Common goldeneyes are attractive diving ducks that breed on wooded lakes across Canada where they nest in tree cavities. Come winter, most travel to the northwestern quadrant of the U.S., to the Great Lakes or to coastal areas of the Northeast but smaller numbers may be found on lakes and rivers throughout most of the country.
Yesterday, while walking around Phillips Lake in southeast Columbia, my wife and I encountered five male goldeneyes, the first I have seen in Missouri; though I regularly observe these ducks along the Colorado Front Range (during the colder months), they are certainly uncommon in the Heartland. On the other hand, while they are usually seen in small groups or scattered flocks, they may gather in large numbers at favored staging areas, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
Bobbing in the waves and diving for aquatic invertebrates, yesterday's visitors were among the few species observed on a cold, cloudy and windy afternoon; joined by a large flock of cackling geese and a lone mallard, the stoic goldeneyes seemed unfazed by the raw conditions. After all, they are Canadians.
Yesterday, while walking around Phillips Lake in southeast Columbia, my wife and I encountered five male goldeneyes, the first I have seen in Missouri; though I regularly observe these ducks along the Colorado Front Range (during the colder months), they are certainly uncommon in the Heartland. On the other hand, while they are usually seen in small groups or scattered flocks, they may gather in large numbers at favored staging areas, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
Bobbing in the waves and diving for aquatic invertebrates, yesterday's visitors were among the few species observed on a cold, cloudy and windy afternoon; joined by a large flock of cackling geese and a lone mallard, the stoic goldeneyes seemed unfazed by the raw conditions. After all, they are Canadians.
