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A Bit About Eiders…
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) are our largest sea ducks and are found on both coasts. From here forward all references to Eiders will be the subject of the round-up, Common Eiders. Eiders average about twenty-four inches in length with a wingspan of around thirty-eight inches. It is noted the various populations vary in bill shape and female coloration overall. They are beautiful birds with striking coloration, particularly males with their black and white breeding plumage. Females are a uniformly barred dull brown, while immature males display various combinations of brown and white. Males do not obtain their full plumage until the fourth winter and at first resemble the mother. They are numerous in Maine waters and can be found flocked up over the winter, although with declining numbers, and as indicated they are the subjects of various studies by biologists in our area. Eider down, the soft feathers used by females to line their nests, has outstanding insulating properties and is valued for use in sleeping bags and quilts. Eiders are strong flyers, propelled by constant wing beats and often fly just a few yards above wave height over water except during breeding season when they often fly much higher as a safety precaution. I read they obtain speeds as fast as eighty miles per hour and have observed them in fast flight streaking along; if this is the case it is impressive indeed… Eiders are gregarious birds and every aspect of their lives is associated with group behavior. Their diet consists primarily of shellfish and occasionally fish and they can be observed in choreographed diving routines exhibiting great agility in large or small groups – those in front diving first followed by the rearward group. Eiders have a low reproductive success rate – only about fifty percent of eggs hatch and usually only one chick per pair makes it into winter. Females must accumulate pre-breeding fat reserves sufficient to carry them through incubation as they do not feed or drink during this period. After the eggs hatch out, other female birds assist in rearing young while the mother gets rested, feeds and prepares for migration. With the females incubating eggs, the males move off to a protected area to molt – the period when new feathers are growing in. Females do this as well but only after breeding season. This molt period occurs annually within a week or two around September and is the period when biologists conduct the ‘round-up’ to band and sample this birds. During the molt the eiders are flightless while the new feathers grow in and are creatures of the sea and not the air...
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This event is referred to as the ‘Eider Round-up’ because, much like it sounds, the eider flock is ‘rounded up’ and driven much like yesteryear when cattle where rounded up and driven to city stockyards. One significant difference being of course, the ducks are banded and released, more than can be said for cattle as a primary food source…
The round up itself was a well orchestrated campaign consisting of multiple components. Included was a water group in kayaks, Kelsey in an inflatable and Jim in a power boat. This group would compress & drive the flock around Green Island and into the area of the barrier. The end result of this would be the Eiders ended up against the barrier and would enter the only means of egress available - the opening in the capture pen and from there removal to the crates. Everyone else remained on the island watching the proceedings near the selected banding site. I was with this group and instructed to stay low or hidden – standing up with a human body shape is definitely a ‘deal killer’ when trying to get the ducks where you wish them to go…
Kelsey Rowing the Inflatable...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/1600 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 |
Kayaks Moving Out...
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I grabbed my portable seat and located on higher ground above the crew waiting for the Eiders. Everybody not on the water was crouched behind the crates and observing as they talked. I was among the boulders near where the landscape had some vegetation and got behind cover to stay out of sight. I had two cameras available and besides the tripod mounted lens used a zoom on the 5d with the 400mm lens in reserve. I had a respectable open lane to shoot through without standing up, so was able to cover the action close by and as the Eiders came in at distance. I took a series of shots of the crew behind the crates as we waited...
Steve in Kayak at the Start of the Round-up...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/1600 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 |
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The Crew on Land at 840mm...
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Mao is a USFWS biologist and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with him on several occasions since my time on Petit Manan. He works in the Falmouth office, near work and home for me, and indicated the staff at his facility is not associated directly with any refuge. Their work has to do with Gulf of Maine studies and when I visited their offices was provided with information in this regard. I also had the opportunity of meeting many of his co-workers and had some interesting discussions. They always have a need for photographs to keep brochures and fliers current and I asked them to keep me in mind. If I could aid their efforts I would… Mao Lin, USFWS Biologist...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/1250 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 with Flash |
Brian is a biotech who at the time of the round-up was working at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. He and Brian Allen were loaned out for this effort and work with Andy Weik, so I made a point to speak with him when I could. He hails from Minnesota and we did a comparison on winter weather conditions among other things. As an update I learned recently that both he and Brian Allen are working at Cape May, New Jersey for the winter. I can just imagine what an opportunity this is…
Brian Pauly, USFWS...Canon EOS 5d, 1/1000 second at 400mm; EF400mm f/5.6L f/5.6, ISO 640 |
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Janice has been a graduate research assistant at the University of Maine in Orono with their wildlife ecology department since September 2007. She indicated her thesis is entitled, 'Wild turkey foraging behavior and crop depredation on wild blueberry farms in Maine' - yikes I thought... The idea for this project started several years ago as wild turkey numbers began to increase in the state, especially in mid-coast Maine. Wild blueberry growers (Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine) were concerned wild turkeys were causing significant damage to their crop and proposed the research idea to the University. In the process of estimating the amount of damage from wild turkeys (noted as not significant) she also studied wild turkey behavior and diet.
I believe Janice was attending the round-up through her association with Kelsey Sullivan…
Janice Huebner - University of Maine Biologist...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/2000 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 with Flash |
Craig, also with the USFWS, works with Jim Fortier and crew out of the Milbridge office. When he wasn’t doing something directly involved with the round-up he was prepping and painting so I didn’t have much chance to speak with him during my time on the island. However, I talked with him enough to know he is an interesting character and a fellow I hope to see again soon on another refuge island with my cameras available and seabirds everywhere. And yes I like the bandana look...
Craig Smith, USFWS...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/2000 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 with Flash |
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The stage was set for the Eider Round-up and banding session. Everyone observed and waited for the first views of the flock coming around the bend from Green Island while I took photographs...
Cleared Path & Capture Zone with the Incoming Tide...Canon EOS 5d, 1/6400 second at 148mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L f/3.2, ISO 640 |
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Incoming Eiders...
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Moving the Flock Against the Barrier - Eider Round-up...
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With the flock moved into the area against the barrier, the next phase is to get the Eiders into the capture pen so they can be placed in crates for banding and sampling…
Kelsey in Spectacular Scenery...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/2500 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 with Flash |
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Into the Capture Pen - Eider Round-up...
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Soon the entire crew was engaged in loading Eiders in crates where they’d be carried to shore and banded.
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Once the Eiders were funneled into the pen the crates were moved in and the ducks placed in them for transport to shore. The next series of photographs details the capture and removal sequence...
Moving in the Crates...Canon EOS 5d, 1/6400 second at 150mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L f/3.2, ISO 640 |
Moving the Eiders to Shore...
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Eider Banding & Sampling...
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This Eider round-up would gather data that would be documented and used in an overall conservation effort. The birds were banded and the band number documented. Captured birds previously banded would be
documented for reference and if the existing band damaged in some fashion, it would be replaced and noted as such. A sampling of the eiders would be swabbed and tested for Avian Influenza. The sampling
is accomplished by several methods, a cloacal swab, which samples the common opening in birds through which intestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts empty and is swabbed at the vent area,
and pharyngeal swabs, sampled at the throat.
Banding a Common Eider...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/250 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 with Flash |
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Some of the staff gathered for the Eider Round-up and banding session started to pack once the main event ended. One of the boats was made ready for the departure and it wasn’t
long before five of the group was headed towards the mainland. I’d planned to stay through tomorrow and had many more photographic opportunities yet to take advantage of this trip...
Steve Shuttling Janice to the Boat...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/250 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 |
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By now it was late afternoon and I walked the grounds to see what may be going on in the area. With the crew split up and the balance fairly tired from the day’s events it was quiet on Petit
Manan. I’ll add a general photography group from the day below…
Island Scenery...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/500 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 800 with Flash |
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This was last day of my visit and I planned to make the most of it. Up early with the fall migration banding crew I checked my cameras and organized my equipment before
going out into the beautiful pre-sunrise morning…
Driftwood...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/2500 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 |
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Pam and Alison had their nets set up and were seeking banding opportunities and watching for bird activity around the island. Brian Allen was up and reading a book on the
deck taking advantage of the morning light and a break in the action.
Soon Jim came down the boardwalk from the house and I could see the gears turning as he walked - he was formulating plans to do all the necessary tasks remaining before heading back to the Milbridge office. Apparently he was surprised to see me up so early and asked about this – after all, I was still a supernumerary so I suppose he figured I’d sleep late… I indicated I’m always up early when photographic opportunities were pending. With only a few hours on Petit Manan remaining I didn’t want to miss anything. Pam Surveying the Mist Nets...Canon EOS 5d, 1/1000 second at 70mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/11, ISO 640 |
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Views from the Morning Banding Session...
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Song Sparrow Views
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Magnolia Warbler Views
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Cedar Waxwing Views
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Common Yellowthroat Views
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It was still fairly early but everybody on the island was up and going about their business either packing for the return, storing the gear by the boat ramp or working on maintenance issues around
the buildings. Jim, always well organized, had everyone from his staff painting, cleaning up and working - no lollygagging around with this group. I gathered the plan was to
take all the miscellaneous debris, trash or whatever wasn’t staying for the winter back to the mainland for disposal or storage.
I was surprised to learn that the pile of buoys near the boat ramp had washed ashore on the island and been gathered up during the cleaning process.
Pat & Jim Discussing Departure Preparations...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/800 second at 75mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/9, ISO 320 |
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I knew soon I’d have to repack my cameras and support equipment to place everything in dry bags for the trip back. I took another walk around the island seeking out any last
opportunities. I planned to keep a camera available on the return but after the trip out didn’t think this was necessary - it would prove difficult to take a shot when Jim
had had the boat up to speed. I’ll add a template below with some shots from the morning…
Jim - Always at Work...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/2000 second at 200mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/9, ISO 320 |
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Shortly after 1100 hours the word went out to load the boat and everyone joined in moving the collected gear. Most was loaded from the end of the boat ramp but
passengers were taken out one at a time with Steve rowing the inflatable. This was completed in short order and soon we were on the return passage….
Steve Rowing Pat to the Boat...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/500 second at 70mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/8, ISO 320 |
Composite Image of Jordan's Delight
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Our return trip to the mainland was uneventful and enjoyable – it was a beautiful day. Everyone had things to do upon our return to the Milbridge office, not the least was to unload all
the gear and materials coming back from the island. I kept a camera handy with little expectation of using it, but we viewed several Common Terns perched on buoys and Jim slowed next to one
to allow me to take a few exposures. I think he was beginning to see I was serious about the photography effort and didn’t wish me to miss an opportunity…
Common Tern...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/1000 second at 190mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/6.3, ISO 320 |
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Upon returning to the pier the crew went about pulling the boats and loading the trailers for the drive to the office a short distance away. It was a busy time and it wouldn’t be long before those of us
that didn’t work in Milbridge would be getting back to our normal routines. I had nearly a four-drive to Portland but it was just midday so I knew it wouldn’t be a late return. At the office the dry
bags were unloaded and stacked while everyone went about finding their gear. I found my three bags, unpacked the equipment and carried it to my vehicle in preparation to departing. I walked backed to
the loading area, said my good-byes to the remaining people still around and thanked everyone for the opportunity to make this journey. Linda wasn’t around the office so I wasn’t able to thank her
personally – it had been an exceptional three days…
Pulling Out...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/640 second at 100mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/8, ISO 320 |
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It has been multiple months since my time on Petit Manan – I have taken thousands of exposures since then but remember it all quite clearly. I’ve been present at various types of banding sessions, most notably
banding Wood Ducks in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - this was exceptional. However, the Petit Manan Eider Round-up and banding session was a unique experience and an event I was indeed privileged to
be a part of to photograph. I took just under 1,700 exposures in my fifty-five hours off the mainland including nighttime and sequenced images enhancing perhaps forty percent or more in the final
archive. You may recall way back on Page One when I mentioned that, ‘I always follow up’… well, upon my return home I got right to the download and evaluation phase in the aftermath of the shoot. It was
less than a week before I overnighted a flash drive of over six hundred images and a large group of prints to Linda Welch at her office… Some of these shots appear in this article but you may be
assured there are many others.
Semipalmated Sandpiper...Canon EOS Mark III 1Ds, 1/500 second at 840mm; EF600mm f/4L + 1.4X at f/8, ISO 640 |
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I believe since Linda and staff has viewed the image files and perhaps even more markedly, the print group, they’ve developed a new appreciation of what can be accomplished to document their efforts
in the field. As Linda kindly indicated, for her this was an ‘introduction’ to high resolution photography… Since then we’ve remained in contact and discussed plans for the upcoming nesting
season. I think I’ve accomplished one of my primary goals – to ingratiate myself to the point where I’d be invited to accompany the staff when the seabirds are present as a registered
volunteer. I informed Linda it would be my pleasure to photograph all fifty plus islands that form the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge and given enough time, I certainly
would… I’ve also met with Mao and his associates in the Falmouth office and introduced myself. I’m always impressed with the dedication and efforts of the staff at these facilities
and I hope to be able to attend some of their field sessions with my cameras as well. I hope to develop the type of relationship locally that I enjoy with several other refuges I frequent.
Common Eider...Canon EOS 5d, 1/1000 second at 200mm; EF70~200mm f/2.8L at f/6.3, ISO 640 |
The Eider Round-up and Banding Crew
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In closing again I wish to indicate a major ‘thank-you’ to everyone who made this sterling opportunity possible. When leaving Petit Manan Island and it became my turn to be shuttled out to the boat, Steve Agius asked me what I thought of the round-up. Of course I indicated it was an unusual and outstanding experience. Steve’s comment to me makes me smile still… He simply stated, ‘You did great – you stayed out of the way’…
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