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Thursday 16 October 2014

Eider Duck (Somateria mollissima)

He has a deep voice, wwwwooooopppps. 
The UK's heaviest duck, and its fastest flying. It is a true seaduck, rarely found away from coasts where its dependence on coastal molluscs for food has brought it into conflict with mussel farmers. Eiders are highly gregarious and usually stay close inshore, riding the swell in a sandy bay or strung out in long lines out beyond the breaking waves. It is an Amber List species because of its winter concentrations.




37 comments:

  1. i just think they're fascinating looking!

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  2. What a beauty. He looks so silky, soft and smooth. I now understand the term "soft as eiderdown."

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    1. You've hit it right, 'soft as eiderdown', thanks Hilary.

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  3. I love your ducks pictures the best!!

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  4. They seem to have a very short neck and seem to be quite strong!

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  5. Bob, what distinctive markings these guys have. Great portraits!

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  6. Che bella questa papera...e' fantastica. Complimenti!
    Un abbraccio caro Bob

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  7. They really are lovely ducks to see... fantastic images Bob.

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  8. Hola Bob,excelentes tomas de este bonito Eider.Un abrazo

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  9. Lovely clear captures Bob. A stunning bird.

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  10. Such an interesting looking duck. Terrific up-close photographs, Bob!

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  11. Beautiful ducks. They look like they're of a similar build to a wood pigeon. Heavy and broad across the chest.

    Great photo, Bob :)

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  12. A beautiful bird and great images, sadly only encounter was with one in eclipse:-(

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  13. They are cool looking ducks, awesome closeups!

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  14. This is a really interesting creature, Bob.
    Very beautiful, and I love the shape of the head.

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  15. A stout fellow. Terrific shots as always Bob!

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  16. Not colorful, yet beautiful!

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  17. Bob, a male Eider. I saw lots of females and ducklings this summer. Great big ducks and strong swimmers and flyers. A only saw a couple of males so this picture is welcome.

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  18. Beautiful photos of eider, Bob.
    Third picture is my favorite, there you have properly exposed.

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  19. C'est un beau canard si différent de ceux que je vois habituellement. Très belles photos.

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  20. Beautiful duck Bob!!I have never seen before!!
    Great closeups!Have a lovely weekend!
    Dimi...

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  21. Nigdy wcześniej takiej kaczki nie widziałam. Piękne zdjęcia.

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