Return of the Loon

Great Northern Diver on Ontario Basin, Salford Quays

A quick update from a couple of weeks ago and another visit to Salford Quays on a rare, sunny morning.

Great to see the young Great Northern Diver still on the Quays. Known throughout North America and Canada as the Common Loon this time it was rather appropriately on Ontario Basin.

Ontario Basin

Ontario Basin complete with water ski ramps, multi coloured buoys and the occasional boat race.

Great Northern Diver

Really is an attractive bird since the previous visit the darker adult plumage has started to develop.

Great Northern Diver also known as the Common Loon

Also noticeable that the eyes are taking on a reddish tinge. Still a few months to go before the full adult plumage is revealed. Unfortunately this is likely to occur at the same time as the bird flies north to its  Icelandic breeding grounds

Immature Great Northern Diver

 

Great Northern Diver about to take a dive.

Still amazing to watch the Diver swim underwater for a hundred yards before taking a right hand turn through a canal and into the neighbouring basins on Merchant Quay. The length of time it can hold its breath is phenomenal.

 

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