The diver will undoubtably have been forced down by the poor weather (would you fly in all that rain ) so Tony is to be congratulated for being out in it too, but in fact, the weather cleared remarkably around the time Paul saw it fly off and this being the first opportunity for an 'escape' I think it jumped (or rather, flew ) at the chance, no doubt not stopping again until it reached some real sea, especially as the weather (or rain atleast) held off for the rest of the day pretty much.

yes it flew off at 11.05 seen by Paul "lucky git was in the area" Heaton!! He said it flew off north west towards Bolton, so maybe worth a look on Rumworth. Cant believe it flew off in the rain it must have known i was on the way! Oh well its another safely added to my "birds dipped within 30 mins" list! Think i must be leading the manchester dipping competition 2008.

Anyway Tony a very good find indeed!!

And by all accounts it has flown off!

typical i went yesterday and it wasnt there then!!

Great Northern Diver, still there at 9 30am.