冰雪世界 10

Unlike Antarctica

the Arctic is a vast frozen sea surrounded by land

Here winter is coming to an end

but this bleak wilderness remains locked in ice

Eider ducks break the silence

They have stayed here braving the northern winter

instead of flying south to warmer climes

Flocks 40,000 strong

sweep across the frozen wastes

They all have the same goal

a polinear

a permanent hole in the sea ice

kept open throughout the winter by strong ocean currents

This unusual duck pond provides an overnight sanctuary

and when day breaks a rare chance to feed

Just ten metres beneath the ice

the sea floor is carpeted with dense mussel beds

These can only be reached during a brief lull in the currents

The ducks must quickly prise the mussels free before the tide starts to turn