Black-throated
Diver, known in North America as Arctic Loon is a medium sized
member of the loon or diver family. Loon is a direct reference
to its wailing song and is associated with the word 'lunatic'.
It breeds in Eurasia and winters at sea or on large lakes over a
much wider range. Some historical names for Black-throated Diver
include; Lumme, Lesser Imber, Northern Doucher and Herring Bar.
There have been
three Black-throated Divers reported from S. Gloucestershire;
2000: (1)
On December 1st an
adult in winter plumage was seen off Severn Beach. (Dick Reader)
1991: (2)
Two were found on
May 6th off New Passage, both were adults in breeding plumage.
This occurrence constitutes the first report of this species for
S. Gloucestershire. (Brian Lancastle)