Eider
(Somateria mollisima)
A
sea duck which rarely visits freshwater. It is fairly common
around the Uk coast, particularly in the North. The male
is striking and easy to isdentify, even whe some way offshore.
The female is however mottled brown (like most female ducks)
to help provide camourflage when sitting on eggs. The down
feathers are used to line the nest and are the source of
the celebrated 'eider down' used in duvets.
|
|
|
Seahouses harbour in Northumberland, UK, often provides shelter
to a flock of Eider where they are fed by visitors, just like
mallards on a park lake.
Ref:
Eider1
|
|
|
Seahouses,
Northumberland, UK,
Ref:
Eider1A
|
 |
Seahouses,
Northumberland, UK,
Ref:
Eider2
|
 |
During
the breeding season, males throw back their heads and make
a characteristic cooing sound. Seahouses, Northumberland,
UK,
Ref:
Eider3
|
|
|
Seahouses,
Northumberland, UK,
Ref:
Eider4
|
|
|
Seahouses,
Northumberland, UK,
Ref:
Eider5
|
