No sign of the White-billed Diver at Southend Pier

News of a White-billed Diver yesterday at Southend was frustrating, as Brian had grandad duties and by the time he was free we wouldn't be able to get there before dark or before the pier had closed. 

We decided we would give it a try this morning, we set off early but with the pier not opening until 10.15 we headed for Wallasea Island. We pulled up along the entrance track and within an hour of scanning the marshes we had managed to see six species of raptor. Kestrel, Merlin, Buzzard, Short-eared owl, Marsh Harrier, and Ringtail Hen Harrier. 

We arrived at the pier shortly before it opened and having taken care of the parking charges, we took the train along the 1.25 miles to the end of the pier. As soon as we disembarked, we had views of several Med Gulls. 

Mediterranean Gull

We had three hours to scan the water, and we picked out plenty of Red-throated Divers and a couple of  Great Northern Divers, one of which caused a bit of debate but was soon found to be another Great Northern Diver. Razorbill, Guillemot, and Great Crested Grebes were all seen, but there was no sign of the White-Billed Diver. Several Grey seals were also seen at close quarters.

We had walked up and down most of the pier looking for the diver, but after three hours we had to admit defeat and head back to the car. The bird would be reported again at 4.15pm, but we were left wondering if this was a genuine report or the Great Northern Diver that had caused some confusion earlier in the day. 

Update on the White-billed Diver

Brian and I returned to Southend on the 10th of February and this time we saw the White-billed Diver. It was about a mile off the end of the pier. We enjoyed decent scope views and got several other birders onto the bird either with directions or by letting them look through the scope.