Saw a drake King Eider hanging with Common Eiders off the rocks at Sand Beach (Great Head?) as described on e-bird. Seen via scope from Park Loop Road. Very distant to begin with, and I would have missed it had I not been specially looking for it. The group gradually floated closer in, so I was able to see the red-orange bill and lovely slate blue head and nape. But this male did not have the big orange knob. I found pictures on e-bird of similar knobless males but no explanation and wonder if this is related maturity, breeding plumage, or, at the risk of sounding ridiculous, something they can erect like a crest? Can someone educate me on this?
Thank you!
Laurie Yntema
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