THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER – Gavia immer
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Great Northern Diver is known in North America as the Common Loon. The tremolo call, sometimes referred to as 'loon laughter', is an eerie wailing, a symbol of the Canadian wilderness, and often used as atmosphere in horror films. Native tribes of British Columbia believed that an excess of calls from this bird predicted rain, and even brought it. Gavia is Latin for 'sea smew' (although divers are not Smew). The specific meaning of 'immer' either is related to Swedish 'immer' and 'emmer', the grey or blackened ashes of a fire, referring to its dark plumage; or Latin 'immergo', to immerse, and 'immersus', submerged. Some historical names for Great Northern Diver include; Big Loon, Black-billed Loon, Call-up-a-storm, Ember-goose, Greenhead, Guinea Duck, Imber Diver, Ring-necked Loon, and Walloon.
There have been nine Great Northern Divers reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1983: (1)
One was identified on December 14th on the R. Severn off Aust Warth.
1989: (2)
On November 4th a single bird was noted on the R. Severn off New Passage; On December 17th an individual was also seen off New Passage.
2000: (4)
An immature was found on May 8th off Severn Beach; Two were identified on December 13th off Severn Beach, one at 09:25 and the second at 10:25; On December 13th a single bird was seen off Oldbury Power Station in flight heading south-west at 09:55.
2006: (2)
One was reported on December 6th off Severn Beach at around 10:00; One was seen at mid-day on December 25th at New Passage.
Great Northern Diver off New Passage. December 2006. © Paul Bowerman.