Tuesday 28 April 2015

Male Eider............................................. Wildlife and Wetlands Trust Martin Mere

One of my favourite ducks... the Eider.

Eider (Somateria mollissima) male.
It's the UK's heaviest duck and it's fastest flying...
... the females breast feathers (eiderdown) have long been harvested for pillows and quilts.
Now largely replaced by down from domestic farm geese or synthetic alternatives.

Wild Bird Wednesday
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16 comments:

  1. TexWisGirl28 April 2015 at 22:56

    no mistaking that profile! awesome!

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  2. Anonymous28 April 2015 at 23:29

    We have lots of these out here in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Yes, they are one big duck!

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  3. Andrea @ From The Sol29 April 2015 at 00:12

    What a handsome bird and an awesome macro shot, Andrew. I know that Eiderdown has largely been replaced, but their down is still in demand and is very expensive. I am assuming only the very rich could afford it. Love this ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  4. Susan29 April 2015 at 07:22

    Beautiful photo of this attractive duck!

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  5. Margaret Birding For Pleasure29 April 2015 at 09:18

    WOW! What a fabuous portrait shots of the Eider.

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  6. Adam Jones29 April 2015 at 10:24

    Very nice close up Andrew. It's a great place to visit.

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  7. Mersad29 April 2015 at 11:41

    Beautifully captured. Really love the composition of the image.

    Mersad
    Mersad Donko Photography

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  8. MadSnapper29 April 2015 at 12:52

    handsome duck profile.. looks like a 3rd cousin several times removed from a penguin

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  9. Stewart M29 April 2015 at 12:54

    Cracking shot! I was a bit disappointed not to see many of these when I was in the NE last year - I think I may have been there at the wrong time of the year. Next time perhaps?

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  10. Gillian Olson29 April 2015 at 14:52

    Wonderful picture, quite a striking profile.

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  11. Findlay Wilde29 April 2015 at 16:35

    It's got one of the best calls as well as being really nice looking.

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  12. Tinie29 April 2015 at 18:07

    Magnificent species portrait.
    Greetings Tinie

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  13. Anonymous29 April 2015 at 21:37

    Beautiful capture.

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  14. Sallie (FullTime-Life)29 April 2015 at 22:06

    Such a beautiful duck. I'm glad they don't have to give up their feathers any more ;>)

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  15. A Colorful World1 May 2015 at 00:39

    Your photo, and this duck's majestic profile...both works of art!

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  16. Anonymous1 May 2015 at 01:54

    That is a beautiful duck. Great details in the close up shot.

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