Three days ago, I found my first-of-season Common Goldeneye drake at my local pond. I didn’t have my camera with me, so I wasn’t able to photograph him.
Drake Common Goldeneye portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My purpose for going down to the pond that afternoon was to check and see if any winter ducks had arrived. I was tickled to see the goldeneye drake. If only I had taken my camera with me, I might have been able to document his presence with some photos.
The Common Goldeneyes that visit my local pond can be very approachable at times, that is how I was able to take the portrait of this drake in January of 2021. The dashing goldeneye shook his wings so close to me that taking this portrait was a breeze.
Drake Common Goldeneye settling down – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Ten frames later, he was settling back down onto the water, and I was able to fit his whole body into my viewfinder.
I don’t see Common Goldeneyes in northern Utah during their breeding season; only during the colder months of the year.
I always get excited when they come back because not only can they be fun to photograph, but they can be challenging too due to the high contrast between their snow-white feathers and shiny dark green heads.
On top of those things, these striking diving ducks can be very active. I adore watching them when they are feeding on crawdads and fish, preening, or flying in and out of the pond, or in other locations in northern Utah.
Life is good. Birds always make it better.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Common Goldeneye photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful pics. The deep iridescent green of the Drakes head is really lights up that beautiful “Golden-eye”. Thanks Mia.
Love these shots — especially the first one with all the water droplets on his chest. Hope you’re able to get some shots of the gentleman you found today.
You didn’t have your camera with you? I suspect that is a rarity.
Love these shots of a beautiful bird we don’t have.