Species List : Common Eider Somateria mollissima
The Common Eider breeds on Gotska Sandön and can be seen all year around. The females are brooding in grass along all the shores. Hatching takes place in May and in June. Predation from eagles and large gulls is severe. Surviving chicks usually gather between Höga land and Hamnudden where up to 400 chicks have been counted on 26 May 2003. Parties of males can be seen off the island from May to October. 2000 males have been counted at at few occasions. Highest day-count for migrating Common Eiders is 1285 birds flying past Bredsandsudde on 3 October 2002.
First record:
- July 1867 (Eisen&Stuxberg 1868)