Goldeneye Theaters

 

The quarry wall, Halibut Point

Water and ice have made dramatic cliff pictures (hydroglyphs ?) in the recent cycle of warm and cold weather.

Female Goldeneye

One day a bird normally found at Halibut Point only on the winter shoreline appeared at the base of the quarry's icy cliffs. It's the only time I've seen one on this interior pond.

The swimming hole

It found refuge in the small remaining area of open water that allowed it to fly in and out. Goldeneyes need less patter distance (running on the surface) than do Mallard Ducks for takeoff.

The duck diving, right center

The duck dove repeatedly in search of invertebrate food along the shallow edge.

Female and male Goldeneye pair at sea

When seen at close range it's obvious how these birds come to be named Goldeneyes.

Goldeneyes by coastal cliffs, Folly Cove

Their winter habitats can make as dramatic a sight for shoreline ramblers as the prime actors themselves.