Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica), Hidden Shores RV Park, Yuma County

This Barrow's Goldeneye was found by Brock Buchanon on 03 January and photographed by Henry Detwiler on 04 January 2017

Potentially Yuma County's first Barrow's Goldeneye, despite fairly regular sightings in adjacent Imperial County, CA and two recent records from close to the border in Baja California Norte, Mexico.

Identification of adult males is straightforward. This bird shows the typical crescent-shaped white spot on the face, limited white barring on the back, and black spur onto the breast. The structure also differs from Common Goldeneye, with a shorter spade-shaped bill, steep forehead, and long mane.

04 January 2017, photo by Henry Detwiler

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