Mixenden Res'r

Terrible conditions when I got there pouring with rain and blowing a gale, I nearly gave it a miss.  Glad I didn't ! At the far end of the res'r - a Diver - but with glasses covered in rain as well as the binoculars I couldn't get a firm identification other than it wasn't a Red Throated. Then as it came nearer and the rain eased Bingo - a Great Northern Diver showing the classic peaked head and large bill etc.

This is the best photo I could do in the conditions but I know NK got some belters as he arrived and hopefully Nick got some good shots later in then afternoon. The bird was still there at 15:15. It was good to meet John who recently found the Black Redstart at Bradshaw and DF turned up hoping for a B T Diver ! Check out Nigel's blog for some great shots - queensburybirder.blogspot.
Also a Little Grebe on the res'r and another still at Ogden (NK)

The GND was still there this afternoon when we left at 15:30
2 Sparrowhawks nearby and 1 Kestrel