RED-THROATED DIVER – Gavia stellata

As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees

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 twelve Red-throated Divers reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;

1960: (1)

One was seen on January 6th on the Severn Estuary near Shepperdine.

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.

1991: (6)

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.

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.

2000: (1)

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

2007: (1)