Common Eider [ejder]

Just look at that beak! Gustavsberg, Uddevalla, on October 20, 2019.

Pentax K50, ISO 800, 300mm, f/9, 1/320.

Eurasian Oystercatcher [strandskata]

My favorites the oystercatchers, and plenty of them! Mollön nature reserve, Uddevalla, on March 28, 2019.

Pentax K50, ISO 100, 300mm, f/9, 1/400.

Pentax K50, ISO 100, 150mm, f/9, 1/400.

Common Eider [ejder]

When I were a kid, the eiders gathered in thousands this time of year. Today … well, let's say they were easy to count. It's such a beautiful bird! Mollön nature reserve, Uddevalla, on March 28, 2019.

Pentax K50, ISO 100, 300mm, f/9, 1/500.

Common Eider [ejder]

A pair of eiders, quite close to the shore. Mollön nature reserve, Uddevalla, on April 25, 2018.

Pentax K50, ISO 3200, 300mm, f/14, 1/3200. 

Common Eider [ejder]

One callow eider chick, cruising and feeding together with three females. So sad to see – there should have been dozens of chick in the nursery, but eiders are in decline. Gustavsberg, Uddevalla, on May 28 2017.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 210mm, f/5.6, 1/250.

Pentax K50, ISO 400, 300mm, f/5.8, 1/400.

Common Eider [ejder]

The population of eiders have decreased in recent years, and it is no longer common to come upon a large group like this. But just look at those colors, aren't they beautiful? Lyckorna, Uddevalla, on March 30, 2017.

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/10, 1/320. 

Pentax K50, ISO 200, 300mm, f/10, 1/320. 

Common Eider [ejder]

From the archive: One female eider, courted by two males. The eiders are in decline, and so far research doesn't know why. Vägeröds dalar, Skaftö, on April 17, 2011.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/6.3, 1/640.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/6.3, 1/640.

Common Eider [ejder]

From the archive: Not that long time ago, the groups of male eiders gathering around the females to mate in spring were enormous. Nowadays, you're lucky to see a handful of males at the same time. Mollön, Uddevalla, on April 2, 2011.

Nikon D5000, ISO 220, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/500.

On the Calm Waters North of Húsavik

From the archive: Four years ago, I visited Iceland. We were so lucky – almost no rain, decent temperatures and even some sun! And, among volcanos, horses, and whales, some birds. On a whale watching tour departing from Húsavik, on the northern coast, I met my first puffins. Most of them at long distance, though, but who cares – I saw lots of puffins! (And humpbacks!) On August 12, 2011.

Nikon D5000, ISO 200, 200mm, f/6.3, 1/640.

In the harbor of Húsavik, this female eider kept her eye on everything. Of course, eiders are not as exotic as puffins, but the sea was incredibly calm and the reflections in the water pretty amazing.

Nikon D5000, ISO 280, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/500.