Eider Duck

When I took Zoe out for walk this afternoon the tide was right up and the river water almost calm.  Several of the sea birds were swimming close to the sea wall. I managed to grab a shot of this male eider duck just as he was heading out into the bay. The very distinctive markings quite apparent at close quarters. His female partner was a little way behind with mottled brown markings. It sometimes seems a shame that the male birds usually carry the more interesting plumage. He's quite the popinjay !