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)
Excellent capture.
My what an awesome looking duck, great capture :)
A grand shot!
gorgeous opened winged capture Danny !!!
excellent capture, great shot. really a nice duck :-)
Such strange markings on this creature. Most unique.
Very beautiful duck!!! Love the pose!!!
They look so clean. Beautiful capture. Aloha
Excellent photography
Fantastic capture!
Lovely duck.
Good interaction with live nature. Ur bio's are always a plus. thanx ;-)
Beautiful view of the underwings, so interesting.
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..
Excellent shot ! Thanks ! Ana
For as plentiful as they are I've never seen one before!! Thanks for sharing this beauty with us Danny!!!!
Beautiful bird, and you captured it magnificantly!
Very beautiful capture.
His face is very chiseled, isn't it? I like the angle you got in this. Nicely done.
Such a charming fellow. Excellent shot. Interesting info too.
Marvelous work!5!
Beautiful Shot, I love the open wings, so crisp!!
nice capture...
Oh this Eider Duck is a real beauty! Lovely taken!!!
Wonderful photo Daniel....!!! Fantastic detail.....!!!!
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!
Beautiful shot!!!!
Beautiful as always :) cathy xoxoxo
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!!
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!