In late fall, Common Eiders appear as far South as the coast of New Jersey. Yesterday several dozens of them were swimming along the jetty at Barnegat Lighthouse. They are the largest ducks, weighing from 2.5 to almost 7 lbs (1.1 to 3 kg).
It is not breeding season yet, so the males are not showing their distinctive and handsome colors.
There was some kind of hunting going on and I often heard sounds of gunfire coming from the other side of the bay. An immature Common Eider was sitting on a rock right next to the jetty. It would not move even as I came very close to it. A fellow photographer said that it may have been wounded by a shotgun pellet, could not move, and would probably die eventually.
In the 19th century, hunting almost wiped out this species in the Atlantic. However, their population has rebounded and Common Eiders are not on the list of endangered species.
Another beautiful series! Wish you and fantastic 2019, Hien! Marcus
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Common eiders are very rare visitors to Michigan, so it was nice to see your excellent images of them. But, it was sad to see the juvenile waiting to die.
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Thanks for commenting, Jerry!
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Beautiful photos :-). Wounded birds are so sad to see. Sometimes wildlife rehabilitation shelters take injured birds, if there is one not too far. I wonder if it would have been possible to pick up the bird with a towel or t-shirt? That is probably easier to do with smaller birds.
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The person who pointed out the Eider to me said it was likely to die that same day.
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Sad. At least the other eiders were looking well.
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Beautiful birds. I hate to think of that young one suffering. So sad.
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The Eiders are large ducks, and become easy targets for hunters. That young one was going to die by the end of that day.
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Such a shame…
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Indeed. Still so young too.
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💔
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I agree, sad end for the Eider.
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