A Black-throated Diver at Abberton

12th February 2024

Another visit to Abberton to try and find the Black-throated Diver that has been seen distantly from the Abberton Church view-point, but first a quick look at the causeways. This year the causeways have been incredibly quiet and today was no exception with just the usual Goldeneyes and Goosanders queuing up for their photograph to be taken.

Also found a few females this time.

Now on to Billets Screen to see if the Lesser Scaup were on show. They were out in Wigborough Bay but very distant and into the sun, so no chance of any photos. However, a ringed female Kestrel flew in and perched nearby as way of compensation.

Straight out from the screen was a flock of Aythya ducks and tucked away inside the flock was a single male Greater Scaup, which looked resplendent in the sunshine.

So finally on to the Abberton Church view-point for the Black-throated Diver. These are not the easiest of birds to find as they sit low in the water and spend a lot of time underwater. I eventually found it about 200 yards out, remembering it is about 80 yards before you get to the water. So not ideal for photography but I did manage to get some records shots which will do nicely!!!