Monday, 3 February 2014

Complete Loon!



I am still finding myself drawn to this bird, now into its fourth week at the small pits in the village of Maxey. The North American name for this bird is the Great Northern Loon, quite apt, as I am finding myself neglecting all other birds in my mad quest for a half decent photo! After spending nearly 4 hours at this site yesterday, with a brief spell at Deeping Lakes to see if I could catch up with the long-staying drake Mandarin (I didn't), or catch a glimpse of a PBC lifer in the shape of the locally rare Willow Tit (dipped on that too) and after taking 100's of photos, I managed to grab from the wreckage a couple of okay shots which are above.
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10 comments:

  1. Roy Norris4 February 2014 at 16:47

    You did get some good ones John.
    He seems to have set up home there.

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    1. John5 February 2014 at 20:22

      Thanks Roy!
      Yes, into its fourth week, who knows how long he will stay! I just hope the local fishermen don't realise how many fish he is catching!
      J

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  2. Alan Pavey4 February 2014 at 17:15

    Really nice pics John and a 'great' bird!

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    1. John5 February 2014 at 20:23

      Thanks Alan!
      Yes, none for ten years in the area and then two turn up!
      J

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  3. bazza4 February 2014 at 18:50

    I went to Google images to look for Great Northern Diver and from the wonderful dark-headed birds in display can I assume that this is a female in your pictures? Or maybe a juvenile?
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. John5 February 2014 at 20:27

      Hi Bazza,
      The beautiful breeding plumage is what you have seen when the bird has a black head etc, the female looks pretty similar to the male. This bird is a juvenile, you can tell by the obvious scaly pattern on its back, along with other features, but the adult in winter looks completely different to the summer /breeding plumage. It, too is fairly subdued, but the back is plain instead of scaly.
      Hope this explains all?! :)
      J

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  4. Margaret Birding For Pleasure5 February 2014 at 18:28

    HI John Sorry to hear you didn't see what you wanted but perhaps you would enjoy finding regular birds on your patch more than just chasing after a few that may or never turn up. Great shots of the Diver.

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    1. John5 February 2014 at 20:29

      Hi Margaret,
      I am not normally a 'run around' kind of birder, the area I try and list each year is a small area around Peterborough. It's just that with this diver being ever present I am finding my other birding exploits are being limited somewhat! I will get back to normal soon :)
      J

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  5. holdingmoments10 February 2014 at 18:35

    Nothing wrong with these John.

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