[Marc_G]

Hi Everyone!

This was taken on November 1st, 2011 in Fredericton, Canada.

Are there both Barrow's and Common Goldeneyes in the photograph?

Is it a female barrow's with the orange beak?

Thank you!
M

[stuartelsom]

Hi Marc,

The two drakes on the left hand edge are Barrow's as is the one second from right. The female which is the third bird from right is a female Barrow's. The other two birds are Common Goldeneye.

As a rule, male Barrow's shows less white on the folded wing than Common Goldeneye and of course the crescent shaped facial mark which can only just be seen on the drakes in your pic (as opposed to the rounded patch of Common Goldeneye).

Hope this helps

Stu

[Marc_G]

Thank you! That's what I thought. I'm very much a beginner and I was just going over a few old photographs. Actually adding both to my list just now.

[Tideliner]

That photo illistrates avery good ID method for goldeneye. Barrows on the water look a black bird with some white showing. Common goldeneye are white birds with some black showing. This can be picked up at very long range.

[Larry Lade]

Another good field mark for the Barrow's Goldeneye is the "black spur" on the shoulder of the male bird. This feature really shows well in the three males in your photo!

* I think your photograph is really a "classic" showing the distinguishing features of the two species to good advantage!

[Larry Lade]

Marc, I have taken the liberty of labeling your photo of the goldeneyes (hope you do not mind).

[Marc_G]

No problem at all! And thank you for the help everyone.