Feb 9-11: KING EIDER (Little Qualicum River Estuary)

Feb 9--This morning after checking out the mockingbird along Surfside Drive in Qualicum Beach, Russell Cannings spotted a first-winter male KING EIDER feeding on clams among a large flock of Black Scoters. It was still present as of 11am, Sunday. Take Kinkade Rd north off the Old Island Hwy west of downtown Qualicum Beach, follow this onto McFeely Dr then make a left on Surfside and park at the end (this is the Little Qualicum River Estuary). Walk down to the beach and scope through the scoters. At times the eider spent a lot of time underwater so be patient while scanning if it is not immediately visible. In addition to the creamy chest, this bird has white rear-flank patches (not visible in this photograph) which also help to distinguish it from other seaducks in the area.

This bird has not been seen since February 11th

First-winter male King Eider among a group of scoters on February 9 (Photo: Sher Falls)

*If anyone manages better photos, please send them to russellcannings@shaw.ca and I'd be happy to put them up on the alert!