A crèche of eiders

Common eider (Somateria mollissima), chick

I visited Suomenlinna several times in the beginning of June. Among the geese and the wheatears, one bird I didn't expect to shoot was the Common eider (Somateria mollissima). Sure, I've seen the species from there, but never close to shore. These times, however, I was lucky to get close and personal with a group of mothers collectively caring for their babies in what's called a crèche (from the French word for kindergarten). Baby eiders immediately leave the nest after hatching, and while some mothers care for them on their own, they often either abandon their brood in a crèche, or join it and care for them and others with other eider moms.

Common eider

Common eider, female

Common eider

Common eider

Common eider

I think the main threat for baby eiders in this early stage of their life is predation from gulls, as there are many of them in and around Helsinki. From Suomenlinna, I saw Lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) harassing them, but the mothers were vigilant and fiercely defended their wards. What a tense moment!

Common eider and Lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus)

Common eider and Lesser black-backed gull

Common eider

Common eider

Common eider

Common eider

Common eider

Common eider

Common eider

BIRD INVENTORY