Locally, Eider Ducks are known as Cuddy Ducks, named after St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. When they are not feeding at sea, they roost on rocks and seaweed. The males are a spectacular black snd white colour with highlights of pale green. They have a lovely call in the mating season - "ah-ooh" not unlike something Frankie Howard used to say. From a distance you could mistake female Eider Ducks for female Mallards. However, when you get a close look, you can see the long wedge shaped beak that characterises an Eider Duck. Druridge Bay, being all beach, it's difficult to get a close view of Eiders, they are usually quite a way out at sea, or just flying past as in this photo.

Eiders vary a lot in colour throughout the year, and as they mature. This one is quite dark, with a few pale patches, so is probably an immature male.