(polysticta stelleri)
Steller's 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. They prefer shallower water than other eiders and sometimes feed by upending (dabbling) rather than diving. On our trip we found maybe 800 Steller's Eiders in the inner harbour area of Batsfjord although I believe there were many more birds further out in the fjord. Thre was a small group of about 30 birds in the harbour area of Vardo.
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 Steller's Eider we got good views of King Eider, Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck.