PACIFIC DIVER in West Cornwall

A well-marked adult PACIFIC DIVER still retaining some breeding plumage was present on Carnsew Basin, at the east end of the Hayle Estuary (Cornwall) throughout much of this afternoon. In near gale force winds, the bird was very mobile and diving continuously and flew on several occasions. At around 1500 hours, it took to the air again and flew off in the direction of Carbis Bay and the mouth of the estuary. There is every possibility it was the bird seen by a French visitor last week and this particular bird has also been seen briefly since Tuesday (Chris Barnard et al).