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king Eider 4th October
http://www.lbcarchive.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10973		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Phil Hyde [ Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  king Eider 4th October
Thanks to Steve Keightley for organising another soiree on the Wash on the Mystere. Around 20 of us had good views of the King Eider, I've posted a couple of my snaps in the album (with apologies to the proper photographers in the county).
As you can see, its wing moult has progressed quite a lot and there was (unjustified!) collective surprise as it took off at one point revealing its new flight gear. Its got the characteristic "horns" on the mantle as well plus greyer feathers coming through on the head and neck. It was still present when we returned late afternoon, though probably at that stage not visible from the hide.

Cheers

Phil
Author:  John Badley [ Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: king Eider 4th October
As far as I could tell the 'horns' were fully developed on 15 September. Still looks pretty grotty to me (sorry bird!).

John
Author:  Phil Hyde [ Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: king Eider 4th October
Really ? I didn't notice this feature from the boat on 12th September, nor in any of my or other peoples photos. Perhaps I need Specsavers !


Phil
Author:  Paul French [ Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: king Eider 4th October
Antlers surely?? :lol:

Horns are permanent features, antlers are replaced every year. :wink:
Author:  John Badley [ Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: king Eider 4th October
Yeah, they were really obvious, although I'd not seen them before (though admittedly it was much further away on previous sightings). Presumably the bird can show/hide them as desired (?), perhaps all that testosterone on the boat made him feel bashful on 12 Sept!
Author:  Phil Hyde [ Tue Oct 06, 2009 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: king Eider 4th October
Er...maybe that should have been "sails" ?

Phil
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