Firth of Forth, Scotland (1 Viewer)

[TomMalcC]

Photographed this distant bird (?), two days ago. Beginning to think it may be two different birds. Any ideas - sorry photos are pretty rubbish.

TomC

 

[Butty]

1-2 might be velvet scoter.

 

[Simon G]

Immature male Common Eider?

 

[kahraba]

I believe #2 is a male Goldeneye and #3 a female

 

[aeshna5]

I believe #2 is a male Goldeneye and #3 a female

I think 2 is Goldeneye too but think the last is an immature male Eider from bill shape when blown up, but very blurry image.

 

[Butty]

think the last is an immature male Eider

That would work 👍🏻

 

[Stonefaction]

Immature male Common Eider?

I agree with Simon. I think all 3 show an immature Eider. The bill colour and what is visible of the shape, and the overall black and white markings fit.

 

[Mark Lew1s]

I agree with Simon. I think all 3 show an immature Eider. The bill colour and what is visible of the shape, and the overall black and white markings fit.

Agree - all eider

 

[ChesterMan]

Replying to this cold topic as the OP's photos were taken at a similar time of year.

Spotted a similar bird just now (14 Jan 2025) about 50m offshore from a beach near Oban.

It's clearly an Eider from the bill shape, not to mention the association with the rest of the flock!

The second shot includes several female and you can see their wing specula are very clear - unlike the bird in question, so I assume said bird is a male. Ignore the gull shadowing in the hope of mobbing a meal!


My assumption is a first winter male.

What does everyone think?

Cheers,
ChesterMan

 

[delia todd]

Hi ChesterMan and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

All things Scottish can be found here. Also, keep an eye on threads titled something like Scottish Bashes; we try to meet up occasionally and they're always great fun. You'd be most welcome to join us on another if you can manage.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[ChesterMan]

My apologies - should I have posted my question there? I'll do so now.

 

[Bewick]

Replying to this cold topic as the OP's photos were taken at a similar time of year.

Spotted a similar bird just now (14 Jan 2025) about 50m offshore from a beach near Oban.

It's clearly an Eider from the bill shape, not to mention the association with the rest of the flock!
View attachment 1623083
The second shot includes several female and you can see their wing specula are very clear - unlike the bird in question, so I assume said bird is a male. Ignore the gull shadowing in the hope of mobbing a meal!
View attachment 1623084

My assumption is a first winter male.

What does everyone think?

Cheers,
ChesterMan

Yes, an immature male.

 

[delia todd]

My apologies - should I have posted my question there? I'll do so now.

Oh no!! You've actually posted in the right place for identifications.

I was just letting you know about the Scottish section in case you'd not yet found it.