*Freeport Goldeneyes.
Yesterday, I spent some time enjoying ducks at Freeport’s Winslow Park. Barrow’s Goldeneyes have arrived, with 2 males and 3 females present. In addition, a male goldeneye that I first observed a month back was still present, and was now associating with the “regular” Barrow’s Goldeneyes. Although more Barrow’s Goldeneye-like than Common Goldeneye-like, I do believe this individual is a hybrid, likely a second generation (F2) hybrid between a Common and a Barrow’s Goldeneye backcrossed with a Barrow’s Goldeneye. Or something.

Whatever it is, I saw it again yesterday. Actively feeding with other male Barrow’s Goldeneyes, it did not stick out like a sore thumb, but it was a bit different. The bird was a touch bigger, the facial crescent was a little rounder, the head and bill shape was a bit different – features that I noticed when I first observed the bird back in November. (See my November 25th blog entry). Photographed a few days earlier, the bird was still molting (the traces of brown seen in the photo). Now, there is only a spec of brown in the white facial crescent and maybe on the sides (signs of a second-year bird?)

If I wasn’t specifically looking for this individual, I would have likely passed it over. However, the longer I studied the bird the less I thought that it was a “pure” Barrow’s. I have sent my notes and Bill’s photographs to a number of birders around the country, and I am waiting for further opinions. I also need to get back out there and photograph the bird myself, hopefully directly next to a “regular” drake Barrow’s for comparision, and in his new, competed plumage.

Short of a DNA sample, we may never know the true identity of this bird, and his parents, but it continues to be a very educational experience for me. I may never know the complete answer to the question, but it’s fun and rewarding to try and figure it out. Comments are more than welcome.

*In the spirit of Christmas.
Just three days before Christmas, what could be better than a bird story from the Christmas Islands? A satellite transmitter placed on a critically endangered Christmas Island Frigatebird relayed coordinates of a mother frigatebird as she traveled 2,500 miles in 26 days in search of food for her nestling! Wow, that’s some mother – and I thought it was nice enough that MY mom mailed me a gift basket from Harry & David!

*A Christmas Gift for the Environment.
Those who care about protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge received an early Christmas (or Hanukah, etc) gift – the provision to open up the refuge to oil drilling was stripped from the very important defense budget bill. The fight is far from over, but the refuge is safe for now.