Great Northern Diver

Gavia immer

A juvenile favouring the West basin was present between the 4th and 13th February 2009. The same bird was also seen at nearby Walthamstow Reservoirs during the month.

Their eerie, haunting cry gave rise to their original name - the Loon.

Number in Britain: 2500 birds (winter)

Status:

in London: scarce winter visitor and occasional migrant, often after hard weather.

in UK: Scarce breeder, winter visitor

Habitat: Lakes, ponds & rivers

Diet: Mostly fish (to 28cm) also large invertebrates, amphibians

Data from the London Natural History Society (LNHS) and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

• Systematic List of the Birds of Stoke Newington Reservoirs and Woodberry Wetlands.