I'm almost positive these ducks have built in camera detectors and as soon as one comes within range they scatter like seeds in the wind. This female was off like a shot as soon as I came near. I"m fairly sure this is a female, Common Goldeneye. Both the Barrows and Common Goldeneyes were on the river and while identifying the males is quite easy I'm not quite sure I've got the females sorted out properly.

Golden Eye facts: Both the Common Goldeneye and the Barrow's Goldeneye are not too particular about holding on to their own offspring. A female may lay eggs in the nest of another goldeneye or other species of cavity-nesting duck. Once the ducklings come out of the nest, the broods of different females often come together and are taken care of by a single female. The young ducklings are highly independent, feeding on their own, and require little parental care.

To see more of our Goldeneye images you can visit our Waterfowl Gallery by clicking HERE