ML626625441

Observation details

Presumably the same bird that was reported on iNaturalist on October 27 4 km south at Anglers Anchorside Marine by Rhia: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/250090073 Refound today by Michael Simmons and shared widely by Ann Nightingale (huge thanks!). Dapper dumpling of a duck. Elongated forward tapered head shape definitive of an eider with orangish bill and pale facial markings indicative of a KIEI. Appears to be a first winter male. Actively feeding on crabs the entire time I was there. As it’s likely been here for at least 12 days now, hopefully it’ll spend the winter and we’ll get to watch it transition into adult plumage! #281 for the Vancouver Island Big Year. Extra grateful as I drove to Ucluelet and spent an entire day searching for one earlier this year.