyprus.
30 January was quite stormy weather and this bird was driven in to a short stay in a harbour by our hotel. I'm pretty convinced it's a Diver (or Loon) and the upturned stance of the beak makes me guess at Red-throated.
My book seem to suggest that neither Red-throated nor Black-Throated visit Cyprus much. Are these pictures enought to be sure which one it was?
It did dive quite a lot and flew around in the harbour a couple of times. The flight shots may be helpful. Looking at it through binoculars it always had its beak upturned like this.
It was probably 300 metres away, photographed from the hotel, as it didn't stay long. The picture with a Hooded Crow in the foreground may clarify its size.
Alan
 

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I'm sorry but I have to disappoint you Alan!
It's not a Diver but a cormorant spp.sinensis in breeding plumage.

Regards

Paschalis
 
Thanks. I did see some Cormorants at a distance with some white markings, and also one very close which was almost all black.
I'm always glad I checked when things turn out wrong.
Alan
 
Hello Alan
You're not the first person to misidentify [is that a word] a cormorant as a diver and you won't be the last. Happens all the time. Heaving seas don't help either.
 
Thanks. I did see some Cormorants at a distance with some white markings, and also one very close which was almost all black.
I'm always glad I checked when things turn out wrong.
Alan

Did you consider Shag for the very dark one? I remember seeing them more often than cormorant in the Mediterranean

Niels
 
Did you consider Shag for the very dark one? I remember seeing them more often than cormorant in the Mediterranean

Niels
Yes I did but I find it very difficult to tell the difference. It looks like a Cormorant to me but I am open to comments on this bird.
Alan
 

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