WildView™

When I first saw this group of common eiders (Somateria mollissima) mingling about on the seaweed-covered natural steps of Giant’s Staircase, I thought, “look at those beautiful birds.”

But as the tide came in and waves crashed relentlessly where the eiders were resting , I admired these sea ducks even more. I would have been knocked over and swept away by the rogue waves from the same spot, yet the eiders surfed along with style.

Eiders are one of the larger duck species. They thrive along rocky coastlines waiting for the tide to bring in mollusks and crustaceans. Then, they dip their heads below the surface and catch their meal – calm and collected.