Back in 2008 I was fortunate enough to be able to twitch the UKs first Pacific Diver in Yorkshire on 12th January. Roll on nine years and with a handful of other UK records, Northumberland scores one!
It was cold and frosty morning at East Chevington, and despite sometimes being the closest bird in the north east corner of the pool, the diver was always a tad too distant, as the eastern side was frozen.
A couple of fly arounds granted opportunity for a couple of images ...
And I was quite happy with that... so off to the beach for a catch up with the 7 Shorelark - feeding at the burn mouth alone with c45 Twite. Nice day.
Heading back to the car a message came through that the diver had moved to nearby Druridge Bay County Park - it would be rude not to look...
It was apparent that the diver was heading to the western corner, so with some initiative (as many had, it transpires) the camera was set up near the stepping stones. I was quietly optimistic - previous encounters with Black-throated Diver at Tynemouth had been really rewarding, as feeding tended to be close to the edge, fearless of man watching a few feet away.
Bingo - some great views...
patrolling the corner...
diving (as they do)...
Feeding...
