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.