Hello All,

I viewed the Common Eider this morning (10/23/12) from 09:45 until 10:30
AM. It was in the same general area as some posts indicated in past
days. From the Harbor Resort (west) end of the marina, eastward toward the
green square marker (7) and then toward the orange triangular marker
(8). I viewed this magnificent bird from distances of about one hundred
yards to as close as sixty feet, during the 45 minute period available to
me, during times of moderate to nearly absent rain. After this time, it
slowly swam and floated farther eastward, toward the eastern jetty lined
with hundreds of pelicans, into the wind and more rain. It was feeding
frequently during part of this period, catching several large prey items
(mussels? starfish? crabs?). Once, a gull grabbed part of the catch from
this sturdy duck; the duck immediately dove again, came up with another
apparently tasty item, and devoured it. About 2 minutes later, after
another strong duck dive, another gull tried the same trick, but the duck
immediately dove, stayed under water for more than 60 seconds, and then
re-surfaced, apparently having eaten the entire crab (etc.) under water, as
the gull left, empty-beaked. At other times, the eider preened
extensively, allowing many ideal views of many plumage features.

Thanks to Sherry and Arden Hagen for finding this bird and posting so
promptly. Thanks also to many others for keeping the rest of us up to date
with subsequent postings.

Exciting birding,
Alan

Alan Richards / Naselle WA 98638