Great Northern Diver

One from Sunday, which like most days lately was very overcast and pretty miserable. But still it was nice to be out. This Diver had been hanging around our local harbour for a couple of days so me and friend thought we'd try our luck. So it was belly down on a pontoon where the Diver was likely to pass on his travels and wait for him to hopefully pop up. Managed to get a couple of shots during a hour or so there and this is my favourite - I have some side on shots but I like this one as it shows off nicely that magnificent bill.

40D, 500f4 with 1.4x, iso400, 1/400, f/8, beanbag.

Paul H
Guernsey

Hi Paul

Cracking shot of a 'classic view' as they look over their shoulder whilst swimming away. Great detail, low angle and DOF!

David

Cracking classic Paul

Female bird isn't it that has this 'flat-top' haircut...?

Not too sure Andy - I can't find any info in my books ref the differences between Male & Female.

Thanks

Paul - http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greatnortherndiver/index.asp - only sketch illustrations but it illustrates my assumption

Classic diver/grebe pose! This has lovely feel of winter about it for me. Andy I think you're getting confused between summer and winter plumage on the link you provided. GND's can raise their foreheads to make this odd looking concave crown (check out Paul King's 'armpit' shot from a couple of days ago to see one that isn't raised. As far as I'm aware Divers are 'sexes alike'.
Cheers,
Dave

Me - I'm always confussed - got it wrong again, but at least that's years of misunderstanding put right

I always thought there was a lot of females

Superb shot. The colour of the water makes it look almost glacial. Lovely and sharp with spot-on DOF

Hi Paul,

A cracking shot! Nice to see some good shots still been taken throughout this rain season. I agree with the comments David and Elliott made.

A great shot Paul, and like David says, a typical diver pose!