ML631517985

Behaketaren xehetasunak

This morning March 2, I observed this female-type Barrow’s Goldeneye about 50 feet offshore at the Cove Access boat launch on Quemado Lake, Catron County. The bird exhibited key identification features, including a steep forehead, characteristic head shape, and a mostly yellow beak. It was associating with a female Common Goldeneye. The bird maintained its unique head shape throughout the time of observation and never dived nor engaged in interaction with other birds, something that can cause steepened forehead and other temporary head shape changes. The bird moved east and out of sight along the north shore. It looks like this may be the first Catron County record. Since the bird was found, fishermen arrived and several boats have caused waterfowl to leave.