I'm afraid it's just a first-winter male Common GE, Dale. They can have an
orange-ish bill, and an ill-defined spot. A Barrow's would have a much more
elongated, comma-shaped spot. It would also be noticeably smaller than the
Commons. As Tom points out, the bill would also be much stubbier and the
forehead steeper. Head shape is often tricky if the duck has been diving.
On the other hand, there WAS a Barrow's off Picnic Point a few winters back
that stayed just long enough for the Madison CBC (and University Bay froze over
completely that night, as I recall...)
Peter Fissel
Madison, Dane Co.
________________________________________
From: wisbirdn-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <wisbirdn-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> on behalf
of Dale Bonk <debunkshy@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 7:24 PM
To: WI Bird List
Subject: [wisb] Possible Barrow's Goldeneye, Lake Mendota, Dane
I birded Frautschi Point this morning for about an hour. While walking the
trail I heard the approaching whistling sound of a Goldeneye flock. They
passed by but circled around and landed not far from shore. The view was
partially obstructed with branches, but I noticed one bird that just stood
out. I was able to take photos as they retreated further from shore.
Unfortunately, none of the shots show a clear profile.
https://flic.kr/s/aHskmkDUc5
The face patch is certainly not round, but it's also fuzzy rather than
clearly crescent shaped, so perhaps a first winter bird. The body markings,
though, appear fairly crisp and defined, more adult than juvenile. There's
certainly more black on the back than the other COGOs nearby.
The head shape seems more shifted to the rear and sits low on the back of
the neck; certainly not peaked.
Oh, and the bill is orange, which is just plain weird.
I'm not quite sure what to make of it and would like input from those in
the know.
Thanks!
Dale Bonk
Mt Horeb
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