Eider Somateria mollissima

Common breeding resident

First data received for the island was in 1968 when178 females were counted suggesting 150 – 250 breeding pairs. This fell to 86 females, with only 2 chicks surviving by the end of July 1978. In July 1997, 113 males and 79 females were counted with 40 ducklings. 81 females were counted and 44 ducklings on 16^th July, and 86 females with only 12 ducklings on the 20^th August.

Peak numbers around the island are as follows:

1991 600 wintering off the east coast

1996 520 on 5^th November

1997 700 on 26^th February

2000 250+ on 3^rd October

2003 450 on 20^th+23^rd October

2004 300 on 25^th October + 1^st November

2005 225 on the 25^th September

2006 192 on the 29^th August