Andrew Chick Ecology

The Great Northern Diver, is primarily a winter visitor to England. These birds breed in regions such as Greenland, Iceland, and North America, migrating to the UK’s coastal waters during the non-breeding season. In England, they are typically observed from late October through early April, favoring inshore waters along the coast.

While the Great Northern Diver does not breed in England, occasional sightings occur during migration periods in autumn and spring. The species is classified as Amber on the UK’s Birds of Conservation Concern list, indicating a moderate level of conservation concern.

Notably, the UK’s coastal waters serve as an important wintering habitat for these divers, with a significant portion of the European population overwintering here. However, their presence is more concentrated in northern and western regions of the UK, with fewer individuals observed along England’s southern and eastern coasts.

In summary, the Great Northern Diver is a regular but non-breeding visitor to England’s coastal waters during the winter months, with its conservation status warranting continued monitoring to ensure the stability of its population.