King Eider at Hartlepool Headland, 12 Nov 08 around 4.00pm

[Bill Hall]

First seen as a black duck around 300m out on sea, Scoter? Then noticed steep forehead, significant amounts of white on body and thin tail slightly raised. The white was mainly on the breast but not bright. Smaller size noticed when it swam past a male common Eider in full breeding plumage. Checked with Collis Bird Guide on return home. Matches the picture of the 1st summer male King Eider on page 61 remarkably well. Key features not noted particularly in the field were the forehead colour and bill, though they apppeared to be dark and darkish respectively.

Conditions clear and sunny with tide high. Seen by myself, Brian Lake and our wives.