Barrow's Goldeneye near Canon City,CO

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This immature male Barrow's Goldeneye has been hanging around the Arkansas River just east of Canon City,CO since July 25. As this goldeneye stretches and grooms, it provides nice views of it's plumage which I think is Alternate I that is found on first year birds. Most Barrow's Goldeneye are found in the far western mountains up to Alaska with a small breeding population found in Colorado in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in nw part of the state. This young goldeneye is too young to breed (couldn't find anything about when males start breeding but most females of this species don't start until they are three years old according to All About Birds.org). Nevertheless it is far from where it should be at this time of year His lack of balance when he exercises his wings causing him to fall off the rock into the water may be an indication of his youth as younger birds often display poorer coordination than adults. SeEtta.

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