This portrait of a Common Eider drake was taken in small harbour in a fishing village in N England. Usually shy birds, at least in the UK they are, several pairs often frequented this harbour, feeding on some mussel beds, and had become much more tolerant to the human activity in the area. After feeding for a while they would haul out on to some rocks and rest and preen, where they could be approached by slowly inching your way closer on your butt and keeping a low profile. The breeding colours of the males are delicately superb and the colour in the BG was provided by reflections of moored boats.
Camera Canon 10D with 500mm f4IS lens and TC1.4 Exp: 1/180 @ f8 ISO 200
Thank you all very much for your congratulations and comments. I received the BPN notification e-mail from James on the 16th of Nov. - the following day was my birthday - What a present!
Avian Wild and Free IOTW 10/23/2008 Melvin Grey
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