Eider Duck by danob
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Description
The eider is one of the most numerous sea ducks in the world with the European population estimated at about 2 million. On the Northumberland coast the eider population is currently between 1,500-2,000 nesting birds.
And indeed is regarded as the first bird in the world to have been given conservation protection, thanks to St Cuthbert, an early Northumbrian saint, who offered eiders sanctuary on the Farne Islands in the seventh century.
A fitting symbol of conservation, and known locally asa Cuddis duck, its little wonder that the friendly eider has been chosen as the logo for the Northumberland coast.
Eiders can be found along the entire Northumberland coastline, particularly in harbours, sheltered bays and on Northumberland rugged islands.
The two main other sites are the Farne Islands, and Coquet Island, their southern-most nesting site on the east coast of England. A small number of birds also nest on the mainland within Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.
The eider is broad in appearance with a distinctive wedge-shaped head and greenish-grey bill, making identification easy. The breeding plumage of the male (drake) is boldly black and white with a rose tinted breast and pale green feathers at the back of the neck (nape).
A characteristic white patch on the flank of the male also helps identification. Young male eiders will moult several times before reaching full adult plumage in their second year. During this time these juveniles appear rather mottled brown and white.
From a distance the female plumage appears drab but a closer look reveals a beautifully intricate barred pattern of light and dark brown feathers. This equips the bird with a camouflage that blends with its surroundings, a useful adaptation at nesting time
Thanks for looking and any comments on a European tour for the next few days so my comments may be a little haphazard for a few days..
Comments (31)
kgb224
Excellent capture.
Realm_Of_Illusion
My what an awesome looking duck, great capture :)
romanceworks
A grand shot!
kimariehere
gorgeous opened winged capture Danny !!!
uk601
excellent capture, great shot. really a nice duck :-)
kenwas
Such strange markings on this creature. Most unique.
carlx
Very beautiful duck!!! Love the pose!!!
sharky_
They look so clean. Beautiful capture. Aloha
jeroni
Excellent photography
MedTran39
Fantastic capture!
mps
Lovely duck.
Flannelman
Good interaction with live nature. Ur bio's are always a plus. thanx ;-)
durleybeachbum
Beautiful view of the underwings, so interesting.
TRANSCAN
While watching this capture my wife asked "whatis eider duks" and I instantly answered by your info:-).. Thanks for this great shot and detailed info..
amlondono
Excellent shot ! Thanks ! Ana
nongo
For as plentiful as they are I've never seen one before!! Thanks for sharing this beauty with us Danny!!!!
bentchick
Beautiful bird, and you captured it magnificantly!
ledwolorz
Very beautiful capture.
MrsLubner
His face is very chiseled, isn't it? I like the angle you got in this. Nicely done.
kansas
Such a charming fellow. Excellent shot. Interesting info too.
Alex_Antonov
Marvelous work!5!
DaveDavis
Beautiful Shot, I love the open wings, so crisp!!
lizzibell
nice capture...
Gor111
Oh this Eider Duck is a real beauty! Lovely taken!!!
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful photo Daniel....!!! Fantastic detail.....!!!!
CavalierLady
They are beautifully colored ducks, and quaintly and amusingly chubby looking. Love the green feathering on the head that matches the beak, and a superb wing capture, lovely work, Danny!
rawdodb
Beautiful shot!!!!
GOLDILOCKSUK
Beautiful as always :) cathy xoxoxo
vlaaitje
wonderful bird, gorgeous pose, this duck is not easy to catch because of the eye in the black area, but this one came out super!!
KarmaSong Online Now!
I didn't know what an Eider duck looked like, till now! I'm impressed by your rendering the tiniest details of this bird's features here. Wonderful!