Species profile
About this species
Steller's Eider is a small sea duck native to the Arctic coasts of Russia & Alaska, named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller. It is the smallest of the four eider species, displaying striking plumage in the male with a white head, chestnut underparts, & distinctive black markings. The species is listed as vulnerable due to significant population declines, making sightings a rare & rewarding experience for wildlife photographers.
Steller's Eider breeds on Arctic tundra close to freshwater pools & wetlands, wintering along sheltered coastal bays, estuaries, & rocky shorelines in subarctic & boreal regions, particularly around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, & the Alaskan coast.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Steller's Eider with us in Norway.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Alison Jenkins helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Winter months from November to February offer the best opportunities, when flocks gather along coastal bays & sheltered inlets. Early morning light provides the warmest tones & the birds tend to be most active around feeding times at dawn & dusk.
Position yourself low to the water to achieve eye-level shots that create a more intimate & engaging composition. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the bird's movement, particularly when capturing flight or feeding behaviour. Shooting in overcast conditions can help reduce harsh reflections off the water & bring out the subtle colours in the plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Steller's Eider
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.