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The Birds Of South Gloucestershire          Red-throated Diver - gavia stellata

 

Red-throated Diver is the smallest member of the diver family and the most widely distributed and it breeds in northern Eurasia and Arctic Canada. It winters over a much wider range on coasts and on large lakes. The second part of its scientific name, 'stellata' comes from the Latin meaning 'starry', in reference to its plumage. Some historical names for Red-throated Diver include; Cape Drake, Cape Race, Cobble, Little Loon, Pegging-owl Loon, Pepper-shinned Loon, Rain Goose, Scape Grace and Sprat Loon.

 

There have been thirteen Red-throated Divers reported from S. Gloucestershire;

 

2011: (1)

One probably this species was seen flying fast and low down river from Aust Warth at 07:50 on February 19th when it was lost to view in the mist.

 

2007: (1)

One flew north past Severn Beach at 08:35 on December 14th and dropped onto the river near the second Severn Crossing.

 

2000: (1)

An immature was reported on May 8th at Severn Beach.

 

1993: (2)

One was found off New Passage on January 15th ; On May 6th an adult in summer plumage was found at Severn Beach and seen in flight as it moved off to the north-east.

 

1991: (6) HIGHEST COUNT 5

One was noted on January 5th at New Passage and one observed on January 10th also at New Passage was possibly the same individual reported on the 5th; Five were noted on May 6th at New Passage and remains the highest count for S. Gloucestershire so far.

 

1961: (1)

On March 15th an individual was found in a field near Chipping Sodbury, it was taken into care and released at Pill the following day.

 

1960: (1)

One was seen on January 6th on the Severn Estuary near Shepperdine. This occurrence constitutes the first report of this species in S. Gloucestershire.

 

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