ML647725139

Observation details

First observed near the rock by the metal eastern bridge hanging out with a male common goldeneye (round white patch near bill) and red breasted mergansers. Then the entire flock flew to the wooden middle bridge and joined a flock of buffleheads. The goldeneyes were still hanging out together at this point. Then the flock began to split up - the common goldeneye stayed with the buffleheads, but the Barrow’s goldeneye flew back to rock by the metal eastern bridge. This was a bit difficult for us to ID. Upon reviewing pictures we believe it’s a 1st winter male. The head shape is distinctive. It has a mullet like nape behind the head. For us, the nape wasn’t very prominent and was more slick backed and reminiscent of a tufted duck. The all black bill was also smaller in proportion to the head. We saw the beginning of a white neck/collar as well which confirmed it was a male.