Bird I.D. help please???

[HamieRaptorcliff]

Hey All,

Wondering if anybody can help. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me at the time, and the birds were some way away, so forgive me if my recollection is not too helpful.

I was walking along the River Severn and spotted two birds in the river, swimming along. Every now and again they would dive under the water for a few seconds and then reappear again. They appeared to be the same shape and size as a Diver, but had a full red/brown neck and a red bill. Their bodies were dark, and it seemed (although I may be mistaken) that it had a slight crest on its head.

I've been through a few of my books and t'internet, but can't see anything that looks the same. Can a red throated diver have a fully red neck? Is this just a seasonal plummage?

Apologies if this is a daft question, but I just can't seem to find what I saw in any books.

Appreciate your help.

Thanks

[Jonners]

Sounds like it could be a Red Breasted Merganser. Maybe?

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Jonners

Sounds like it could be a Red Breasted Merganser. Maybe?

Sounds like a reasonable suggestion!

[HamieRaptorcliff]

Thanks folks. Just had a look at a few pics, I think you could be spot on.

Much appreciated.

[MIKE HAYLETT]

hi everyone, i agree it sounds like a merganser, regards mike