Although this endangered Spectacled Eider, named for the large white "spectacles" around its eyes, spends much of its life out in the cold Arctic Ocean eating bottom-dwelling mollusks and crustaceans. It returns to the Arctic coast of Alaska and Siberia to breed each summer. Unlike other sea ducks, the Spectacled Eider lives in just a few areas and becomes vulnerable during their molt as they cannot fly away from their predators.  In June 2015, I ventured to Barrow Alaska (recently renamed Utqiagvik) on the north slope, hoping to photograph this elusive sea duck. Utilizing waders, I was able to quietly slip into this Arctic pond, placing my tripod in the water at a low angle, and waited patiently until this male eider naturally took to flight with the female close behind. I was honored to have this photo included in several publications, including Audubon's 2019 national calendar, North America Nature Photographers Associations 2019 Expression magazine, and Birdwatching Magazine in October 2015  photo of the month. Most recently, it was awarded Top 250 in the international Share the View contest.