One to spot… Eider
Get ready to fall for the charms of the UK's heaviest – and chattiest – sea duck, at one of our WWT wetland sites.
Visit your local WWT centre in spring and you may be lucky enough to spot the eider's out-of-this-world, candy-coloured breeding display. The male eider develops a spearmint green nape and upper beak and a jet-black brow that looks like velvet. His breast turns a delicate pink, and his whole head and neck appear to swell, so he looks as large and imposing as possible. Talk about fancy.
The true joy of an eider, however, is in their cheeky, chatty charm. Listen out for their mellow ‘awh whooo’ call, which is throaty and romantic, and the deep grumbles they utter as they stomp around on tree trunk legs and monstrous feet!
Despite being the UK’s heaviest duck, eiders can fly at speeds of up to 70mph. A true sea duck, they can be seen in the wild along northern coasts during the breeding season, and as far south as the Welsh coast in winter.
Ready to get your next nature fix?
Whatever the season, wetlands really are one of the best places to see British wildlife up close. Come and explore, unwind and discover something wild at one of our WWT wetland sites!
Not a member? Book online and save time on arrival.
Find your nearest WWT wetland site