Bird of the Month: Common Goldeneye

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Our inaugural Bird of the Month for January is the Common Goldeneye. Local ornithological encyclopedia Mary Birdsong tells us all about how to spot (either by ear or eye) these beautiful aquatic birds this winter.

My first encounter with Common Goldeneyes was a decade or more ago on a cold January day on Presque Isle Bay, when I was still learning the birds. A flock of duck-like birds flew over with an undulating auditory resonance. I could not identify this duck but this distinctive sound effect helped in my research to discover its name. I later learned that they are nicknamed "whistlers" by duck hunters.

Since then, I've become more advanced in my studies now that I actually work for the Erie Bird Observatory (which is a local organization that fosters enthusiasm for birds and conservation through ornithological research and public engagement), and this delightful diving duck is a seasonal favorite to see in the winter months on the open (but relatively protected) waters of Presque Isle or Thompson bays. They travel in small flocks, often mixed in with other waterfowl.

Their bright amber-colored eyes give this species its name and help distinguish them from other water birds that are in abundance in our area at this time of year. Those eyes are set in dark heads (green-black in males, chocolate brown in females). Other characteristics, called field marks, are the males' distinctive round white patch between the eyes and the bill, and crisply delineated black and white feathers on its body. The females lack the facial patch and have a gray body with a white stripe along the flank.

Goldeneyes dive underwater for their food which is mostly aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks, but they can also eat seeds and fish. They submerge completely to search for food and the action they take to do that looks like a dive. Other ducks, like Mallards, "dabble" or just put their heads underwater to access food in shallow water.

Besides their glistening eyes and flying sound effects, the Common Goldeneye is an entertainer, too. The male's courtship display is riveting to watch as they push their heads forward, pump them up and down and then fling them over their backs, bills open to emit a sharp, high-pitched squeak. It's enough to impress females of all species!

From now until March is the perfect opportunity to catch these charming water birds and experience their engaging courtship displays, as long as the bay waters are not frozen. Erie Bird Observatory often offers free field trips in the fall and early spring to see the multitude of migrating waterfowl that make annual excursions through our area.

Bundle up, grab some binoculars and enjoy some winter birds!

Mary Birdsong is the lead shorebird monitor for Erie Bird Observatory. Learn more at eriebirdobservatory.org or on their social media channels. She can be reached at mbirdsong@eriereader.com

Tip: The Erie County Public Library offers bird watching kits for check-out. These were provided by Presque Isle Audubon Society and contain adult and child-sized binoculars, a field guide, and a backpack.