RE: [cobirds] RFI on Goldeneye family at Echo Lake

I think I recall Bill Schmoker and Ben Kemena posted photos to CO-Birds July 5 or so and maybe others did too.  Friends also saw all 6 young and mom a couple weeks ago.  Paul Baicich and Colin Harrison have a description of Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye in their Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of NA Birds, 2^nd ed.  They say the Barrow’s chick is similar to the Common, which is pictured in Plate 5.  That is what the chicks looked like in the photos.

 

Kay

Kayleen A. Niyo, Ph.D.
Niyo Scientific Communications
Kay Niyo Photography
Kay@KayNiyo.com

www.KayNiyo.com
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From: cobirds@googlegroups.com [mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of W. Robert Shade III
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 10:04 AM
To: CoBirds Rare Bird Alert
Subject: [cobirds] RFI on Goldeneye family at Echo Lake

 

On a DFO field trip to Mount Evans yesterday July 26, we observed a family (presumably mother and six half grown downy young) of Goldeneyes for some time. The adult seemed to be in "eclipse" plumage:all black bill, brown head, sooty black rest of body except for a small white wing patch. I conclude this must be a family of Barrow's Goldeneye for the following reasons: Common Goldeneye do not normally breed in Colorado the nearest site on my field guide range maps seems to the Yellowstone area of Wyoming (Is this correct?)  2. The bill had no yellow, but did seem to be small.  3. The forehead did seem to me to be more perpendicular than the COGO. 

 

None of my books show these species in eclipse plumage. Nor do they show the downy young though I assume they are indistinguishable from COGO young. 

 

Someone mentioned this family had already been reported (where?) Did I miss something? Any confirmations for ID? For example seeing this bird earlier in the year with "normal" plumage). Thank You,

 

Bob Shade 303-975-2476

 

 

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