Eider Ducks: these handsome sea ducks have a long association with the North-east coast and can be seen in several locations, including Harkess Rocks. On the Northumberland coast the eider population is currently between 1,500 and 2,000 nesting birds.
The Eider duck was protected by St Cuthbert, an early Northumbrian saint, who offered them sanctuary on the Farne Islands in the seventh century. For this reason it is known locally as "Cuddy's duck". The eider duck has been selected as the logo for the Northumberland coast.
Bed covers are made from the downy feathers of eiders collected from their nests – the eiderdown.
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