Eider Ducks on Walney Island

 Male Eider

In the past Walney was also a noted place for breading Eiders, so it goes without saying that they too have suffered the same problems as the Gulls. Unfortunately they tend not to nest in colonies like the Gulls so are not as easily protected.

Its quite sad really as they are such a smart bird, particularly the male.

 

As is usually the case, the female is quite drab, being a ground nester, and very often on open ground , she needs all the camouflage she can get.

I couldn't make out weather the head gesture was for me or her 2 escorts.