I remember from the last time I read this article that their association with St Cuthbert is what led these birds in some parts of England to be known as "Cuddy ducks."

Bird law

I think the source link is dead I want to know why they thought to preserve them 1,400ish years ago!

Further TIL: "Eider" was the name for all small waterfowl which float on the water and duck under for food. They were recorded as "Ducking Aeder" in the Middle Ages.

Over time, only the Eider retained the name.

According to another page, it's simply that Saint Cuthbert was fond of them, and didn't like seeing them get hunted when other food was available.

The Inca were also among the first bird conservationists. Seabird guano was so essential as fertilizer for agricultural fields that bird colonies on offshore islands were heavily protected. Disturbing the colonies was punishable by death.

TIL

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He was probably preserving them so he could eat the ducks!

I first read this as "Elder Ducks" and for a moment questioned whether Saint Cuthbert knew of Cthulu

I’m sincere, the knowledge is new to me. Thanks for sharing!