Say hello to 4 spectacled eiders who will be spending the winter here with us... aren't they beauties! They are slightly smaller than our native common eiders in Close Encounters and have a far quieter call. These sea ducks originate from the coasts of Alaska and northeast Siberia and are classed as threatened in their native home in the US due to a significant drop in numbers, like many sea birds. They'll be on show in our juvenile enclosure at our duckery until the spring time when they'll be

There’s a whole world of behind-the-scenes magic that keeps the Alaska SeaLife Center running strong. While our animals, animal care teams, educators, and researchers often take center stage, today we’re celebrating a different member of out team. Watch as our graphic designer brings this stunning spectacled eider to life for our upcoming Wine by the Water event. Wildlife art like this helps us tell stories, spark curiosity, and connect people to the species we care for every day. What do you th

Poe, the spectacled eider, has made a pretty big name for himself here at the Alaska SeaLife Center. What makes this unique species of duck so special?? | Alaska SeaLife Center

Turn your sound up for something incredible! Male spectacled eiders give a soft "hoo hoo" call during their courtship behaviors, which sounds like a low hum. The sound is so soft and low that it can be hard to hear, and it has only been recorded in spectacled eiders in human care. We've increased the bass in this audio to make this fascinating call more easily heard, and we have to say... being bird nerds ourselves... we're pretty geeked out about it! 💚 | Alaska SeaLife Center

Morning feed in the Aviary! 💚 Poe and Alcott the two spectacled eiders in the public aviary, and you can see that they are very charismatic. Our bird staff calls this species the "gateway ducks" because you can't spend time with them without falling in love with them! | Alaska SeaLife Center