Managed to leave work early and get the diver. They had just opened Treves when I arrived. A bit of panic as it moved round the corner before I'd seen it, as the light began to fail. Fortunately it returned.
A very interesting bird. Structuraly So different to Black-throated Diver. I'd have put it as smaller than Red-throated although I see the literature suggests otherwise. It looks like a BtD that has been shunted from the front and back, with a much smaller grebe like bill.
I do hope access can be properly sorted out. I was speaking to a senior rep. from Treves, who seemed a decent chap who was happy for birders to see it, but was naturally concerned about safety with all the large trucks moving in and out. I got a hard time from a couple of yellow coats earlier for not signing in at reception. In my defence I wasn't aware I had to, as birders coming away had just told me to follow the path down. A charity bucket has been opened for St. Gemma's which is good.
Once again I'm puzzled with the local bird group who work Farnham; 1) I'd have thought they would have spoken to Treves first and tried to sort access arrangements out before news broke, and 2) Why hadn't it been put out as BtD in any event if it can be viewed from the road and it's been there two weeks? More suppression!
Anyway, I'm enjoying this purple patch for inland Yorkshire. I might even get Goldeneye on Loshpotts! This diver could have been on Loshpotts...what a thought.