Status of breeding Red-throated Divers in Shetland, 1983

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Abstract
The survey identified red-throated diver activity on 873 lochs throughout Shetland; 576 of these were definitely used for breeding and supported a minimum total of 607 breeding pairs. Measures of survey efficiency from 2 previous seasons predicted that .apprx. 95 pairs were likely to have been missed, suggesting an actual population of around 700 pairs. The significance of this total in a national context is discussed, confirming its considerable importance. Evidence is presented for an increase in numbers over the long-term, but any short-term trend is obscure. Factors likely to affect the nesting distribution are also considered. The highest nesting densities were found in the vicinity of Yell Sound and Sullom Voc, and the large number of divers likely to use these waters for feeding is emphasized.