The Lincolnshire Bird Club

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

As far as I could tell the 'horns' were fully developed on 15 September. Still looks pretty grotty to me (sorry bird!).

John

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Contact: recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk

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

Antlers surely??

Horns are permanent features, antlers are replaced every year.

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!

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Contact: recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk

Er...maybe that should have been "sails" ?

Phil