Eiders

[mstphoto]

First day of travel restrictions being lifted yesterday meant that I could once again visit our stunning coastline.
First stop was the Ythan Estuary which is always a good spot for Eider Ducks.
The glorious early morning sunshine felt good but a bit of a hinderence when shooting these due to their brilliant white and jet black plummage.
Never easy to get the catchlight in their eyes either

Showing Off by Mike Stephen, on Flickr

Male Eider Duck by Mike Stephen, on Flickr

Male Eider Duck by Mike Stephen, on Flickr

 

[Rustydon]

Nice to read you're out and about again, Mike. I love Eiders, but have only seen them in Northumberland, the male call is quite unusual I seem to remember!

Russ

 

[mstphoto]

Nice to read you're out and about again, Mike. I love Eiders, but have only seen them in Northumberland, the male call is quite unusual I seem to remember!

Russ

Thanks Russ
The Males throw their heads back and make a cooing sound.
Lovely to hear.
There is also a King Eider around here but I haven't been lucky enough to spot him yet.
Locally he's been named Elvis

 

[superpippo]

Gorgeous shots there, Mike. Had never heard of the river Ythan, and what an unusual name - very Welsh sounding but north of Aberdeen [emoji848]

 

[mstphoto]

Gorgeous shots there, Mike. Had never heard of the river Ythan, and what an unusual name - very Welsh sounding but north of Aberdeen [emoji848]

Much appreciated, Alan.
Ythan could come from the gaelic word ‘Athan’ meaning Ford suggesting a fordable river.
It does sound rather Welsh

 

[Deleted member 34016]

Vey nice set Mike- something we don;t see down here in Somerset

Les

 

[mstphoto]

Cheers Les
Quite common here

 

[superpippo]

Much appreciated, Alan.
Ythan could come from the gaelic word ‘Athan’ meaning Ford suggesting a fordable river.
It does sound rather Welsh

Thanks for the explanation.