(somaterie spectabalis)
King Eider breed in the high arctic in tundra pools and winter along the north coast of Norway often gathering in huge flocks in favoured sheltered fjords which remain ice free all winter. Recent decreases in fishing activity has led to some well known locations such as Vadso no longer holding any significant wintering flocks. The spring dispersal date of the flocks is becoming earlier with few birds now remaining in the fjords by early April. The drake King Eider is an amazingly beautiful bird with the most bizarre plumage.
On our trip we found maybe 300 King Eiders in the inner harbour area of Batsfjord although I believe there were many more birds further out in the fjord. On a boat trip out of Vardo we failed to find the flock of 'several thousand' which had been some distance offshore a few days previous. The sea was too rough to allow us to venture far out.
At Batsfjord we had two photo sessions with the eiders. The first day we were out on a boat around the harbour area which gave good opportunities to get flying shots - as the young boat skipper simply drove at any likely looking flock of birds. On the second day we made a very early start to get into the floating hide before dawn so as to be in place before the birds arrived. This was duly done and the floating hide gave amazing close up views of the eiders and other ducks. However, the very early start meant that the light was initially very poor and effectively the first hour's photos were worthless. Fortunately the light improved just before the birds started to drift away although even the last photos were taken at a very high ISO. As well as King Eider we got good views of Steller's Eider, Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck.