ChesterMan
New member

Spotted today (14 Jan 2025) this bird amongst a flock of Eider about 50m off a beach near Oban. It was clearly part of the group and with the characteristic bill shape, so definitely an Eider, but would appreciate further opinion to age the plumage. Apologies for the image quality - a dreich day at Oban!
The bird in question is the dark example with white breast third from the right in the first image.

The second image includes some of the females of the flock, as well as a shadowing gull hoping to mob a free meal! The females are more obviously the typical mottled brown duck colour and their wing specula are very clearly seen, whereas that of the bird in question (on extreme right) is not.

My assumption is the bird is a 1st winter male, but would appreciate your thoughts.
Cheers,
ChesterMan
[Posted earlier in wrong part of the Forum]
The bird in question is the dark example with white breast third from the right in the first image.

The second image includes some of the females of the flock, as well as a shadowing gull hoping to mob a free meal! The females are more obviously the typical mottled brown duck colour and their wing specula are very clearly seen, whereas that of the bird in question (on extreme right) is not.

My assumption is the bird is a 1st winter male, but would appreciate your thoughts.
Cheers,
ChesterMan
[Posted earlier in wrong part of the Forum]