44 Common Eider

• A group of Eider is called a; Brace / Flush / Paddling / Raft / Team.
• This small Team of Eider was seen off the dock at Digby Neck NS.  I say small because during breeding season their numbers on northern shores, above the tree line, can number 10,000 to 15,000 in a Team.
• They are very fast flyers and have been clocked at 70 mph.
• The eider is the largest duck in North America.
• Its name comes from the down pulled from its breast to line their nest. That nest is built close to the waters edge in the far north.  After the ducklings have left the nest the eiderdown is collected and used for clothing and blankets.  Much of this market is now been taken over by domestic farm geese.  It doesn't take long to gather enough eiderdown from 10,000 to 15,000 nests.
• This duck eats mussels and crabs removing the claws and swallowing whole.  The gizzard then grinds up the food and it can digest it.
• This colonial breeder is said to be fairly interbred because it returns to the same breeding area evey year and for many many generations. 
• The eastern Common Eider is different from the western seen by its dull yellow grey green bill compared to the west's yellow orange bill.
• Some Eiders stay year round in the Maritime Provinces.
• There is a group now numbering 1000 in england that in 676 AD was the first group of birds known to be officially protected.
• This was a great find and Vicki and I were at the right place at the right time to see them.