Eider Drake Sonateria mollissima on water.
The warm soft down feathers of this large species of duck have been used for centuries to stuff pillows, quilts and eiderdowns. This has been overtaken by the use of goose feathers and manufactured substances, but the harvesting of Eider feathers is sustainable because the down can be taken from the nest after the ducklings have gone causing no harm to the species.
Size: 3600px × 2394px
Location: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Arundel West Sussex England UK
Photo credit: © Lesley Pardoe / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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