The Arrow Valley Lake in Redditch is just five minutes from home and I must have walked the 1.5 miles of the lake a thousand times since we moved to Redditch some thirty years ago.
Quality birds I've seen there are far from extensive and are restricted to Slavonian Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Smew & a Common Redstart. Imagine my surprise when a Black-throated Diver was reported on Saturday after re-locating from Lower Bittell, about eight miles away.
This striking Diver, that breeds in Scotland & northern europe, was showing very well given some patience. Diving for very long periods often ending up in different areas of the lake. There were quite a few people who kept moving around the lake but I found holding one position the best plan as the bird would appear at close quarters given time.
The bird was still present on late Sunday afternoon when I took in a quick lap with Mrs D.
What a finish to local birding for 2018. Brilliant.
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