RED THROATED DIVER (Gavia stellata)

Very rare winter visitor.

One record: following bitter easterly winds and snow one was at Fairlands Valley Lakes from 14 to 23 February 1979 and was part of an unusual influx of 33 of this species inland. It was on a diminishing patch of open water where it was easily observed and photographed, and seen to eat fish. Its dives averaged 46 seconds.