On Thursday of last week 14th November, the weather took a turn for the worst and the East coast got a bit of a battering with strong North to North Easterly winds. As is the case, we birders rub our hands with glee when we see North Easterlies forecast at this time of year – because they can produce some nice birds. This was the case on Thursday 15th – when a Great Northern Diver was reported in Scarborough Harbour.
16th Nov …. The temptation was too much!! My birding mate Alf and I, set off on Friday morning to Scarborough; a short drive of just over half an hour. On arriving at the harbour the Great Northern Diver was located immediately and a bonus too – a Red Throated Diver was also in the harbour – sheltering from the heavy swells just outside the harbour mouth.
However, both birds were in places with terrible light. So, the best strategy was not to chase around the harbour like headless chickens, but rather choose a spot and let the birds come to us. So choosing a slipway near the main road we waited. In just 10 minutes the birds had swum round and were feeding in the deep water near the fish quay giving cracking views.
We had a very special half hour with these beautiful divers and even though they had moulted into their winter plumages it was a great treat to have such good views of these winter visitors and study them more closely. What a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!!
