BIRD 1
Here is a long-necked bird, pattering over water to take off.
It is rather goose-like at first glance. But geese are essentially terrestrial grazing birds which also like a bit of a swim; so their legs and feet are in the centre of the belly. This bird’s feet are right at the back of the body, a position common to most diving birds (which also makes them clumsy on land). The pointed bill is also wrong for a goose or any wildfowl species; closer to that of a grebe, or better, a diver. The thick neck and ‘smooth’ head are both pro-diver features. Plumage-wise, apart from the white belly, there is little to go on, owing to shadows and contrast. The almost ‘upturned’ bill, grey head and uniquely red eye confirm that this is a Red-throated Diver in breeding plumage.
Key features
■ Long-necked, ‘smooth’ headed
■ Pointed bill, almost looks upturned
■ Feet set well back
■ Red eye